I thought I’d put some of my thoughts on Fiddes book on my blog – just to show I’m still reading theology!
Through tracing the flow of Baptist history this book maps out a Baptist identity and Theology. Fiddes helpfully uses the metaphors of ‘tracks’ to explain church history and ‘traces’ to describe the interface of traditions with the present life of the church.[i] I found his metaphor to be a useful way of seeing how the identity of a worshipping community is formed through history, and how all this points towards an understanding of who God is (a theology). Fiddes firmly believes that it is through the life and witness of the church we understand who God is; in this regard Fiddes is a practical theologian. There is a dynamic flow within the book between the church and how one understands God. From our community life together we learn about God, and through our understanding of God we learn how we relate to each other. The undercurrent of the book is that the church is called to ‘participate in the very life of God:’ a concept I find to be important. I have chosen to look at two particular themes in depth that resonated with me: covenant, and mission.
Firstly, I point to Fiddes exploration of ‘covenanting’ a theme which interlocks with our practice of the church and how we view authority. As humans we participate in God’s covenant; and through God’s grace he takes the church ‘to be his people.’ The church is thus under the direct rule of Christ and is given the ‘seals of the covenant.’[ii] This is a helpful undergirding to the whole of church life; particularly authority and decision making. Often the church meeting is seen as a place to express ‘personal views,’ resulting in ‘power struggles’. The alternative to this view is found within the heart of God; God does not coerce but persuades through the power of suffering love. Thus power comes through love and service. The prerequisite to church life is community; a love and trust for one another.
Secondly, I found Fiddes understanding of the current challenge for the church regarding authority of truth to be particularly helpful. Through the recovery of the Baptistic principle of authority which lies within the act of God’s self-revelation in Jesus, we see a different nuance to the term ‘truth’. God’s revelation is personalised, and relational.[iii] Thus instead a polarised argument between ‘legalism’ and ‘post-modernity’; Fiddes calls for a more creative way to view mission. Fiddes holds the tension between God’s spirit alive and active in the world, and the freedom we have to choose to follow Christ. This was a particularly helpful way to view mission which is also theologically erudite.
This book has given me an opportunity to reflect on the vocation of the ‘pastor-theologian.’ How through study of doctrine, and history this can weave into the work of pastoral ministry through a specific church community.
Now I feel old – I had this book when it was publsished! Not that long ago granted, but a while.
I think at Northern it is a set book for ‘Baptist History and Principles’ and certainly a great read. I love the idea he uses of ‘cathcing a glimspe of the backof the God who has just passed by’ or words to that effect (my copy is at church and I am at home).
Hope all is going well for you at WPBC. They are blessed to have you.