PDF Summary:You Are a Theologian, by Jen Wilkin and J.T. English

Theology is often thought to be a lofty subject reserved for scholars, but You Are a Theologian by Jen Wilkin and J.T. English shows how it touches every area of our lives. The authors demonstrate the significance of understanding God's nature, our relationship with Him, and crucial doctrines like the Trinity and Christ's sacrifice. They explain the Bible's role as an authoritative guide to salvation and living rightly, and describe what awaits believers at the end of this life.

Whether you're a longtime believer or new to faith, You Are a Theologian makes a case for the importance of every person studying God and theology. Through relatable examples and clear explanations, Wilkin and English help readers grasp essential theological concepts with practical applications for daily living.

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• Create personalized "interaction cards" with questions or topics that interest you. Carry these cards with you and use them to initiate conversations in various settings like coffee shops, parks, or waiting rooms. This can help you engage with others on topics you're passionate about, fostering deeper connections.

The foundational reliability and direction stem from the Scriptures deemed sacred.

Scripture serves as the inspired and authoritative guide that shapes our beliefs and influences our actions.

The Scriptures, free from any inaccuracies, offer a crucial and completely sufficient guide for achieving salvation and directing our lives.

The writers, Jen Wilkin alongside J.T. English, argue that the Bible's heavenly beginnings and creation are evident in its structure, encompassing a series of sixty-six books authored over an extensive period. The authors emphasize that the Bible's origin is divine, setting it apart from merely human works. The foundational texts are regarded as pure divine communication, completely devoid of mistakes. They outline several inherent characteristics of the holy texts, underscoring their role as the ultimate authority, their precision, their steadfast truthfulness, their essential nature, their sufficiency, and their clarity.

Practical Tips

• Start a reading group that focuses on one book of the Bible at a time, aiming to understand each book's unique message and style. By discussing with others, you can explore different interpretations and how the diversity of the texts contributes to the overall message of the Bible.
• Volunteer at a local organization that aligns with the ethical or moral teachings found within the divine texts, using the experience to practically apply the principles you've read about. This hands-on approach can help you embody the teachings and witness their impact on real-world situations.
• Create a decision-making flowchart that prioritizes scriptural principles for everyday choices, ensuring that your actions align with those values. For instance, if faced with an ethical dilemma at work, refer to your flowchart to guide your decision in a way that reflects scriptural authority.
• You can deepen your understanding of scriptural precision by starting a journal where you reflect on daily readings and their specific applications to your life. Write down your thoughts on how the precise language in the scriptures influences your decisions and behaviors. For example, if a passage speaks about kindness, detail an instance where you practiced kindness that day and how the scripture's wording guided your actions.
• Create a set of personal commandments based on scriptural truths that resonate with you. These commandments will serve as a personal code of conduct. For instance, if honesty is a scriptural truth you value, one of your commandments might be "I will speak truthfully in all my dealings."
• Use a habit-tracking app to set reminders for scriptural practices you want to adopt, such as being charitable or practicing forgiveness. The app can help you stay accountable and track your progress over time. For instance, you could set a goal to perform one act of charity each week and use the app to remind you and log your actions.
• Start a small discussion group with friends or family to explore the application of these principles in modern life. Each week, choose a different principle and discuss real-life scenarios where it could be applied. This could be as simple as discussing the importance of honesty when someone finds a lost item.

The Divine Spirit illuminates the holy texts, enabling understanding and their relevant use in daily life.

The authors acknowledge that while Scripture is devoid of mistakes, reflecting divine flawlessness, our interpretations of its teachings can occasionally be imperfect. Guided by the Holy Spirit, we can comprehend and incorporate biblical truths into our everyday lives. The Scriptures function not merely as a repository of wisdom but equally as a means to enhance our relationship with the Divine.

Practical Tips

• Use a scripture study app that randomizes chapters or verses for daily reading, encouraging you to encounter and reflect on passages you might not typically select. By reading random selections, you're less likely to only focus on familiar or comfortable passages, which can challenge your preconceptions and lead to a more comprehensive understanding of the text.
• Volunteer for community service projects that align with the values you wish to cultivate, such as humility or service to others. Choose activities that require you to step out of your comfort zone and serve in ways that reinforce these values. If you're focusing on humility, you might volunteer at a soup kitchen where you can serve others and reflect on the experience in relation to the virtue of humility.
• Integrate scripture into your daily routine by pairing it with a regular activity, like morning coffee or evening walks. You could listen to an audio recording of a scripture passage while starting your day or reflect on a verse during a peaceful walk. This practice can turn ordinary moments into opportunities for spiritual growth and reflection.

