A reflection on conversations with my spiritual guide on 21 July 2007

1. On Theology and Social Science
Theology needs to take the task of anthropological studies (and other social-scientific disciplines) more seriously than it has up until now. Whilst it is true that people have not entirely done justice to theological methodology, theologians and biblical scholars have often been guilty of the same wrongdoing.

For example, many theologians have assumed that they could write historical treatises without taking seriously the methodology that had been set out by the historians. Theologians should not try to assume the role of historians; instead, the former should ride on the work of the latter in order that their theological constructions be strengthened and well-aided by the latter.

Much of theology has failed to reflect the implicit theologies of the grassroots Christians. This is because the theologians have not taken seriously the work of religious anthropologists who seek to understand what people truly believe and what these theologies at work might look like. Yet, it is in taking seriously the findings and assessments of this anthropological exercise that our theological articulations would better reflect the theologies of the people at work.

Our understanding of theological methodology must be dynamic. We need to find an openness in our theological paradigm for methodologies rather than a singular methodology. To many theologians, constructing a contextual theology means using already established frameworks to critique observed societal realities. Whilst this may not in and of itself be wrong per se, it does not constitute a contribution to the theological exercise. Such a form of contextual theology is not truly contextual as it claims to be, for it ignores the local cultural wisdom and the propensity of any one culture for its own authentic theological methodology and construction.

2. On the Ministerial Vocation
In seeking direction for one’s ministerial vocation, one’s preoccupation should not be fixated upon the ecclesiastical hierarchy itself. If being a part of the ecclesiastical hierarchy is necessary for one’s ministerial effectiveness, one should be willing to embrace this “call”. But if not, one’s primary consideration should rest on how one may most effectively contribute to the betterment of the wider church in the longer run, even if this is bound to take place to the detriment of one’s own “career development”.

It is necessary that one remains focused in one’s undertakings. There are many things in the ministerial vocation that threaten to pull our attention in different directions. One must be sure of what one is called to fulfil in this ministerial journey. One’s energies must always be focused on undertakings that truly matter.