Point B in Mind

This is the third installment of the ongoing "Personal Theology Outline" series. The second installment can be found here. The fourth installment can be found here.

An Explanation of the Front Matter

In my first two posts, I discussed key events in my life that changed how I view the world and laid a foundation for how I work to improve my theological and philosophical framework. Now, after reading those posts, you may be left with a sense of "This man is long-winded and semi-articulate at best." I would say that it is likely that this is a valid assessment of the issue. Thus, I feel compelled to explain my intentions for this blog and why I have taken the time to lay forth this groundwork as I have.

Writings Open to All

First, I want this blog to be general enough that anyone (even those who do not know me personally) can read it and understand my perspective. My paradigm will play into every issue I go to discuss from this point on. So, I feel compelled to portray it plainly.

Part of that urge to "lay it out" comes from my role as a mathematics instructor. In teaching mathematics, if the material is going to be understood then the foundation must be clear. When I teach, I often do so with the end in mind--with "what do I ultimately want them to learn" ever present in my approach.

The Destination

Thus, these first writings are done in a way to start at the "Point A" of how I see things and end with the "Point B" of the issues that keep my wheels turning. So, in closing, let me close by outlining where I hope to go with this blog. Eventually, I would like to get to the questions of

• What is a proper perspective of God?
• What does the love of God look like?
• How does nonviolence fit into Christian theology?
• What is a proper view of divine providence?
• What is a proper view of suffering?
• What is the role of a Christian with regards to political structures?
• How do we deal with violence in the Old Testament?

These are just a few of the issues that I am stirring over right now. Obviously, as time goes on more issues will warrant my attention (as concluded in my second post). But, these issues are "Point B" for now.