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Transparency in Personal Examples and Acknowledging Biases in Theological Reflection

Theological reflection, particularly in Christian contexts, often involves personal examples and an acknowledgment of biases, reflecting a long-standing emphasis on sincerity, self-examination, and the transformative power of faith. This practice is rooted in biblical calls for believers to live authentically and to understand their own spiritual state [3, 11].

The concept of sincerity is central to Christian conduct. Christ himself is presented as an example of sincerity [3], and ministers are specifically called to embody this quality [3]. Sincerity should characterize various aspects of a believer's life, including love for God and Christ, service to God, faith, love for one another, and overall conduct [3]. The preaching of the gospel itself should be marked by sincerity, contrasting with instances where it might be delivered without it [3]. This emphasis on sincerity suggests that theological reflection, which is a form of service and expression of faith, should likewise be genuine and transparent.

A key aspect of this transparency is self-examination, often facilitated by the concept of conscience. The conscience acts as an internal witness, accusing individuals of sin and prompting a desire for purity [1]. The Apostle Paul, for instance, stated his endeavor to "have alway a cleare conscience towarde God, and toward men" [7]. This internal monitor is crucial for understanding one's own motivations and biases. Matthew Henry, a Nonconformist commentator, notes that examining one's conscience, thoughts, affections, and intentions, and beholding one's "natural face in the glass of the divine law," helps a person discern their true character [11]. This process of self-reflection, using the divine law as a mirror, allows individuals to see their "blemishes and imperfections" and to form purposes for improvement [10]. Adam Clarke, a Methodist commentator, similarly emphasizes that individuals should "examine himself and his conduct by the words and example of Christ" [12]. This self-assessment, rather than comparison with others, is presented as the proper standard for a Christian [12].

The example of Christ is paramount in guiding this self-reflection and the pursuit of transparency. Christ's example is described as perfect, and believers are called to conform to it in holiness, righteousness, purity, love, humility, meekness, obedience, and self-denial [4]. This includes being "guileless" [4]. Self-denial, in particular, is highlighted as a test of devotion to Christ and necessary for following him, involving denying ungodliness, controlling appetites, abstaining from fleshly lusts, and mortifying sinful desires [2]. When theological reflection incorporates personal examples, it ideally aligns with this Christ-like pattern, demonstrating a willingness to acknowledge personal struggles and growth in light of Christ's perfect example.

Theological reflection also benefits from acknowledging biases because human understanding is inherently limited and shaped by individual experiences and perspectives. The Apostle Paul, in Philippians 3:15, suggests that while mature believers should embrace a certain "point of view," God will reveal differing perspectives on issues to those who "think differently" [5]. This implies an openness to divine correction and a recognition that one's current understanding might not be exhaustive. The "revelation" of God is understood as an "uncovering, a bringing to light of that which had been previously wholly hidden or only obscurely seen" [8]. This ongoing process of revelation suggests that theological understanding is not static and can be deepened, implying that personal biases, if unacknowledged, could hinder this process.

The act of "confessing Christ" is not merely an outward declaration but is deeply connected to an internal transformation and an evidence of union with God [6]. This confession must be connected with faith and is necessary for salvation [6]. The Holy Spirit's influence is considered necessary for this confession [6]. This internal work of the Spirit in shaping one's faith and understanding naturally influences theological reflection. When individuals share their personal journeys and insights, they are, in a sense, confessing Christ through their lived experience, which requires a degree of transparency about their own biases and limitations.

Theological reflection, therefore, is not merely an academic exercise but a spiritual discipline that calls for integrity. Matthew Henry notes that the "confession of a Christian's faith cannot credibly be supported but by the two means here specified - a good conscience and a good conversation" [13]. A good conscience, kept pure and clear from guilt, justifies the believer even when accused by others [13]. A "good conversation in Christ" refers to a holy life lived according to Christ's doctrine and example [13]. This connection between internal conscience and outward conduct underscores the importance of transparency in theological discourse. When personal examples are used, they serve as a testament to this "good conversation" and the ongoing work of a "good conscience."

