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Ask the Theologian

WHO HOLDS TRUTH?

they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.

"Welcome to another view of religion. I'm Pythagoras Nullifidian and I'll be your host for this edition of ask the theologian. Tonight we are fortunate to once again have with us the renown author and lecturer Doctor Aviso Indubitable. Doctor Indubitable, thank you for being our guest tonight."

"My Pleasure Mr Nullifidian."

"Tonight we wish to continue the topic asking by what method a theologian discerns truth in the Bible. To begin the discussion we have a caller on the line from Tennessee. Mr Jones, you may ask your question of the theologian."

"Thank you Mr Nullifidian. I was listening to your program last week when you stated that you, Doctor Indubitable, believe that the use of logic is the best way to find truth in the Bible. Is that correct Doctor Indubitable?"

"You are indeed correct Mr Jones. Logic is a tool given man by God with which to discern right from wrong, and by which we interpret the Word of God."

"Well then Doctor Indubitable, since there's so many different views of what truth is in the Bible, which you acknowledged last week, how is someone like me supposed to know which theologian God is talking to, and which is blowing hot air?"

"You ask a question Mr Jones, that I find very difficult to answer. If I was to give a straight answer as I feel it, I would of course say that you should believe me. Beyond that, I can only suggest you follow your heart."

"My heart has led me to prison and three divorces Doctor Indubitable. With my eternal future at stake, I'd like to follow something more stable than my heart. How about someone who believes what they preach even to death? A guy willing to die for what he believes must be pretty close to the truth, don't you think so Doctor Indubitable?"

"You mean like Jesus and the Apostles Mr. Jones?"

"Yeah, like them. A guy like me couldn't go wrong following them could he?"

"No you couldn't Mr Jones. However, you then run into the dilemma of understanding what Jesus and the Apostles were saying. If it were that simple, that a person could merely pick up a Bible and read it and from this understand the will of God, then we wouldn't need theologians or preachers. Anyone who can read or listen to a tape could find God's will. And yet, we do not find this to be so, do we, Mr. Jones?"

"No, I don't suppose we do. Leastwise nobody that I know of. Still, if I got to follow a theologian I think one who died for his beliefs is the safest bet."

"You mean like Jim Jones or Joseph Smith, Mr Jones?"

"No, not like them Doctor Indubitable. I mean regular guys."

"Are you awareMr Jones, that there are a great many people willing to blow themselves up along with a bus full of children for their belief? And did you know that throughout history there have been people who offer themselves up for sacrifice are willing to die a horrible death because they believe it will bring them honor and glory? And did you know that most of the denominations over a hundred years old were begun by the death of its founder? I'm afraid that martyrdom is not the best guide by which to determine who to follow."

"Well, Ok Doctor Indubitable. I don't think I learned anything, but thanks for taking my call."

"You're entirely welcome Mr Jones."

"We have another caller on the line, a Mr Brown from Illinois. You may ask your question of the theologian Mr Brown."

"Yeah, thanks bud. Hey, you there Mac. I mean the theology guy. I gots a question for ya'."

"Um, yes Mr Brown? What might your question be?"

"Hey, it's like what you was talkin' about using this logical stuff. 'Stead of playin' those mind games, why don't you an' them there other theology guys just do like what the Bible done told you to do? I mean, it's like Jesus His self is the one who done said it. So why not do it?"

"And what is that my articulate friend?"

"Is you callin' me names? I ain't got all them there fancy words you uses, but I ain't no ignoramus either, bub."

"No Mr Brown, I'm not calling you names. In fact if anything my meaning is quite the opposite of what you presume."

"Ok then. Just as long as we is clear on that. Like I was sayin', why don't you brainy guys do what the Bible done told you to do? It works just fine, and with no logical stuff too."

"Perhaps if you enlightened me as to what process you are referring Mr Brown. Jesus said a lot of things, which statement of His do you propose I read and follow?"

"I ain't proposin' nothing, Mac. All I done said is you ought to do what Jesus told us to do. If'n you needs the chapter an' verse, here it is:"

¹⁵If ye love me, keep my commandments. ¹⁶And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; ¹⁷Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. ¹⁸I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. ¹⁹Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also. ²⁰At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you. ²¹He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. ²²Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world? ²³Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. ²⁴He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me. ²⁵These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. ²⁶But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. ²⁷Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. ²⁸Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. (John 14:)

Title verse from Mat 15:14