The Bible's transparent nature still necessitates careful examination.

The Holy Scriptures reveal the nature of God, His intentions, and the essential tenets for a devout life.

The authors convey the notion that God's Word is lucid and comprehensible, signifying that God has made His nature known through the Scriptures in a way that is accessible to the common individual. Believers are graced by the Holy Spirit with the capacity to understand and apply the teachings of the Bible in their daily lives, even though some verses may present challenges.

Practical Tips

• Develop a habit of meditative walks focusing on the themes you've read about. Choose a concept like 'patience' or 'love' and as you walk, observe instances where you see this attribute in the world around you. This practice can help you connect the abstract ideas from the texts to the tangible world, reinforcing their relevance.
• Use social media to share your journey of exploring scriptures with others. Post about verses that inspire you, along with a brief commentary on why they're significant to you. This can encourage others to see the accessibility of these texts and may start conversations that further your understanding.
• Engage in a creative writing exercise by crafting short stories inspired by challenging verses. Choose a verse that you find puzzling or controversial and imagine a modern-day scenario where characters grapple with the same issue. Write a narrative exploring how different characters might interpret and apply the verse to their lives. This can help you explore the verse's relevance and complexities in a contemporary context.

Neglecting Scripture Leads to Decline and False Teachings

Jen Wilkin and J.T. English caution that neglecting to interact with the Bible may lead to weaker spiritual well-being and a greater susceptibility to false teachings. Regular engagement with biblical texts is crucial for fostering our spiritual growth and achieving full maturity. They use the comparison of a physician identifying an illness to illustrate that an inaccurate diagnosis inevitably leads to an ineffective remedy. If our comprehension of the divine and its scriptures is flawed, our convictions and actions will consequently be misaligned.

Context

• Scriptures often contain moral and ethical teachings that guide adherents in their daily lives. Without regular engagement, individuals might lack a clear framework for making ethical decisions, leading to confusion or moral relativism.
• In Christian theology, the Bible is often viewed as the inspired word of God, providing believers with a direct connection to divine teachings. Engaging with scripture is seen as a way to understand God's will and purpose for humanity.
• Church doctrines and creeds are often developed to clarify and correct misunderstandings of scripture, guiding believers in their faith and practice.

The pivotal function of Christ in ensuring humanity's salvation.

The Son of God assumed a human body to secure our redemption.

The Incarnation doctrine upholds that Christ embodies full divinity and humanity.

The authors stress the importance of understanding who Christ is and what He did to redeem us, as these aspects are crucial to our deliverance. The writers emphasize a core principle of Christianity, highlighting that in the act of incarnation, the eternal Son of God was sent by the Father to unite with a human body, thereby fully encompassing both divine and human natures in one being. They delve into the essential equilibrium of recognizing Jesus as fully divine and fully human, yet existing as one entity. They warn against erroneous doctrines that downplay His divinity or humanity, emphasizing that acknowledging both elements is essential for a full understanding of the redemptive process.

Practical Tips

• Engage in a daily practice of gratitude, focusing on the appreciation of both the mundane and the extraordinary aspects of life. This could involve writing down three things you're grateful for each day, with an emphasis on finding gratitude for both human experiences and moments that feel touched by a greater presence or meaning.
• Engage in a 'role-reversal' exercise to empathize with Christ's perspective. For one week, approach your interactions with others as if you were in Christ's place, focusing on qualities like compassion, sacrifice, and understanding. Note any changes in your relationships or personal growth. This can help you internalize the significance of Christ's life and how it can be manifested in modern-day behavior.
• Create a personal belief statement to clarify your understanding of the divinity and humanity aspects you consider essential. Write down what you believe about these concepts, ensuring they align with the core principles you adhere to. This exercise helps you solidify your stance and makes it easier to identify and avoid doctrines that contradict your beliefs.

The flawless adherence to divine commandments renders Him an eligible candidate for the sacrificial role.

Wilkin and English emphasize that Jesus lived a perfect life, fulfilling God's law completely and offering perfect obedience in contrast to the disobedience of Adam. His existence, free from any blemish of sin, rendered Him the perfect sacrifice for humanity's sins. The authors highlight Jesus as the paramount example for how we should behave, inspiring us to follow His dedication to the guidelines set forth by the Divine, serving as our savior as well.

