Another distinctive way that Wesleyans approach God and
God's Word is by "conjunctive theology." Sure, it sounds like something
we might not have a hope of understanding, but it really is not that difficult.
As a reminder, theology is the way we think and talk about God. It is
the way we express our understanding of God. Conjunctive is a fancy way
of saying that we ‘join together' or ‘combine.'
Therefore conjunctive theology refers to our
Wesleyan way of combining beliefs and truths about God that some others might
attempt to separate. (It's not my intention to pass judgment on which way is
best.) Wesleyans combine certain beliefs because we believe that the sum is
greater than the parts. When theology is done dynamically, we have a greater
depth of knowledge that can lead to a deeper life of discipleship. With other
Christian bodies we seek to establish connection, not competition.
Think of it this way for a moment; many politicians who
campaign do so with the promise of engaging in bi-partisan politics.
What they are saying is they believe that by both parties (Republican &
Democrat) sharing ideas across the table, a much better outcome can be achieved
for the people whom they are representing. You could really call it conjunctive
politics.
And I would submit to you that
the world is very much in need of this kind of thinking. The United States
is frequently criticized around the world because we are perceived as pushing
our way of government (democracy) on other nations. Perceptions aside, what
other nations want, of course, is respect for their way of self-government. If
we are going to help other nations it is essential we hear them and we are
willing to learn from them. This is the only way forward to a better future. It
is a conjunctive approach to nation-building.
Therefore, as Wesleyan
Methodists we combine our understanding of how faith and works blend in our
response to God. We combine the personal expressions of our salvation with the
social expressions. We don't live to ourselves alone. We recognize that there
are both heartfelt and intellectual responses to God working together to frame
our understanding of this life of faith. Wesleyans believe that we are formed
spiritually by the Word and the Table. We don't neglect either God's Word or
the sacrament instituted in the Name of God's Son. They work together to edify
us and define who we are as Christians. Wesleyans also bring together Christ
and culture. Our faith does not cause us to withdraw from being involved in the
world, but we believe that Jesus is God's gift to the world, and as such we
serve in the world today to make Christ known.
In John chapter 16 Jesus prayed
for his disciples and for all who would become his disciples saying, "They
are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your
word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world."
Not of the world, but sent into it. Jesus himself practiced conjunctive
theology. It's not so much either/or. With God the truth so often lies in
the both/and.
Let us not forget that God's
ultimate conjunctive act was to bring
together two natures which seemed impossible to join, the human and the divine.
This God accomplished in his Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. Thanks be to God!Pastor
Neil
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