Furthermore, the early church recognized the importance of discerning truth from falsehood, as seen in the Ephesian Christians who "had examined various claims, exercised discipline on evil people, could tell what is true and what is false, and had patiently suffered for their faith in Christ" [9]. This capacity for discernment implies a critical engagement with ideas, including one's own. Acknowledging biases is a crucial step in this discernment process, allowing for a more objective evaluation of theological claims.

Theological reflection, when it incorporates personal examples and acknowledges biases, aligns with the broader Christian call to live a life of integrity and truthfulness. It recognizes that human understanding is fallible and that true insight often comes through a process of self-examination, guided by the example of Christ and the ongoing revelation of God. This approach fosters a more humble and authentic engagement with divine truths, recognizing the individual's role in interpreting and applying those truths.

Sources

  1. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Conscience — Witnesses in man -- Pr 20:27; Ro 2:15. Accuses of sin -- Ge 42:21; 2Sa 24:10; Mt 27:3; Ac 2:37. We should have the approval of -- Job 27:6; Ac 24:16; Ro 9:1; 14:22. The blood of Christ alone can purify -- Heb 9:14; 10:2-10,22. Keep the faith in purity of -- 1Ti 1:19; 3:9. Of saints, pure and good -- Heb 13:18; 1Pe 3:16,21. Submit to authority for -- Ro 13:5. Suffer patiently for -- 1Pe 2:19. Testimony of, a source of joy -- 2Co 1:12; 1Jo 3:21. Of others, not to be offended -- Ro 14:21; 1Co 10:28-32. Ministers should commend themselves to that of their pe”
  2. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Self-Denial — Christ set an example of -- Mt 4:8-10; 8:20; Joh 6:38; Ro 15:3; Php 2:6-8. A test of devotedness to Christ -- Mt 10:37,38; Lu 9:23,24. Necessary In following Christ. -- Lu 14:27-33. In the warfare of saints. -- 2Ti 2:4. To the triumph of saints. -- 1Co 9:25-27. Ministers especially called to exercise -- 2Co 6:4,5. Should be exercised in Denying ungodliness and worldly lusts. -- Ro 6:12; Tit 2:12. Controlling the appetite. -- Pr 23:2. Abstaining from fleshly lusts. -- 1Pe 2:11. No longer living to lusts of men. -- 1Pe 4:2. Mortifying sinful lusts. -- Mr ”
  3. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Sincerity — Christ was an example of -- 1Pe 2:22. Ministers should be examples of -- Tit 2:7. Opposed to fleshly wisdom -- 2Co 1:12. Should characterise Our love to God. -- 2Co 8:8,24. Our love to Christ. -- Eph 6:24. Our service to God. -- Jos 24:14; Joh 4:23,24. Our faith. -- 1Ti 1:5. Our love to one another. -- Ro 12:9; 1Pe 1:22; 1Jo 3:18. Our whole conduct. -- 2Co 1:12. The preaching of the gospel. -- 2Co 2:17; 1Th 2:3-5. A characteristic of the doctrines of the gospel -- 1Pe 2:2. The gospel sometimes preached without -- Php 1:16. The wicked devoid of -- Ps 5:9; ”
  4. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Example of Christ, The — Is perfect -- Heb 7:26. Conformity to, required in Holiness. -- 1Pe 1:15,16; Ro 1:6. Righteousness. -- 1Jo 2:6. Purity. -- 1Jo 3:3. Love. -- Joh 13:34; Eph 5:2; 1Jo 3:16. Humility. -- Lu 22:27; Php 2:5,7. Meekness. -- Mt 11:29. Obedience. -- Joh 15:10. Self-denial. -- Mt 16:24; Ro 15:3. Ministering to others. -- Mt 20:28; Joh 13:14,15. Benevolence. -- Ac 20:35; 2Co 8:7,9. Forgiving injuries. -- Col 3:13. Overcoming the world. -- Joh 16:33; 1Jo 5:4. Being not of the world. -- Joh 17:16. Being guileless. -- 1Pe 2:21-22. Suffering wrongfully. --”
  5. Philippians “Philippians 3:15 (BSB) — All of us who are mature should embrace this point of view. And if you think differently about some issue, God will reveal this to you as well.”
  6. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Confessing Christ — Influences of the Holy Spirit necessary to -- 1Co 12:3; 1Jo 4:2. A test of being saints -- 1Jo 2:23; 4:2,3. An evidence of union with God -- 1Jo 4:15. Necessary to salvation -- Ro 10:9,10. Ensures his confessing us -- Mt 10:32. The fear of man prevents -- Joh 7:13; 12:42,43. Persecution should not prevent us from -- Mr 8:35; 2Ti 2:12. Must be connected with faith -- Ro 10:9. Consequences of not -- Mt 10:33. Exemplified Nathanael. -- Joh 1:49. Peter. -- Joh 6:68,69; Ac 2:22-36. Man born blind. -- Joh 9:25,33. Martha. -- Joh 11:27. Peter and John. -”
