Lecture Notes: Essential Theology and Orthodoxy

Introduction

• Speaker: Dr. Svoboda
• Topic: Essential Theology (Orthodoxy) in Christianity
• Importance of engaging in theological dialogue and debates

Importance of Theological Engagement

• Growth in faith involves diverse theological interactions
• Different perspectives are valuable for spiritual growth
• Theological dialogue is crucial in church and personal faith

Orthodoxy and Heresy in Early Christianity

• Orthodoxy: Right teaching, core Christian doctrines
• Heresy: Beliefs that transcend core doctrines
• Early Christian diversity led to theological debates
• Formation of creeds (e.g., Nicene Creed) to define core beliefs

Core Christian Beliefs

• Creeds serve as historical boundary markers
• Key Doctrines: Bodily resurrection, Trinity
• Importance of differentiating between orthodoxy (core) and heresy

The Need for Boundaries

• Metaphor: Fence (boundaries) vs. Well (central beliefs)
• Boundaries prevent theological confusion and maintain core doctrine

Roger Olson’s Paradigm

• Dogma: Essential, non-negotiable beliefs
• Doctrine: Important but not essential
• Adiaphora: Theological opinions, inconsequential beliefs

Examples

• Dogma: Bodily resurrection of Jesus
• Doctrine: Women in ministry
• Adiaphora: Sexuality of angels

Toxic Fundamentalism

• Overextension of dogma on both conservative and progressive sides
• C.S. Lewis's call for "Mere Christianity"

Orthodoxy, Orthopraxy, and Orthopathy

• Orthodoxy: Right beliefs
• Orthopraxy: Right living (practice)
• Orthopathy: Right feeling/affection
• Integration of all three is crucial for holistic Christian living

Espoused, Operant, Embedded, and Embodied Theology

• Espoused Theology: Beliefs we claim
• Operant Theology: Beliefs we practice
• Embedded Theology: Beliefs perceived by others
• Embodied Theology: Alignment between claimed, practiced, and perceived beliefs

Conclusion

• Aim for embodied theology in ministry
• Importance of aligning beliefs, actions, and perceptions
• Teachers have a responsibility to ensure alignment
• Encouragement to continue theological exploration

These notes summarize Dr. Svoboda’s lecture on the importance of understanding essential theology, the role of orthodoxy, and how Christians can navigate beliefs at different levels of importance. The lecture emphasizes the need for balance between belief, practice, and affection, and the responsibility of teachers in guiding these.