Examples Of Theological Explorations

Theological Explorations Test 3 Essay

Theologians undertake the act of faith seeking understanding to understand things all around them. This is because theology itself is one big mystery, an infinite reality that does not come with a clear-cut solution. The more someone uncovers regarding theology it becomes more mysterious, unlike a problem where typically the end is when an answer is found. Anselm had the initial idea for “faith seeking understanding” back in the 11th century. This is a phrase that shapes theology, as theology is constantly searching for the answers to the questions we have about God, but never truly finding the answer. As Saint Augustine of Hippo said, “If you have understood, then this is not God.” This quote shows exactly why theology is constantly
The question that Gutierrez is trying to examine is, what is theology’s priority? Gutierrez started down this path towards answering this question because he saw a large disconnect in the church. Many people at the time were going about Theology as the 1st Act; they would go to church once a week, pray every single day, and expect to find salvation at the end of their lives. Gutierrez believes that people shouldn’t think big thoughts about theology, but instead put these thoughts into action rather than hoping someone else will. This is why Gutierrez sets theology’s priority by adding justice to the end of faith seeking understanding. Gutierrez believes that by faith seeking understanding and justice, people will be able to get the most out of their theological experience and find the desired salvation at the end of their lives. He comes up with the idea of Theology as a 2nd Act: the first act should be encountering your neighbor, and the second act should be a reflection on the first act. Gutierrez implores us to act before we think, which in turn will find justice for those that need help in the