Theology is always a ‘second act.’ That is to say, our understanding of theology and then our articulation of theological concepts and motifs (creeds, affirmations and the like), always come second. Most, but certainly not all, theologians and pastors would agree. Our theological formulations need to be updated, revised and perhaps sometimes even set aside as we continue to engage in the ‘first act.’ At best, they are human constructs of what others have believed in past days; albeit often very insightful. But even they are based on the experiences of those who engaged the ‘first act.’
So what is the ‘first act?’ Quite simply put, it is our experience of the Holy. It’s certainly not a head thing as in ‘belief’; words that sound good and true and have been believed and recited by others over the years. Rather it is those moments when, for example, we are touched by grace. A creed may reflect that moment at a later time, but the real moment is when we stand in amazement at such grace; when it overwhelms us. Perhaps it is the feeling that comes when we know we have been accepted by God just as we are. Or perhaps it comes when we are standing in a large open field with an immense sky overhead, or beside a wide expanse of ocean and we suddenly know/feel, maybe for the first time, that we are not the masters of our own fate but part of a vast universe of strength and beauty. Or perhaps it comes when we simply sit still in our room, breathing slowly, maybe reciting a Psalm or a simple phrase such as ‘Thank you God’ or ‘Be with me’ and, in that process, allowing ourselves to experience a new or renewed sense of God’s presence. Or perhaps it is in the midst of a gathered congregation when we suddenly experience a sense of community that is healing and supportive; something we have never felt before and tears flow. These are the ‘aha’ moments that cannot always be expressed in words.
We often sign up for classes or even come to church to ‘learn about God.’ But while that is good, and there is certainly much to learn, we sometimes miss the experiential dimension, labeling it as too subjective and not cognitive enough. We don’t want to lose control as it were. If that be the case, we can miss out and our lives are the poorer. We become practioners of second hand religion.
There is certainly much more that can be said about this ‘first act.’ There are several practices that have been developed over the years that can help us. Lectio Divina, from the Benedictine tradition, is one example. Lectio Divina is a practice of reading a biblical text, then meditating on it, followed by prayer and then contemplation. It is not meant to be a study exercise. It is a moment when we allow the text to speak to us. This practice, as well as others, might well be grist for some future blog.
But for now, let me leave you with a prayer by the late Arnold Kenseth (Sabbaths, Sacraments, and Seasons), friend, poet, pastor and fellow pilgrim. This prayer, along with others that he has written, has been of help to me. But while helping us to get closer to the experience of the Holy, it is still not the experience itself. It can only help open us to it. Read it, or something else like it, or engage in a practice suggested earlier, and then be still and allow the Holy to wash over you.
Come, Creator; come, Lord Jesus; come, Holy Spirit! – be in us and browse in us this day. Be in us power to love. Be in us mercy for the broken heart, and healing for the broken bones, and grace for the day’s journey. Be in us silence for listening to all the bells and truths of heaven in our midst. Flow in us like our blood. Cling to us like our flesh. Surround us like the air. And let our prayers come unto thee forever. Amen.