"The ancient Eastern churches did not have scholars or theologians, but rather 'Fathers of the church.' The assumption behind that language is: Only when we see the authenticity of your piety, and your commitment to the church, will we take your scholarship seriously."
~Ken Bailey, Paul Through Mediterranean Eyes (IVP), 123.
2 comments:
Two patristic quotes seem apropos here:
"If you are a theologian, you will pray truly; if you pray truly, you will be a theologian" -- St. Evagrius of Pontus (I think)
"Theology without practice is the theology of demons" -- St. Maximos the Confessor
Both are Eastern Fathers and I am convicted over and over again by both.
It is certainly challenging. And comforting to know that to think such things does not automatically make you vulnerable to charges of anti-intellectualism.
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