One of my seminary professors wrote an essay about the following question:

“‘If you were stuck on a desert island and you could only bring one book of the Bible, which would it be?”

While this might be a good opening question for one of our Circles, this question revealed some interesting things to me. I initially scoffed at the question, but then I thought about Genesis. Genesis would give me some creation stories and some good narratives to act out with on my imaginary stage.

Then I criticized myself for not thinking more deeply about what I might need to hang onto mentally and went with Luke, because it’s a Gospel with some excellent women in it. I do appreciate an inclusive lens. But then I thought maybe the Psalms since there’s a lot there and since I don’t really like them, I could keep my brain occupied with questions and creating my own songs on the desert island.

As I was thinking about all of the options, I realized that many years ago, I would not have given a second thought to this question. There would be no wrestling, what ifs, playing with ideas, or questioning what I might need that would support my theology and beliefs. I would not have spent enough time in any of the Older Testament to even consider picking one of those books. I can see how each book and what I choose says something about my theology.

When I first got to seminary, I found it a bit jarring when the professors kept calling everyone theologians. That is, until I realized that everyone who has some sort of faith is a theologian. I certainly didn't get a message that I was a theologian while in the pews of church growing up. But theology is simply our beliefs about God and God’s nature. Our theology is formed throughout our lives - from caregivers, to teachers, to pastors, to friends, to Bibles and so much more. Our communities help us form our theologies.

And sometimes a random essay from a previous professor helps me see that I am still forming. That my theology is still forming. And my community continues to expand to edges that I didn’t think possible.

What do you think? How are you forming your theology these days? How is your community? If you had to write down what you believe about God, what would you write? How has it changed or stayed the same over your life? What book would you pack for your deserted island?

Take good care of yourselves and each other,
Lisa

PS - Watch for a poll in our Instagram stories ( @40orchards) to tell us which book you would pack!

Want to get these posts delivered right to your inbox? Subscribe to our Compost for the Garden email.

If you were stuck on a desert island...