Dear Dr. Solomon,
I have Acute Theological Fatigue Syndrome (ATFS). I’ve got all the classic symptoms – sunken eyes, listlessness, fingernail biting, I even stare blankly into the distance and drool on myself. You see, I’ll read about one position, such as New Covenant theology from this site, and it will make perfect sense. Then I’ll read about other positions and they will make sense too! How can they all make sense if they are saying different things? I think that I’m losing my mind!
Losing It
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Dear Losing It,
I am well aware of the devastation caused by ATFS in cases such as yours by the many hundreds of letters I receive each month from your fellow sufferers. To begin with, let me commend you for your earnest desire to interpret the Bible correctly, which is most often the source of this condition. Next, you must realize that all theological systems make sense, that is, they are logical. Each position is based on certain assumptions and the interpretation of certain passages. Finally, the cure for ATFS is confidence in the meaning of Scripture. This is achieved by understanding passages in their own context (i.e., the intended sense of the writer) and interpreting difficult passages in light of clear ones. For example, a theme of the book of Hebrews is to explain the meaning of Old Testament content to New Covenant Christians. So lay your theological foundation here and your condition will begin to improve, and, after a time, by God’s grace and diligent study, you may be completely healed. Until then, wear a bib.