Thinking Theologically Conference

Scripture does not come to us in the form of a systematic textbook, but it is nothing if not coherent in its content. It is the reality of all truth involving words that even heretics have used the Scripture to say what it should not be used to say. Thus we see the importance of ‘theologically sound’ reading of Scripture. That is, it is both the mind which is in accord with ‘sound doctrine’ that will read and interpret Scripture rightly (1 Tim 4:16), as well as the accurate exegesis of Scripture that will lead to ‘sound doctrine’. The Reformers understood this relationship well, with Calvin a leading example of someone who wrote the Institutes (all 4 volumes of it!) as an aid to the reading of Scripture, an intention well borne out by the fact that he led in the referencing of Scripture in his arguments and he showed a close contextual understanding of Scripture in his exegesis.

The Thinking Theologically Conference (TTC), therefore, is an acknowledgement of the importance of sound theology in the life of Christ’s church. Not only is the coherent expression of our faith at stake in a confused world, it is also the reality of a post-modern world where propositional truth is frowned upon as being dogmatic and unreliable that calls urgently for the Christians of today to learn to 'think theologically'.

Christians need to learn again (or for the first time) the clear expression of truth as arrived at by their denominational confessional forebears, to seek to understand the strengths and weaknesses of these arguments for the present work of ministry, and to apply it with vigour to the life of the church's ministry.

Who goes to TTC?

All sorts of people! Last year there were Christians from over a dozen churches. They were young, old, students, retirees, businessmen, businesswomen, engineers, car mechanics, mums, dads, grandparents and even a few babies. For the good of our churches, the glory of God and the Christlikeness of believers, learning to think theologically should not be something reserved for the select few. As many have found, it is something that we all can and should do – age, upbringing and intellectual ability are no barrier.

What happens at TTC?

• Main talks on the topic with Q&A
• Seminars and group discussions
• Elective workshops
• Free time and outdoor games