The study of Theology: Living out Theology

The study of theology begins with the cross. Studying theology initiates with the opening of Scripture and the breaking of bread. The opening of Scripture and breaking of bread was revealed to the disciples is the same participation that Orthodox Christians live by in the liturgical life. Scriptures have been revealed and understood through the crucified Lord. The comprehension of the cross illuminates to the believer that in light of the cross Scripture was understood through the veil that blinded the nations. After the cross and the tearing of the veil scripture is recognized in light of Christ through his death. Therefore, when we come to know Christ through the cross we will not see our past as being negative but rather we can now interpret our understanding of the present in light of Christ bringing us to this comprehension as He has lead us from our past to encounter him through His cross. Life is gained through death and our understanding of life turns to the beauty of creation and as a continual participation in all of creation.  

It is through death that one gains life. It is through sin that humans become broken healers in the world. Becoming broken healers to others is vital because we then start to see the beauty and light in all of creation that God has crafted and we are to partake of His creation within the capabilities that have been bestowed on us. To deepen our participation in His creation we must grow an appreciation in Christ through his last public image on the cross. Now that Scripture has been opened and revealed through the cross we can open Scripture and be aware of Christ throughout all of Scripture. By profoundly understanding who Christ is we can live out His theology to the rest of the world. The theology that one is called to live out culminates in the Eucharistic participation of the gathered community in the one body of Christ. By opening Scripture, the breaking of bread and living out ones theology we begin to see the light in the world, in ourselves through the mystery of Christ. If this is how we are to understand theology in the manner culminating in the cross then the natural conclusion is to glorify God in our bodies.

The body and the flesh denote two different attributes within one essence of the body. This might seem like a contradiction however, the body and the flesh does not lead to bad actions. Paul speaks of good characteristics for the flesh (cf. 1 Gal 1.6; 2 Cor 10.3). It is sin that makes the flesh fall into a corrupt nature. The importance of flesh is crucial because the Word had to take flesh and to die in order to defeat death. A turning point as to why the Word took flesh was fundamental so that we can know Him through the opening of Scripture and breaking of bread. Human begins were created in the image and likeness of God in fleshy beings but more notably they were created to know God through his Word. We are then stuck in our present state because we choose to stir away from the goodness of creation and in doing so we lost sight of God and sought after senseless passions. In order to get back to the original state of knowing God we have to discipline the mind to get to know God in the state we were previously in. That previous state is not about killing the body but rather training the mind to see the body in the proper way. The body is important because through our spiritual struggle we will then be able to glorify God who created us in his image and likeness. The body then one can conclude is not only involved in our struggle for salvation but is the very means of accomplishing salvation. Only then can we say into thy hands do I commend thy spirit Oh Lord.