The Drama of Doctrine - by Kevin Vanhoozer

Two years ago I was introduced to The Drama of Doctrine by Kevin Vanhoozer. I read several chapters then and have not touched it until recently. The following are quotes which pertain to the nature of theology and it purpose. The book it worth the read.

Vanhoozer sets the stage by saying, "sound doctrine is suffering from confusion about its nature, from disagreement concerning the locus of its authority, and above all from its captivity to a debilitating dichotomy between theory and practice" (3). I agree with this statement. Its no wonder that many churchgoers and pastors think of theology as "theory" which belongs in the academy. Vanhoozer wants to rightly correct this way of thinking when he later states "theology involves a way of life, not merely a system of belief" (12). Christian theology means eliminating the dichotomy between theory (e.g. systematic theology) and practice (e.g. pastoral theology).

He further elaborates on how the knower and the known are connected by the means of theology. "Theological knowledge is neither theoretical nor instrumental; it has less to do with scientia than with sapientia: Sapience includes correct information about God but emphasizes attachment to that knowledge. Sapience is engaged knowledge that emotionally (emphasis mine) connects the knower to the known" (13). By sapience Vanhoozer wants to redefine how people think of theology. The connection between the knowledge of God and God himself involves an emotional attachment. Emotions involve a plethora of desires that engage our understanding of theology. 

Quoting Loughlin Vanhoozer speaks of the story of Jesus as a historical drama. "His story is the non-doctrinal basis which doctrine rests." When it is said from pastors and lay people alike that they don't want doctrine, they just want Jesus, they might have a shallow understanding of who Jesus is. Doctrine is that development of what is believed about Jesus. Vanhoozer continues, "The gospel continues to be seen (in baptism and the Lord's Supper) and heard (in preaching); these are the means through which Christ becomes present to his people" (17).

For kicks here is one more quote that I found illuminating and challenging for the evangelical reader. "For better of for worse, Scriptures make 'tyrannical' demands on the reader: 'The Scripture stories do not, like Homer's, court out favor, they do not flatter us that they may please us and enchant us - they seek to subject us, and if we refuse to be subjected we are rebels'"(19). Wow. 

These quotes are just from his introduction and frankly there are several more which I would like to share throughout the entire book. It is helpful to know that in The Drama of Doctrine Vanhoozer presents the Christian life and doctrine as a drama of a stage play. In this stage play various rolls are attended to. For example, Vanhoozer lifts up the position of the local pastor and subjects the theologian to the pastor. The theologian is the guardian of the theological gate whom the pastor relies upon while the pastor shepherds the people of God.