Better Theology

 

The Better Ministry’s Approach to Theology

At The Better Ministry, we recognize that everyone is a theologian. While very few attend seminary or pursue a formal theological education, everyone holds beliefs about the divine that shape their lives and decisions. This diversity means that personal theologies can vary greatly, influenced by individual experiences, cultural contexts, and personal reflections.

Why Better Theology?

Understanding Personal, Moral, and Universal Theology (PMU): Better Theology embraces the concepts of personal, moral, and universal theology, providing a framework to understand and integrate these dimensions:

• Personal Theology (P): These are the beliefs that individuals develop based on their personal experiences and reflections. They often provide comfort and meaning but can also lead to conflicts and doubts when they clash with the beliefs of others or reality itself.
• Moral Theology (M): These beliefs are shaped by cultural and societal influences, providing a shared moral and ethical framework. While essential for social cohesion, moral theology can sometimes create an artificial understanding of God, serving communities and civilization rather than discovering and honoring the truly divine.
• Universal Theology (U): This involves integrating personal and moral insights with all knowledge, ensuring that our understanding of God aligns with the entirety of reality. True theology recognizes the power and truth of the divine beyond human constructs alone.

Respecting Diverse Journeys: At The Better Ministry, we believe in respecting individuals wherever they are on their theological journey. Whether their beliefs are deeply personal, shaped by communal values, or striving for a universal understanding, every path is valid. Our role as Christian educators and leaders is to guide and support them without judgment or moral force.

Introducing Better Theology

Defining Better: In association with The Better Project, Better means willfully and progressively adding value each time it is capitalized. This involves deliberate (willful) efforts to enhance (progressively) our understanding and practice of faith (adding value), continually striving for growth and improvement.

Defining Theology: Theology is the study and understanding of the divine. It encompasses our beliefs about God, the nature of existence, and how these beliefs influence our lives and decisions.

Stages of Better Theology: Christian teachers and leaders can guide their students or disciples through the stages of Better Theology, starting from their current understanding and helping them grow in a supportive and inclusive environment.

1. Personal Reflection:

   • Encourage individuals to explore their personal beliefs and experiences.
   • Address conflicts and doubts to help them achieve a more stable faith.

2. Shared Moral Learning:

   • Foster open and honest dialogue within the community.
   • Recognize Scripture as both divinely inspired and consistent with reality.
   • Integrate personal beliefs with shared moral and ethical values.

3. Universal Integration:

   • Incorporate empirical knowledge and scientific discoveries into theological understanding.
   • Ensure that beliefs align with the broader truths of reality, recognizing the divine beyond human constructs alone.

Implementing Better Theology in Your Church:

• Start Small: Introduce these concepts gradually through sermons, study groups, or church newsletters. Highlight the benefits of a comprehensive theological approach and encourage participation.
• Engage the Community: Create opportunities for open dialogue and shared learning. Foster a safe environment for discussing beliefs and doubts without fear of judgment. Encourage diverse participation to enrich the learning experience.
• Develop Custom Courses: Work with your church staff to develop tailored courses based on the Better Theology framework. Address the specific needs and interests of your congregation, providing practical steps for integrating personal, moral, and universal insights.
• Encourage Continuous Learning: Promote a culture of continuous learning and growth. Encourage congregants to explore new ideas, question their beliefs, and seek deeper understanding. Provide resources and support for their theological journey.

Join Us on This Journey

Whether you are just beginning your theological journey or looking to deepen the faith of those you shepherd, Better Theology offers a pathway to a more comprehensive and resilient spirituality. Read our five-part blog on this topic to get a more focused understanding, or consider our courses designed to guide you through each stage, from personal reflection to universal integration, helping you build a faith that is aligned with every aspect of reality and enriched by diverse perspectives.

Contact Us For more information or to enroll in our courses, please reach out to us at christopher@s3advantage.com.

Join us in discovering a theology that is inclusive, comprehensive, and deeply enriching. Together, let's build a faith that not only comforts but also empowers and enlightens.

To My Brothers and Sisters in Christ 

We have been blessed with the indwelling of the Holy Spirit to recognize God in every way He wants us to know Him, but that's not the case for those who don't enjoy that gift.  To them, God is just a theory, troublemaker or pursuit of the heart that has not yet been filled.  That is who this theological approach is for, which meets them where they are, and encourages people like us to remember what it was like when God was not guiding everything we did.

As we share Scripture with participants in their journey, we'll do so objectively, without imposing our beliefs on them.  Our series of five 4-week courses are not meant for impressionable children or the vulnerably weak with more tender hearts or childlike faith.  They are meant for teenagers and adults with an interest in exploring who God is in everyday practical ways, instead of personal creations of God formed by their imagination, or concepts forced on them that don't measure up to reality.  And once they reach the last two courses, they can read Scripture 'from' God instead of subjected to their feelings alone, or stunted by artificial morality that can hold them back. 

Locally Led and Personally Discipled 

These courses are led by mature Christians from local churches, whereby participants can be genuine with their thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment and shame.  They are likely to be very intimate, and room to extend their length beyond four weeks is encouraged.  It's also important to make sure participants are equally yoked, and if multicultural, multiple leaders/teachers participate to ensure everyone is respected and understood.  These courses are meant to be as much intellectual teaching as practical counseling and social interaction, the way all discipleship is meant to be.

If you are interested in learning more, click this link which provides a live chat in the lower right corner.  And if you would like to share your comments with other readers, feel free to include them below.

The Better Ministry - Embracing a Universal Approach to Faith that begins with the realities of everyday life, and naturally leads to a more complete relationship with God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit with everything we do. 

This ministry embraces The Apostle's Creed and Westminster Confession, is multi-denominational and recognizes the authority of God's Church in all things.