Towards a Theology of Leadership

Towards a Contextual Theology of Leadership, Part I : 

Towards a Contextual Theology of Leadership, Part I By David Pearson Jamaica Theological Seminary Paul Bogle Jamaican National Hero

Outline : 

Outline In this lecture we will show: That theology is contextual, and How we might begin to develop a contextual theology of Leadership. The lecture draws upon the example of Native Baptist deacon Paul Bogle, a son of slaves, who attempted to be faithful to scripture by championing the cause of the poor and oppressed in Morant Bay, Jamaica in 1865. His protest was fired upon by government militia, who then accused him of inciting a rebellion. He was hanged, but later exonerated and made a national hero of Jamaica. Paul Bogle Jamaican National Hero

What is Theology? : 

What is Theology? Isn’t theology the same as what the Bible says? Yes, but it’s a bit more than that. Theology relates to how we interpret, organize and apply Biblical teaching to our lives. This usually involves an understanding of what the Bible says and how it reasonably applies to our history, tradition and experience in a manner that best explains God’s desire for man and society.

An Example : 

An Example What do the Scriptures teach about the church? What we see in the Bible and often believe to be true for everyone is affected by: Our denominational perspectives Our experiences with the Church and society Our reasoning about the above

An Example (cont’d) : 

An Example (cont’d) This means that our theology of the church will of necessity be different from place to place Though the very basics of scripture will remain the same. If we fail to see the fine balance between what the Bible says and the factors that affect how we understand it, we will insist on ideas that are foreign to others.

Contextual Theology : 

Contextual Theology Therefore, theology is of necessity contextual It must speak Biblical teachings in such a manner as to make sense in OUR normal, everyday experiences, not someone else’s. Without this, theology becomes merely a set of principles/ideas that are not anchored in the reality of our experiences… It becomes irrelevant.

Irrelevant Theology: An example : 

Irrelevant Theology: An example A professor went to Haiti to teach theology, and began with the question of whether or not God exists. His students politely listened to him pontificate for two hours and then informed him that what he was saying had no relevance to them. “No one in Haiti questions God’s existence. What we want to know is why has God cursed our people with hardship and poverty?” The Professor had no answer.

Contextual Theology : 

Contextual Theology If the professor were thinking contextually he could have: Spoken about God’s will for man Shown how man’s sin has led to selfishness, which is often seen in the systems and structures he sets up to have his own way Pointed to concrete evidence of this in Haitian history, especially by foreign overlords Articulated God’s will for moving society in a better way

Isn’t this Subjective? : 

Isn’t this Subjective? In a sense it is, but not in a way that distorts the Biblical text. Articulating our theology based on the questions of our differing experiences does not change the fact that the source of our answer is the Biblical revelation, which does not change. And if all our theologizing begins with the Biblical revelation of God’s will for his creation, explained throughout scripture, that also will not change.

The Legitimacy of Contextual Concerns : 

The Legitimacy of Contextual Concerns Contextual concerns do not make Theology distort the Scriptures, nor are they meant to. Instead they give a platform for the message of God to speak through “the warp and woof of the events that make up history. Faith will grapple with the tensions and conflicts of global society.”1 Source: Jean-Marc Ela, A Black African Perspective: An African Reading of the Exodus, in “Voices from the Margin: Interpreting the Bible in the Third World,” ed. R.S. Sugirtharajah (New York: Orbis Books, 1991), p. 256

Review : 

Review Theology speaks of Biblical truth Interpreted in a manner that addresses issues of importance to our everyday life Beginning with God’s ideal for mankind and the world Proceeding to tackle everyday issues that prevent the world from being as God desires Through the teaching of Scripture Though it also draws on the findings of history, sociology, science, etc., wherever truth is explained in the local context

Quick Quiz : 

Quick Quiz True or False (Click on T or F) Theology is merely repeating what the Bible says T F Theology, of necessity, must be anchored in the daily realities of people T F Theology must understand and articulate the Bible with our experiences, traditions, reason, and truth from other disciplines in mind. T F Contextual theology will inevitably distort scripture. T F

A Contextual Theology of Leadership : 

A Contextual Theology of Leadership When articulating a contextual theology of leadership We begin with God’s scriptural ideals We question the wherewithal of those ideals in our context We seek an explanation from our culture, history and experience We lift up the positive elements and challenge the negative ones for change

A Beginning Contextual Theology of Leadership : 

A Beginning Contextual Theology of Leadership Man was created by God in his image to provide Godly leadership throughout the world that His will be done everywhere (Genesis 1:28) He was given a companion as helper, for him to realize that leadership is not a one man game (Genesis 2:1-25) Man chose his will over God’s, thus hindering the spread of God’s ideal throughout the world (Genesis 3:1-19) Application: Our island is filled with strife and turmoil, all to do with man pursuing his selfish desires and not God’s. Godly leadership puts God’s will first, as seen in the Leadership of men like Paul Bogle.

It continues as the road less traveled : 

It continues as the road less traveled The Bible is also about God’s people attempting to do His will – Abel, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, etc. They are constantly rebuffed by men who act according to their selfish ideals. Yet God’s leaders are determined to push ahead despite the opposition Application: Jamaica’s history is replete with men reacting violently to attempts to establish God’s will, as seen with the reaction to many of Jesus’ followers, like Paul Bogle

It seeks to achieve God’s purposes, especially for the oppressed : 

It seeks to achieve God’s purposes, especially for the oppressed Godly leadership is always first concerned with those who suffer injustice in society It seeks to utilize plans and resources for the betterment of mankind God’s leaders seek to move others unto His agenda through sacrificial service Application: Paul Bogle sacrificially gave up his life because he believed that the government’s treatment of the poor was ungodly. He refused to be silent, was framed and hanged.

It goes on to talk about other aspects of leadership : 

It goes on to talk about other aspects of leadership Our theology would go on to address other aspects of leadership, like: The leader’s character, methods and responsibilities But more in our next lesson.

Reflection and Response : 

Reflection and Response Can you identify from your own experiences a person who you believe the exhibit qualities of a Godly leader? Write a brief journal reflection on that person stating why you deem that person to be Godly. Would that person be seen as Godly if s/he practiced scripture in a manner divorced from normal, everyday living? Explain.

Slide 19: 

Paul Bogle Jamaican National Hero This is the end of Lecture 1. Please feel free to raise questions, make comments or seek clarification with me. You make contact me at davynth@gmail.com, and I will happily respond to you within a day. I am only too happy to serve you.

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