Other Perspectives

• The concept of living a perfect life is subjective and open to interpretation; what is considered perfect adherence to divine commandments by one group may not be seen as such by another.
• The historical accuracy of Jesus' life and the claim of his sinlessness can be questioned, as historical evidence outside of religious texts is limited.
• The emphasis on Jesus as a role model may overshadow the potential contributions and moral teachings of other historical figures who have also inspired positive change and ethical behavior.
• The concept of what constitutes divine guidelines is subject to interpretation, and there may be multiple perspectives on what these guidelines entail, leading to different forms of inspiration or dedication.
• Adherents of other faiths may view their own spiritual leaders or prophets as their saviors, suggesting that the concept of a savior is not exclusive to Jesus.

Christ's sacrifice appeases the wrath of the divine and secures the attainment of forgiveness.

The core of the Gospel is encapsulated in Christ's sacrificial demise, which served as a vicarious atonement, fulfilled the requirements of divine justice, and facilitated the restoration of our relationship with God.

J.T. English, along with his co-author, explores the vital element of Jesus' self-sacrifice, highlighting His role in accepting the penalty intended for sinners through His death on their behalf. The doctrine of atonement proclaims that the death of Jesus served as a substitute, enduring the penalty intended for humanity, thus quelling divine wrath and paving the way for everlasting harmony with the Creator. They explore the concept that a just and unbiased deity is obligated to impose consequences for violations. Only a deity of limitless power could atone for the transgressions against such a boundless being. Christ offered up His life so that we might continue to live.

Practical Tips

• Create a "Sacrifice Beads" or "Good Deeds Beads" bracelet, where you slide a bead for every act of kindness or sacrifice you make throughout the day. This tangible method allows you to keep track of your selfless acts, encouraging a habit of daily sacrifice and mindfulness about the needs of others.
• Volunteer for a cause that aims to alleviate the suffering of others, such as a food bank or a shelter. Engaging in selfless service can be a practical way to embody the principle of vicarious atonement, as you're contributing to the betterment of others without seeking personal gain.
• Volunteer for a restorative justice program, where you can participate in the process of bringing victims and offenders together to find a path forward. This hands-on experience with justice that aims to repair rather than punish can provide a real-world understanding of the principles you've read about. You might help facilitate a dialogue between parties or support individuals as they work through the restorative process.
• You can deepen your understanding of sacrifice and restoration by journaling your thoughts and actions that contribute to healing relationships in your life. Start by reflecting daily on any conflicts or strains in your relationships and write down one action you can take to mend or improve the connection, inspired by the concept of sacrifice leading to restoration. For example, if you've had a disagreement with a friend, consider reaching out to apologize or offer help in an area they're struggling with, as a personal sacrifice for the sake of reconciliation.
• You can reflect on personal instances where you've shown forgiveness to understand the impact of absolving others. Think about a time you forgave someone who wronged you and how it made you feel. This personal reflection can help you grasp the emotional significance of forgiveness and its transformative power, similar to the concept of accepting penalties for others.
• Create a "consequence jar" for yourself, where you add a predetermined amount of money each time you recognize you've done something that negatively impacts others. At the end of the month, donate the collected money to a charity. This tangible act of reparation can serve as a reminder of the importance of personal responsibility and the impact of your actions.
• Create a piece of art, such as a painting or a poem, that captures your interpretation of the infinite nature of a deity and the human experience of transgression and atonement. This allows you to explore the theme creatively and can lead to a deeper, more personal connection with the concept.
• Write letters of encouragement to people going through tough times, such as those in hospitals or prisons. This small act of kindness can have a profound impact on someone's life, mirroring the concept of offering support and hope. You might share uplifting stories or simply express your care and concern.

The full acknowledgment of Christ's victory is encapsulated in His rising from the dead and His subsequent ascension into heaven.

The authors underscore that the pinnacle of salvation encompasses more than the crucifixion, also incorporating the vital aspects of Christ's entombment, resurrection, and ascension. The resurrection of Christ demonstrated His victory over sin and death, and His later ascension marked His return to a position of glory, where He now reigns as the Supreme Authority. The authors stress the importance of these events in understanding the full scope of the Christian gospel, which proclaims that the once dead now rules sovereignly, and assures that those who are in union with Him will share in His triumphant resurrection and ensuing glory.

