The Project on Lived Theology at the University of Virgina just won a $2.1 million grant from the Lily Foundation to study the relationship between Christian spiritual beliefs and social action. Although I went to UVA for graduate school, I had never heard of this project until a dear friend and brother sent me a link to it. I had a host of reactions to the project and grant, and thought I'd record them here:
- I rejoice to see theology taken seriously in academic institutions.
- I am thankful that believers are being productive in the public sphere.
- I pray that the good works of Jesus followers relieving human suffering will bring Him glory.
- I fear that the good works of Jesus followers will (at best) bring "belief" glory, or (at worst) appear to be a worthy end in themselves. Relieving human suffering is essential and reflects a Godly weeping heart. But the source and final goal (telos) of all good works must be the experience and glory of God.
- I am challenged and convicted to ask myself, "Do I have a lived theology that extends beyond private behavior and church service?" With all I am called to do in God's service, how can I best respond to social injustice and pain in the wider broken world?
- I am thankful for movements in the evangelical church to respond in greater depth and number to suffering in the world. The global diaconate at Bethlehem Baptist Church sets a worthy example in this regard.
I congratulate my alma mater and the Project on Lived Theology on their grant, and pray that God's people will give them much to write about!
