St. Paul's Practical Theology, a letter to the Church of England and how I relate it all to the world today. By Simon Giles

 Introduction 

St. Paul, one of the most influential figures in early Christianity, played a significant role in shaping the understanding of the church and its interaction with the world. His practical theology, as expressed through his writings in the New Testament, offers invaluable insights into various aspects of Christian living, community, and engagement with the surrounding society. This essay will examine how St. Paul's practical theology and his understanding of the church and world continue to impact our contemporary context.

 Key points of Paul's theology.  

 St. Paul's understanding of the Church regarding Unity and Diversity within the Church. St. Paul emphasized the unity of believers regardless of their ethnic, social, or cultural differences. In his letter to the Galatians, he writes, "There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male or female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:28). This understanding of the church as a unified body, despite diversity, challenges divisions and promotes inclusivity within today's multicultural and diverse society. Paul's theology emphasized that the church is not a mere gathering of individuals, but a community bound together by love, shared faith, and discipleship. In his letters to the Corinthians, he compares the church to a body, where each member has unique gifts and responsibilities for the well-being of the whole body. This understanding inspires present-day Christians to view the church as a collective community and emphasizes the importance of using individual gifts and talents for the betterment of the community and society.       St. Paul viewed the church as a community called to a life of transformation and holiness, guided by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. He writes in his letter to the Romans, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God" (Romans 12:2). This understanding encourages believers to live in a manner that reflects their transformed lives, providing a witness to the power of God's grace and mercy in today's world. St. Paul's understanding of the World, Paul recognized the importance of Christians engaging with the world around them, using their influence as followers of Christ to make a positive impact. In his letter to the Philippians, he encourages believers to "so that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine like stars in the world. It is by holding fast to the word of life that I can boast on the day of Christ that I did not run in vain or labour in vain." as they hold firmly to the message of life in Christ (Philippians 2:15-16). This understanding challenges Christians today to actively participate in society, addressing social, moral, and ethical issues, while demonstrating Christ's love and compassion.      St. Paul saw the proclamation of the Gospel as a central mission of the church. In his letter to the Corinthians, he writes, "If I proclaim the Gospel, this gives me no grounds for boasting, for an obligation is laid on me, and woe to me if I do not proclaim the gospel!" (1 Corinthians 9:16). Today, this understanding urges believers to boldly share the good news of salvation, engaging in compassionate evangelism and demonstrating the love of Christ to a world in need.  

Key points of Paul's theology

     St. Paul demonstrated a remarkable ability to adapt his message and approach according to the cultural context he encountered. In his speech to the Athenians, Paul quoted their poets and engaged with philosophical ideas to connect with his audience (Acts 17:22-34). This approach challenges contemporary Christians to be culturally sensitive and relevant in their engagement with the world, effectively communicating Christ's message in diverse contexts.       St. Paul's emphasis on unity within the church continues to guide contemporary Christians in building inclusive and diverse communities. Today, the church strives to be a place where people from all backgrounds and cultures can find acceptance, love, and a shared journey of faith, reflecting the vision of unity portrayed by Paul.      St Paul's call to engage in societal issues and promote justice inspires believers to actively address the injustices present in today's world. Issues such as poverty, inequality, racial discrimination, and oppression require the church's prophetic voice and practical action, echoing Paul's concern for social justice and compassion.       St. Paul's ability to engage with diverse cultures, respecting their customs and traditions while sharing the Gospel, offers an example for Christians today. This understanding encourages interfaith and intercultural dialogue, fostering mutual understanding, cooperation, and peaceful coexistence in a pluralistic society.      St. Paul's practical theology and his understanding of the church and world continue to exert a profound impact on contemporary Christianity. His teachings on church unity, community, engagement with the world, and transformation provide timeless principles essential for the holistic development and witness of the church. By employing his insights, Christians today can better navigate the complexities of our world, demonstrating a Christ-centred example of love, justice, and reconciliation. St. Paul's practical theology remains a vital resource for shaping the understanding and practice of faith in the modern era. 

What would St. Paul write today to the Church of England?

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. As I reflect upon the state of the Church of England today, I am compelled to address some pressing issues that weigh heavily upon my heart.