Practical Tips

• Engage in a physical activity that embodies the concept of rising, such as rock climbing, hiking to a high point, or even a simple act like releasing balloons into the sky. As you do this, reflect on the metaphorical significance of ascending above obstacles and the sense of achievement that comes with it. This can help internalize the feeling of victory and ascension in a tangible way.
• Practice daily affirmations that align with the themes of entombment, resurrection, and ascension to reinforce personal development. For entombment, affirm your ability to face and acknowledge personal struggles. For resurrection, affirm your resilience and capacity for renewal. For ascension, affirm your aspirations and commitment to reaching higher goals. These affirmations can be tailored to your circumstances and repeated each morning to set a positive tone for the day, fostering a mindset of continuous growth and improvement.
• Start a "Triumph Journal" where you document daily victories, no matter how small. This could be as simple as resisting a bad habit, accomplishing a task you've been putting off, or helping someone else. By recognizing and celebrating these moments, you reinforce the concept of triumph in your everyday life, mirroring the larger triumph over sin and death.
• Volunteer in a mentorship role to experience the impact of guiding others from a place of authority. Find opportunities in your community where you can mentor someone younger or less experienced, and use these sessions to practice imparting wisdom and leadership. This will help you understand the responsibility and influence that comes with a position of authority, mirroring the leadership aspect of the ascension.
• Create a visual reminder of the concept by designing a unique piece of artwork or symbol that represents the idea of Christ's sovereignty and display it in your home. This could be a painting, a sculpture, or a digital design that you create, which serves as a daily reminder of the belief in Christ's reign. For example, you might paint a canvas with a crown to symbolize sovereignty and hang it where you'll see it regularly.
• Engage in a creative project like writing a song, poem, or story that explores the theme of resurrection and glory in everyday life, aiming to share it with your community or online. This can be a means of expressing your hope and encouraging others. You could, for example, write a poem about the changing seasons as a metaphor for death and rebirth, drawing parallels to the resurrection hope.

The assembly of devoted individuals and the culmination of significant occurrences.

The congregation serves as a tangible embodiment of Christ.

Believers globally and within their own congregations collaborate in their spiritual convictions.

The book, authored by J.T. English and Jen Wilkin, delves into the teachings of the church and emphasizes our bond with the divine as well as with fellow believers. They delve into the fundamental nature of the Church by examining a variety of biblical metaphors, including family, holy place, traveler, living entity, and marital partner. They delve into the idea of a universal ecclesiastical body that includes devoted people across all historical epochs, alongside the idea of a localized congregation, signifying a group of devoted individuals particular to a given place and time.

Practical Tips

• Engage in a "spiritual pen pal" program where you correspond with individuals from different faith communities. This can be done through email or traditional mail. Share your spiritual journey, ask questions about their beliefs, and discuss common values. This one-on-one exchange can lead to a deeper understanding of the global spiritual landscape and foster personal connections that transcend geographical boundaries.
• Embrace the metaphor of the church as a traveler by keeping a journal where you document your personal spiritual journey, noting milestones, struggles, and revelations. This journal can act as a travelogue of your faith, helping you to see the progress you've made and the terrain you've yet to explore, much like a traveler keeps a record of their adventures.
• You can deepen your understanding of the universal ecclesiastical body by creating a personal timeline of spiritual leaders and their teachings. Start by researching various religious figures from different epochs and note their core teachings and contributions to spirituality. This activity will help you visualize the continuity and evolution of spiritual thought, fostering a personal connection to the historical tapestry of ecclesiastical leadership.
• Create a digital photo album of your local area and share it with your community online to spark conversations about shared spaces and memories. This can be done using free tools like Google Photos or Flickr. Encourage neighbors to contribute their own photos and stories, which can lead to a deeper connection with the place and each other. For instance, you might theme the album around local landmarks, community events, or seasonal changes in your area.

The church is characterized by its unwavering dedication to loving deeds, service, and resolute commitment.

The authors emphasize the importance of the Church finding an equilibrium between compassion and firmness. The hallmark of the church, as a family-like community, lies in the shared affection its members have for each other. The church, frequently likened to a sacred edifice, is revitalized by the Holy Spirit's presence, which inspires each person to dedicate their life to worshiping God through selfless service. The congregation performs its duty by offering spiritual sacrifices, echoing the functions of priests. The Church anticipates with eagerness the establishment of the heavenly kingdom during its temporary sojourn on earth. The assembly is characterized by a diverse array of talents and functions, all under the collective guidance of Christ. The congregation, often compared to a betrothed bride, diligently prepares with virtuous actions for the eagerly awaited coming of the Anointed One.

