Transforming Theology for Today.

“When you can’t do without a word, you have to fight to redeem it” (Clayton, 2010,

p. 69). Though Clayton is speaking of the word “theology,” this same principle could be

applied to the word “transform.” In some conservative theological circles the idea of

“transforming theology” would not be viewed with positive affirmation. This negative

outlook would more than likely stem from the idea that transformation can mean a radical

altering of the original. That is, to transform Christian theology might lead individuals or

groups toward denial of, or at the least, skepticism about certain cardinal Christian doctrines

(e.g. the virgin birth). Having read Clayton’s book I am convinced this is not his motive. On

the contrary, Transforming Christian Theology attempts to transform theology away from a

modernistic list of required beliefs/truths to a Christo-centric worldview, shaped by the

salvific power of the gospel, and worked out in the crucible of a pluralistic world. I will

attempt to unpack this previous statement in light of Philip Clayton’s writings.

Clayton (2010) asserts that postmodern believers have a radically different game plan

for knowing Christ than those of the modern era (p. 32). The modern minded Christ-follower

began their journey toward Christ by first accepting a pattern of reasonable assumptions

about Him and the Church. These assumptions were typically codified in a series of short

statements that summarized complex issues in as few words as possible. Post-moderns also

begin their journey toward Christ with assumptions. However, the assumptions are not so

much about a codified list as about assuming there is no list (Clayton, 2010, p.31). The post-

modern also assumes that life and the cosmos are much more complex than what can be

stated in a hundred words or less.

The post-modern has grown up as a part of disconnected generation having, in large

part, processed through the complex emotional pain of divorce. They have known what it

means to sort out the multifarious nature of family systems that are, compared to the modern
era, more fluid and transient. The post-modern believer therefore approaches his or her walk

with Christ with a higher level of sensitivity that demands authenticity. The authenticity they

seek is not found in a theology that begins with a list but one that begins with a life – the life

of Jesus Christ. The post-modern, probably more than any previous generation, is keenly self-

aware of the messiness of human existence. The post-modern follower of Christ looks for

ways to confront the chaos with the gospel and Christ, not pithy statements about it and Him.

The gospel and the life of Christ; therefore, becomes the primary filter by which the

complexity of being is interpreted. Consequently, the individual is morphed into Christ-like

character, slowly and steadily, as he or she applies the gospel and Jesus’ life to their daily

situations.

While some may interpret the above statements as a justification for watering down

the gospel in light of the prevailing post-modern setting, I see it as the complete opposite. If

what I have proposed above is true then every aspect of walking with Christ becomes

radically more difficult. No longer can we answer the difficult issues of life, the environment,

the family, and more with simple slogans of the faith. The process of discipleship in the post-

modern context demands to be moved beyond the classroom into the boardroom and the

break room. The life being lived for Christ in the midst of pluralism demands answers

surpassing what is typically learned through modern catechistic methodologies. Today’s

catechism cannot be bound in one volume for all to memorize - the 21st Century catechism is

like a never-ending story. Certainly it finds its foundation in the inspired Word of God but is

fleshed out on a daily basis in a billion different circumstances. The metal of post-modern

theology is tested by its ability to become narrative.

The post-modern Christian seeks to find an authentic walk with God not built upon

blind acceptance. He or she seeks to discover how Christ and the gospel work in tandem to

impact this present world. The post-modern believer is not convinced that life can be
summarily systematized by theology or ideology. Summarily, the post-modern believer has a

deep and abiding faith the Christ and His gospel but is more concerned with its fleshing out

in the real world. In the end, therefore, he or she desires to view the gospel as a dynamic

force that transforms the individual, the community and the world but in ways that unique to

the context it finds itself in. My goal is to understand this first hand and find a new

perspective on my Lord.