Theology Without Faith

THEOLOGY WITHOUT FAITH

By A. Garcia-Wiltse

Theology – the study of God and religious beliefs and practices.  It is the scientific study of man’s perception not only of God Himself – but of the totality of faith and of life.  A creation by man – for man – of man’s arrogance and greed.  To suggest that faith can be taught is to suggest God’s incompetence.  For faith is personal – unique – singular.  To obtain faith by instruction – is blasphemous at best – presumptuous at worst.

Yet -- we live in a world filled with institutes and centers of higher education and learning – where theology is taught – explained – lectured – edified and instilled – as a science – to egotistical men and women who feel chosen to continue where the Creator left off – and to correct the errors of His way. 

We live in a kaleidoscopic world of ever-changing hues and shades and tints that swirl and twirl into a tapestry of amazing multi-colored and multi-layered stream of thoughts, ideas and values.  A world conceived by aspiration – and then deceived by deception and sedition. 

We live in a world of make-believe – of fantasies – and of imaginary grace and harmony.  A world of suicidal and maniacal human beasts that threaten – extort – coerce –terrorize.  And – always – since the beginning of time – peacemakers, appeasers and self-acclaimed men and women of God -- promising containment -- and the attainment of peace – tranquility – serenity – civility. 

Faith – inner faith – is what soothes an aching heart and calms an overwhelmed mind.  It is that intangible – incorporeal part of the human conscious – like an endorphin – that aids, protects, stimulates and soothes the body and the mind – without lessons – without tutorials – without explanation.  It is the naturalness of being -- of believing – of living.

Theology manufactures – fabricates – and sells promises and hope.  Faith IS the promise.  Faith IS the hope.  Sowed and embedded into every heartbeat – every footstep – every though – every dream – that emanates and blossoms from within.  Faith is in the naturalness and essence of being.

Theology without faith – the business of betrayal and deceit.  Like a serpent in the apple tree – tainting the natural wonder and natural splendor of life and of faith – for a mere thirty pieces of silver – and designer suits -- mansions, limousines and jets.  Mere baubles and trinkets – that appease the arrogance and greed of man -- and tarnish and stain the divinity of unblemished faith.