Other Perspectives

• The concept of resolute commitment can sometimes lead to inflexibility or resistance to necessary change, which can be counterproductive to the church's mission in a rapidly evolving society.
• Excessive firmness can sometimes be perceived as lacking in compassion, which could alienate individuals who are in need of understanding and support.
• Focusing on shared affection might overlook the importance of doctrinal truth and the role of teaching and upholding specific beliefs within the church.
• Selfless service can be inspired by a variety of factors, including moral philosophy, human empathy, and social responsibility, not exclusively by the Holy Spirit.
• In some religious traditions, the priesthood is considered a special vocation with specific duties that cannot be equated with the general actions of the congregation.
• The focus on a future heavenly kingdom could detract from the importance of addressing injustices and improving the world here and now.
• While the assembly may aim to have a diverse array of talents and functions, in practice, some congregations may struggle with inclusivity and may not fully represent the diversity of the broader community.
• The focus on preparation for the coming of the Anointed One could be seen as future-oriented, potentially leading to a neglect of present issues and needs within the community and broader society.

It is the destiny of God to return and initiate the restoration of Heaven and Earth.

The ideas of comfort following life's end, which encompass the awaited return of Christ, the revival of those who have passed, and the final judgment.

The book concludes with the authors, Jen Wilkin and J.T. English, sharing their perspectives on eschatology and underscoring the belief that death does not signify the final conclusion. They delve into the inevitability of death for all, shedding light on the period following our demise and the comfort derived from the knowledge that our spirits find peace in Christ's presence. They also emphasize the guaranteed return of Christ, the resurrection of every person, believer and non-believer alike, and the final judgment where all actions will be revealed and perfect justice will be administered.

Practical Tips

• You can explore your own beliefs about death by journaling to see how they affect your daily life. Start by writing down your thoughts on what you believe happens after death and how this belief influences your actions and priorities. For example, if you believe in some form of afterlife, consider how this shapes your relationships or your approach to life's challenges.
• Create a visual timeline of personal and global milestones that align with your beliefs about the future to maintain a sense of purpose and direction. By plotting significant events from your life alongside anticipated future events, you can reflect on how your actions contribute to a larger narrative. For example, if you believe in positive societal changes coinciding with significant events, volunteer for causes that support this progression.

The assembly anticipates with great eagerness the return of Christ.

The authors argue that delving into eschatology should offer comfort rather than fear, steering our expectations toward the complete renewal of all creation. The story ends optimistically, depicting the everlasting communion between the Divine and humanity as portrayed by the authors. The Church's mission includes adopting a perspective that looks beyond the transient aspects of our lives and the assuredness of our eventual departure, eagerly awaiting Jesus' return, and endeavoring to honor His name on Earth as it is esteemed in heaven.

Practical Tips

• Engage in a creative project, like painting or storytelling, that depicts your vision of a hopeful eschatological scenario. Use this as a therapeutic exercise to externalize and examine your beliefs, focusing on imagery and narratives that evoke a sense of peace and reassurance. For instance, if you're artistically inclined, you might paint a scene that represents the restoration of harmony as described in various eschatological traditions, using colors and symbols that convey a sense of calm and optimism.
• Engage in a small, personal project to restore or enhance an aspect of your local environment, such as planting native species in your garden or participating in a local clean-up. By actively contributing to the betterment of your immediate surroundings, you're embodying the principle of working towards the renewal of all creation, starting with your own corner of the world.
• Create a personal ritual that symbolizes unity with the divine and humanity. This could be a weekly time of silence, lighting a candle, or even preparing a meal with the intention of acknowledging the interconnectedness of all things. The ritual acts as a tangible expression of the abstract concept of communion, making it a part of your regular life.
• Start a "Legacy Project" that involves creating something meant to last beyond your lifetime, like a community garden, a family history book, or a digital archive of local oral histories. This project should be something that not only interests you but also serves as a gift to future generations. As you work on it, you'll naturally adopt a perspective that values endurance and continuity over the ephemeral.
• Start a journal where you record daily actions or thoughts that align with the mission of eagerly awaiting Jesus' return. This could include acts of kindness, moments of prayer, or reflections on scripture that resonate with the theme of anticipation. The act of writing reinforces the mission in your daily life and can help you identify ways to embody this anticipation in your actions and interactions with others.