In explaining Lonergan's "Method in Theology", Fr. Robert Ng touches on the topic of conversion. Fr. Lonergan was discussing the eight functional specialties in theology. He mentioned that conversion provides theology with its foundations.
Theology cannot be pure speculation. There must be some empirical basis. The experience may come from above, like the conversion of Saul on the road to Damascus. This experience gave rise to Pauline theology, especially that of the mystical body of Christ. The experience may also come from below, like the exploitations farmers in South America suffered. This experience gave rise to the Liberation Theology.
Theology cannot be pure speculation. There must be some empirical basis. The experience may come from above, like the conversion of Saul on the road to Damascus. This experience gave rise to Pauline theology, especially that of the mystical body of Christ. The experience may also come from below, like the exploitations farmers in South America suffered. This experience gave rise to the Liberation Theology.
Each one of us has taken a long time to build up our own values and modes of thoughts. When such values and modes of thoughts are challenged by some new experiences which we cannot deny or ignore, we need to incorporate and harmonize them with our system. Then, conversion comes about. Fr. Lonergan says that there are three kinds of conversion: intellectual, moral and religious.
In explaining these conversions, Fr. Robert Ng made a very bold claim that without religious conversion, one will not do well in theology. Some people thought that studying theology might help them remove their doubts and uncertainties in their faith. But Fr. Ng warned that religious conversion is essential in the study of theology. Conversion comes first, not last. You do not become a good Christian after studying theology. Theology cannot cure your doubt in God. Rather, you must start with a good Christian intention before you study theology. Fr. Ng even claimed that a Buddhist monk's achievement in Christian theology can only be superficial and vice versa.
In explaining these conversions, Fr. Robert Ng made a very bold claim that without religious conversion, one will not do well in theology. Some people thought that studying theology might help them remove their doubts and uncertainties in their faith. But Fr. Ng warned that religious conversion is essential in the study of theology. Conversion comes first, not last. You do not become a good Christian after studying theology. Theology cannot cure your doubt in God. Rather, you must start with a good Christian intention before you study theology. Fr. Ng even claimed that a Buddhist monk's achievement in Christian theology can only be superficial and vice versa.
St. Paul gave us some guidelines to lead a converted life.
Firstly, it is our attitude.
If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.
For you have died, and your life is hid with Christ in God (Colossians 3:1-3).
After conversion, our minds should seek things above. The ascension of Jesus, the assumption of the BVM have all demonstrated our destiny. Our destiny lies above at the right hand of God. This is where we should be aiming at. All our efforts should be directed at that direction. Such an attitude has helped thousands of martyrs go through tortures and death. It will also help us through our difficulties in the present situation.
This attitude also has an underside. It is that we have already died. Conversion amounts to death. At death, all the debts of a person are wiped out. Our new life has already been united with Christ who has reached God in heaven and is sitting at the most honoured throne.
However, death without a new life would make Christianity a joke. So, Paul made the following remark to remind the Colossian Christians.
seeing that you have put off the old nature with its practices and have put on the new nature (Colossians 3:9b-10a)
Secondly, it is our behaviour which must be compatible with our call.
Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: fornication, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry (Colossians 3:5).
But now put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and foul talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another (Colossians 3:8-9a).
Here there cannot be Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free man, but Christ is all, and in all (Colossians 3:12).
These are very pragmatic pieces of advice on behaviour. Coupled with the correct attitude, eternal life is unstoppable. Paul is a concrete living example of what religious conversion should be like. His was a religious conversion from above.
Firstly, it is our attitude.
If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.
For you have died, and your life is hid with Christ in God (Colossians 3:1-3).
After conversion, our minds should seek things above. The ascension of Jesus, the assumption of the BVM have all demonstrated our destiny. Our destiny lies above at the right hand of God. This is where we should be aiming at. All our efforts should be directed at that direction. Such an attitude has helped thousands of martyrs go through tortures and death. It will also help us through our difficulties in the present situation.
This attitude also has an underside. It is that we have already died. Conversion amounts to death. At death, all the debts of a person are wiped out. Our new life has already been united with Christ who has reached God in heaven and is sitting at the most honoured throne.
However, death without a new life would make Christianity a joke. So, Paul made the following remark to remind the Colossian Christians.
seeing that you have put off the old nature with its practices and have put on the new nature (Colossians 3:9b-10a)
Secondly, it is our behaviour which must be compatible with our call.
Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: fornication, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry (Colossians 3:5).
But now put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and foul talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another (Colossians 3:8-9a).
Here there cannot be Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free man, but Christ is all, and in all (Colossians 3:12).
These are very pragmatic pieces of advice on behaviour. Coupled with the correct attitude, eternal life is unstoppable. Paul is a concrete living example of what religious conversion should be like. His was a religious conversion from above.
Dear Lord, I long for Your house. Allow me to serve You among the needy brothers and sing praises to You in Your house. Amen.
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