1. Experience

I wrote a theological reflection. You are reading it.

2. Exploration

This seems so simple!

3. Reflection

Are there any theological reflections in Scripture?

  • Psalm 73 (NIV).
    • Experience: “I envied the arrogant” (1-3).
    • Exploration: “They have no struggles” (4-15).
    • Reflection: “I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny” (16-20).
    • Response: “I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds” (21-28).
  • 1 Samuel 28 (NIV).
    • Experience and exploration: “When Saul saw the Philistine army, he was afraid” (3-5).
    • Reflection: “He enquired of the Lord, but the Lord did not answer him” (6).
    • Response: “Saul then said to his attendants, ‘Find me a woman who is a medium, so that I may go and enquire of her.’” (7).

It seems that the latter is an example of a bad theological reflection!

4. Response

I like theological reflection. It is better than either (1) experience without reflection, or (2) reflection disconnected from experience. But there is such a thing as bad theological reflection. It isn’t a magic bullet.