Why does bad theology happen to good people?↵
Is it even possible for theology to go “bad”? ↵
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On
the one hand, the answer ought to be ‘no’. It comes from God, so how
can it be bad? Yet theology is predominately human construct, and as a
result, humans can influence their theological conclusions with their
own desires and beliefs. The result, more often than we care to admit,
is ‘bad theology’.↵
↵
Drawing
on a careful definition of ‘bad theology’ as theology which denies
human flourishing, avoids self-reflection and doesn’t seek justice and
equality, Leah Robinson offers a series of penetrating case studies
which show what bad theology can look like when put into action. As we
look at how theology can be bad, she argues, we might begin to
understand how it might be better.
Rev. Dr. Leah E. Robinson is Associate Professor of
Religion and Practical Theology in Charlotte, North Carolina. She has
previously served as Lecturer in Practical and Pastoral Theology at the
University of Edinburgh, Scotland as well as Lecturer in Practical
Theology and Peacebuilding at the University of Glasgow, Scotland