  7. Acts “Acts 24:16 (Geneva1599) — And herein I endeuour my selfe to haue alway a cleare conscience towarde God, and toward men.”
  8. Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Revelation — An uncovering, a bringing to light of that which had been previously wholly hidden or only obscurely seen. God has been pleased in various ways and at different times (Heb. 1:1) to make a supernatural revelation of himself and his purposes and plans, which, under the guidance of his Spirit, has been committed to writing. (See WORD OF [532]GOD.) The Scriptures are not merely the "record" of revelation; they are the revelation itself in a written form, in order to the accurate presevation and propagation of the truth. Revelation and inspiration differ. Rev”
  9. Revelation (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Revelation 2:2: 2:2-3 I know: This repeated refrain (2:9, 13, 19; 3:1, 8, 15) shows Christ’s total knowledge of his people, their activities, and their circumstances. • The Ephesian Christians had a correct theology marked by perseverance and faithfulness. They had examined various claims, exercised discipline on evil people, could tell what is true and what is false, and had patiently suffered for their faith in Christ.”
  10. James (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on James 1:23: Beholding his natural face in a glass - This metaphor is very simple, but very expressive. A man wishes to see his own face, and how, in its natural state, it appears; for this purpose he looks into a mirror, by which his real face, with all its blemishes and imperfections, is exhibited. He is affected with his own appearance; he sees deformities that might be remedied; spots, superfluities, and impurities, that might be removed. While he continues to look into the mirror he is affected, and wishes himself different to what he appears, and forms purposes of doing wha”
  11. Proverbs (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Proverbs 27:19: This shows us that there is a way, 1. Of knowing ourselves. As the water is a looking-glass in which we may see our faces by reflection, so there are mirrors by which the heart of a man is discovered to a man, that is, to himself. Let a man examine his own conscience, his thoughts, affections, and intentions. Let him behold his natural face in the glass of the divine law (Jam 1:23), and he may discern what kind of man he is and what is his true character, which it will be of great use to every man rightly to know. 2. Of knowing one another by ourselves; for, as”
  12. Galatians (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Galatians 6:4: Prove his own work - Let him examine himself and his conduct by the words and example of Christ; and if he find that they bear this touchstone, then he shall have rejoicing in himself alone, feeling that he resembles his Lord and Master, and not in another - not derive his consolation from comparing himself with another who may be weaker, or less instructed than himself. The only rule for a Christian is the word of Christ; the only pattern for his imitation is the example of Christ. He should not compare himself with others; they are not his standard. Christ hath ”
  13. 1 Peter (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on 1 Peter 3:16: The confession of a Christian's faith cannot credibly be supported but by the two means here specified - a good conscience and a good conversation. conscience is good when it does its office well, when it is kept pure and uncorrupt, and clear from guilt; then it will justify you, though men accuse you. A good conversation in Christ is a holy life, according to the doctrine and example of Christ. "Look well to your conscience, and to your conversation; and then, though men speak evil of you, and falsely accuse you as evil-doers, you will clear yourselves, and brin”
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