First and foremost, I urge you to hold fast to the teachings of the gospel and to remain steadfast in your faith. In a world that is increasingly turning away from God, it is crucial that the Church of England stands firm in proclaiming the truth of the Word of God and upholding the teachings of Christ. I am aware of the challenges and divisions that exist within the Church and urge you to strive for unity and reconciliation. Let love be your highest aim, and let humility and compassion guide your interactions with one another. Remember that we are all members of one body, the body of Christ, and we are called to love one another as Christ has loved us. I am also concerned about moral and ethical issues that are prevalent in society today. As followers of Christ, it is imperative that you uphold the sanctity of life, defend the vulnerable, and promote justice and righteousness in all areas of the life. Do not conform to the ways of the world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is good and acceptable and perfect. Lastly, I encourage you to be vigilant in prayer and seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit in all things. Let the love of Christ compel you to reach out to those who are lost and in need, and to be a beacon of hope and light in a dark and broken world.

May the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. May the love of God be poured out abundantly upon the Church of England, so that you may be a shining example of Christ’s love and grace to all who you encounter.

In Christ’s love,

Paul

How St Paul's message applies in my own life today

When I read Paul’s epistles, I am struck by his zeal to share the Gospel of Jesus. This has been true of him from the beginning of The Book of Acts, when he went by the name of Saul and persecuted the Apostles of Jesus. Saul loved God; however, he was blind to who God real is which is so true about society today. In my experience the teenagers and young adults of the western world today are blind to what God is. Paul required his road to Damascus experience. I to have had my road to Damascus experience. Saul and I were blind and now we can see, we can see the love, hope, and justice God gives. Saul was born again to Paul; I was born again to Simon who has loving faith and a river of hope flowing out of me. This hope is what I share with the young people today. I talk to a lot of 18- to 25-year-olds in my workplace and I hear the lack of hope for a good future “so might as well just live for today”. This I believe this leads them to be stuck in the world, surrounding themselves with materialism, social media, and activities that give quick endorphin releases. When materialism stops working because they have all the ‘stuff’ they want and are still unhappy, when social media turns against them, and they are even further away for knowing what friendship really is. When the dopamine hits must be done to a frequency that makes life unmanageable then that’s when hopelessness sets in, and depression and anxiety rule their lives. This isn’t just unique to young people it can happen to anyone at any time of their life. When I share my experience, I always start with the Gospel of Jesus Christ and Paul’s Road to Damascus experience and how it relates to me. Saul was blinded to his understanding of God and thought the Apostles where evil, because Jesus didn’t fit into his earthly understanding of how much God loves us all. Saul like many thought the Messiah was going to be a great military leader not a teacher of love. Jesus reveals himself to Saul and he could no longer live in the denial of Jesus being the Son of Man. I denied Gods existence for most of my life then just over 3 years ago I have my road to Damascus experience, and I could no longer deny God and that Jesus Christ died for me, came back from the dead and will come again. I was dead and now I’m alive. I live in the love of God and the Holy Spirit strengthens me every day, to go out into the world and share the Good News that Jesus heals and overcomes the ways of this world, he endures for ever.

St. Paul to me was the first born again Christian after the ascension and that is why I spend a lot of time with God reading his Letters. Being born again has been the single greatest moment of my life. I believe Paul shares that experience in his letters and his ministry. Paul’s energy to travel and spread the Word is unmatched, is unwavering need to share the truth about Jesus Christ to the risk of ultimately being put to death for it, shows the Gospel of Jesus Christ to be the only way to God.

I share my story and the Gospel with anyone who wants to listen. Sometimes it falls on deaf ears, sometimes it plants seeds of faith, and I see those seeds growing in people, especially young adults. I don’t have any answers I only have my experience. Like Paul, I tell it with truth and zeal which can’t be faked. The one thing young people listen to is a true story that unfolds to the person standing in front of them. People today don’t care what eco rating a church has or if they put on festival’s, they want true real-life experiences much like the people of Pauls time. When your life is in the toilet you want someone who has been there and tells you the way out, that Jesus Christ can lift you out of the despair of the world, and you can have a new life filled with love and hope. With growing faith that no matter what happens Jesus is right there with you. I can only visualize the day Paul woke up the morning of his execution, always feeling Jesus’s hand on your shoulder. I feel that hand on my shoulder today and every day for the rest of my life.    

Sources

Holy Bible NRSV

www.biblestudytools.com, The ministry of St. Paul

www.britannica.com, St. Paul The Apostle

en.wikipedia.org, St. Paul

YouTube, Bible unbound, The Complete Story of Paul: The Apostle to the Gentiles

YouTube, Thirdmill, The Heart of Paul's Theology, Lesson 1: Paul and his Theology