Hints and helps in pastoral theology by William S Plumer (Available from Amazon or free here) - Read Chapter 9 (The right temper for a theologian).
Today we are taught what is the right temper of a theologian.
A theologian is:
(i) not prejudiced;
(ii) modest;
(iii) independent in thought and free in inquiry;
(iv) profoundly reverent for all that is sacred;
(v) a lover of truth;
(vi) patient;
(vii) diligent;
(viii) genuinely lively in faith;
(ix) moderate in his judgements of divine things;
(x) prayerful.
I particularly appreciated the counsel to be patient in my studies: 'Another state of heart very important to the theologian is patience, producing caution and deliberation. A hasty spirit is wholly unfriendly to sound learning. The minds of many rush with impetuosity toward conclusions. They seem to be impatient of all delay, or to regard it as a derogation from their just estimate of themselves to ask them to tarry long in the premises of any subject. Yet observation shows that conclusions hastily adopted are often as hastily abandoned. Even if we reach the truth, but in a rash manner, it can hardly be as a pillar of beautiful proportions in our thoughts, nor can we be half so sure that it is truth to be relied on in all exigencies, as if we had reached it by more careful steps. Let reasonable doubts produce uncertainty, and let us suspend our judgments, until time has been given for further prayer and investigation. Such a habit may leave us for a while unsettled about some matters of great interest. Very well. Jesus said : "What thou knowest not now, thou shalt know hereafter." And Paul said : " We know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away." '
Suspending judgement on difficulties can indicate wisdom, not foolishness.
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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