Truth as relational/revelational rather than propositional

A correspondent wrote: "Theology, even on the disputable matters, is relevant, in that it makes us better or worse prepared to live a life worthy of Christ, and makes us more or less interested and effective in sharing the Gospel, which is one more reason we should do our best to get it right."

This statement is of utmost importance. Theology, as I understand it, involves telling; telling implies communication, communication implies relationship. One engages in theology for the purpose of communicating to others one's experienced understanding of God. Given that language is a primary means of communication, words come into play in particular.

Although "all experiences are not equivalent," all experiences are mediated by some relationship. Right relationship leads to truth. Although "we do not abandon the objective claims of the scripture for the self-authorizing subject," we do need to be sure that we submit such so-called objectivity to the Self-authorizing God of Truth, whose Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God."

I understand the Pentecostal emphasis to be on experienced Truth being informed by God's Word while informing understanding of God's Word and compelling obedience to God's Word. (Many other Christian groups are skeptical about experience and often discount it in theological intercourse; for the Pentecostal, experience is very significant - theology is an active verb to be spoken in the present tense.) The words in God's Word are the common coin exchanged back and forth in the Household (economia) of God and the Spirit of God is the measure of their value. Theology may be the effort to facilitate the means of exchange.

When unbelievers enter the theological conversation, it is like a foreigner without any Euros entering a European country. Perhaps apologetics is the place to exchange currency. Consider Proverbs 23:23 – "Buy the truth and do not sell it; get wisdom, discipline and understanding."

I am speaking of Truth as relational/revelational rather than propositional given that Truth is true because God is the source and sustainer of what is true. Apart from God, there is nothing true; thus does the father of lies distort what is otherwise true to become false. Apparent truth must be closely examined with the discerning light of the Holy Spirit who Jesus promised will guide us into all truth. All truth is God's truth and any proposition must be put to the test of agreeing with what is revealed in the Word of God. I insist - there is no truth apart from God; reality itself confronts us with what is true because all creation declares God's glory, so sinful Man avoids what is real by creating his own ideal, proposing this or that idea to make reality seem to conform to him.

Thus does it behoove us to submit to the Spirit's renewal of our minds so that, becoming transformed, we are able to perceive what is really true. Propositional truth depends on language, language depends on understanding, understanding depends on relationship, relationship depends on grace. Let us then celebrate the glorious Incarnation of the Logos who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.