Coptic Church & Ecumenical Movement - Saint Mina Coptic ...

The Reformed View
Dr. Milan Opocensky presented a paper. Here is the summary:
• In the Reformed understanding theology is a reflection of faith. The starting point
is God’s revelation in Jesus Christ according to the Scriptures.
• Theology is a function of the church and is in the service of the church. The
ecclesial character of theology should not limit its freedom. Theology is bound by
the object of its work. Its task is to purify and to deepen the witness to the triune
God.
• Theology examines and analyses to what extent the church and its members are
faithful to the living Christ who is the focus f the preaching. Theological
reflection is entrusted to every church member.
• Theological work is undertaken in obedience and unceasing listening. In the first
place, we listen to the prophets and apostles and, secondly, to the cloud of
witnesses throughout the history of the Christian Church.
• Theology does not flee before science and welcomes scientific critique. By its
work theology contributes to scientific research and it is a part of broader cultural
activity.
• Theology is free and ultimately responds to the calling and claim of the Gospel.
However, it is not self-sufficient nor does it feel superior to the other human
activities. It is a gift of grace that God reveals himself to us and that we can give
an account of the hope in us.
• Theology is not the wisdom of an onlooker but it is the outcome of an existential
struggle. However, theological knowledge has to be guided by Christ’s love,
which surpasses all knowledge.
• Theology is a self-examination of faith and helps the faith to be based on truth and
reality.
• Theology has a dialogical character. In order to serve the church members living
in the contemporary world, theology has a dialogue with philosophy, psychology,
sociology and natural sciences. The love for our neighbors binds us to have a
dialogue with the world and its knowledge. In doing theology we have to listen
for different voices, especially those who were ignored (women, Dalits, gypsies,
etc).
• Theology is practical and aims at a renewal of the church and change of the world.
The consequence of the Word of God is a creative transformation. The lasting
task of theology is to free the Word from all forces which may enslave, imprison
and domesticate it.
• Theology is a sustained and critical reflection of an engaged participant. It is an
articulation and interpretation of questions of personal and communal identity.
Theology has political and social consequences. It should not be misused to
legitimize the existing status quo.
• Theology has an impossible task to express the reality of the triune God.
Reformed theology is aware of its limitations, therefore, any theological statement
is considered to be preliminary, tentative and partial. As theologians we approach
our task with prayer and in the spirit of repentance and humility.
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