Three exercises

Exercise 1

Go back to where we started and look at one of the questions we asked earlier, "What does the gospel, or the church, say about this?"

On the basis of reflection on the method in the tales of the bishop and the judge what do you think is wrong with this question, if anything?

Exercise 2

Look again at some of the other earlier questions. How would you respond to them in terms of thinking theologically? Try to explain your answer as fully as you can for yourself.

When asked to make connection between faith and life:

• Can't we just apply an odd sentence from a gospel or epistle?
• Can't we remember and use some part of a sermon that seems relevant?
• Can't we simply apply love your neighbour as yourself and leave it at that?
• Can we make a Christian judgement about these issues if we are not experts?
• What sources and resources are supposed to be used and what is involved in that process?

Exercise 3

How would you now reply to the questions:

• What are people doing when they are thinking theologically?
• Why do you think it might be important to think theologically? What is there to gain by it? Who gains? Does anybody (thing) lose?

Try to construct a template of the process of 'thinking theologically'.

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