Comfort Food
Having a bad day? Maybe some comfort food will make it better. A plate of chicken fried steak with gravy, mashed potatoes, fried okra, and cornbread can really make my bad mood go away. Eaten occasionally, comfort food does not have to be a problem, but it becomes one when someone has the habit of consuming it as part of their regular diet.
The same can be said about some forms of theology, especially theology that does a lot to make us feel good but very little to help us grow. I call it comfort food theology. It is not necessarily bad for you but when it becomes all you consume it makes you stagnant and ineffective as a disciple of Christ. How do you determine if the theology you are consuming is comfort food theology? Here are some things to look for:
It does a lot to make you feel good about you, but little to make you good for others.
Scripture is an afterthought or completely ignored.
Uses small segments of Scripture and completely ignores its context.
Present biblical characters as heroes and positive moral examples without showing their humanity.
‘Christ-centered’ but never makes moral demands.
Comfort food theology can make us feel good, but if we don’t have a balanced diet with a more holistic theology we become Christians who do nothing for this world God has called us to transform. Join us this Sunday for worship at 8:30 and 10:45 AM for worship as we continue to learn how to have a more holistic theology.
In God’s grip,
Pastor Chuck Church
