Relational Theology

Relational Theology is unique and distinct because it is not based on traditional Greek philosophical concepts or ideas, but on ideas based on the Bible and common experience.  This is important because traditional Greek philosophical concepts have become outmoded, which has caused great confusion in modern thought.

The problem with Relational Theology is that it does not lend itself to sound bites, because it requires a rethinking of how we think and what is truly real.  All thinking, all theology, all science is relational, because thinking is the discovering of relationships.  Relational Theology is unique because it is clear that we are relational creatures living in a relational universe created by a relational God.

Trinity as an understanding of God in terms of relationships (Jn 1:1)

Covenant is a word which describes a particular kind of long-term, committed, faithful relationship (Genesis 15:4,5)

The meaning of ‘righteousness’ in the OT (tsdq) is primarily ‘right relationships’ rather than only absence of guilt in a judicial sense

The Cross is about reconciliation, a relational term (2 Co 5:17-18)Eternal life is about ‘knowing God’ (Jn 17:3)

Ethics is summarised by the word ‘love’, which perhaps in this context means ‘other-person-centeredness’ (Matt 22:34-40)

Lifestyle: Christian lifestyle is not primarily concerned with prophetic gifts, financial sacrifice or even being martyred for the faith; it is about the quality of relationships. (1 Co 13:1-3)

Personal goals: Paul describes his own goals and the goals he believes that other Christians should aspire to in terms of relationships (Eph 1:17, Phil 3:7-10)Jesus is our role model for perfect relationships. We are to be ‘conformed to the likeness of Christ’ (Rom 8:29)You might not agree with all that but at least it should give you something to bite on.

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Filed Under: Relational Theology

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