My Moltmann Reflections, Pt. 1
Tony Jones talks with Professor Jürgen Moltman
I thought I’d share some reflections from the 2009 Emergent Theological Conversation with Jürgen Moltmann last week—one of the best Emergent gatherings I’ve attended. Props to JoPa Productions and the First Presbyterian Church of Libertyville, IL., for making this happen. Our two days with Professor Moltmann gave me a deeper appreciation for this man … and he made me proud of my German heritage too!
Our time with the professor was sweet, as was the time we had in conversation with others. I made some new friends, also found some new friends to follow on Twitter. Speaking of Twittering, I thoroughly enjoyed the Moltmann Twub that was set up to micro-blog the event. You can still go back and read through all the Twubs, but I thought I’d take a few posts to share some of my favorite Moltmann Tweets and my own thoughts from the conversation. So here it goes …
On His Autobiography:
1. My theology begins in testimony:
I am currently reading Jürgen Moltmann’s autobiography, A Broad Place. It’s a good example of an idea Moltmann expressed at the beginning of our conversation—our theology begins in testimony, i.e., our stories shape our theology. Theology doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Anyone who attempts to do theology, must step back and ask, “How does my story influence the way I see God?”
2. The blooms of a cherry tree changed my life:
Moltmann’s experiences as a P.O.W. in post-war Great Britain opened up a new world to him. It was during this time that he became a Christian and developed a passion for theology. A large part of this was due to the hospitality Moltmann received from other Christians. The blooms on a cherry tree in his P.O.W. camp expressed the new life he was experiencing, and it freed his soul from imprisonment. Till this day he feels weakness in his knees thinking about it.
Getting "A Broad Place" signed by the Professor
3. God is someone who understands me.
The professor experienced unimaginable horrors during the war. There were no words to describe what he was feeling. As Moltmann studied Scripture in the his P.O.W. camp, it was Psalm 39 and Jesus’ final words on the cross, “My God why have you forsaken me?”, that gave him the words he needed. The God forsaken Christ, comforted Moltmann. “Here is someone who understands me”, he said, “Jesus freed me from the dark pit of my soul.”
4. What would the people think about it?
The development of Moltmann’s theology eventually led him to Latin America to study the liberation movements. During his time there he made a profound discovery that influenced his theology—theologians need to listen to the people! When a theological thought occurs, one should ask, “What would the people think about it?” Professional theologians must go down to the people to do their theology, ask their questions, and look for their answers.
In my next post I’ll reflect on Moltmann’s thoughts on doing theology and the relationship of the Trinity.
Themocracy
liked your article. i’m a friend of moltmann’s. i can’t type because i’m paralyzed from a stroke, but i’ve done a series oof mp3 talks on his work………. it keeps me going through this horrible experience. it is something i can do now that my throat is partially healed and i can now talk…..