>> Beliefs are not the same as theology.
Princeton’s University’s Wordnet defines “Theology”, in this particular context, as “a particular system or school of religious beliefs and teachings.”
So — you’re not criticizing the beliefs, because you don’t know the beliefs. You’re just criticizing the “system of beliefs.” Still semantics.
>> Argue with me, tell me why the Rick Warren theology isn’t shallow - I never once commented on your belief.
I haven’t read Rick Warren. And, generally speaking, I do not debate theology. There are far more qualified people than I to take up the Protestant cause.
I do, however, dispute the fact that Rick Warren’s book is a representative sample of the complexity within Protestant theology. Rick Warren delivered ONE of THOUSANDS of possible messages which define Protestant theology. Some of those messages are lighthearted and hopeful, some are fire and brimstone. Some are simplistic and general, some are very complex and very specific. Some are for new believers just coming to Christ, some are for seasoned veterans of the faith.
Ultimately, Rick Warren wrote a self-help book from a Christian perspective. How to better your life through a relationship with Christ. I don’t begrudge him, or his fans, that message — it is a good message, a Biblically sound message, and a message that many probably need to hear. That Warren didn’t take on the tough issues in that particular book doesn’t mean the theology avoids those issues — it means only that believers will have to consult a different book for the fire and brimstone. Whether Rick Warren is simplistic or not (again, I haven’t read him), a single book — no matter how popular — is not a reasonable measure of the complexity of an entire faith system.
>> And clearly, if it is on the NYT bestsellers list, and the people reading it are not Catholic or Orthodox, then it is Protestant theology.
Lots of Christians read Tom Clancy, too. That doesn’t make his books defining of their theology. Lots of Protestants LOVE Dr. Laura Schlessinger — a Jewish woman with many useful things to say about improving your life through good choices and living morally. Lots like Dr. Phil. Lots love Ann Coulter. I’m sure one or two have read Andrea Dworkin.
You’ve chosen one book out of thousands, and declared it the defining book of Protestant theology. It simply isn’t your place to decide what books do and do not define a theology that isn’t your own.
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So — you’re not criticizing the beliefs, because you don’t know the beliefs. You’re just criticizing the “system of beliefs.” Still semantics.
I think that is a faulty definition of Theology, and Wikipedia agrees with me. Now, I try to shy away from Wikipedia as a source, but in defining the common meanings of terms, it is helpful.
The Wikipedia entry states that Theology is reasoned discourse about religion. Essentially, it is the justification of one's religious beliefs. The justification of some branches of Protestantism's beliefs have more to do with fuzzy feelings than reason, Scripture, logic, etc. Thus, it is shallow.
Regarding Rick Warren, I picked his book mostly because it is prominent and known to most people. I never said that it is representative of the whole of Protestant theology - please stop accusing me of such. Go back and read my post 12. I never claimed all of Protestantism is encompassed by Rick Warren, nor did I say all Protestant theology is shallow.