The Core Process
The following stages describe the core process of the project that moves from the story the Bible tells, to the meaning drawn from that story, to the life that flows from it.
Together, these process stages outline the structure through which theological work is pursued within Searching Theology.
The Story the Bible Tells (Story)
The Story the Bible Tells is the story that unfolds across Scripture from creation to new creation, revealing who God is and what He is accomplishing in the world.
The story functions as the governing structure within which all theological understanding takes place. All understanding drawn from Scripture must remain accountable to this story.
The Meaning of the Story (Meaning)
The Meaning of the Story is the understanding drawn from the story and the effort to organize it into a coherent system.
Through engagement with the story, understanding develops and leads to conclusions, which are then organized into a system.
That system is not the story. It remains accountable to the story.
Because human understanding is limited, the system is never complete or without error and must not be treated as final. It remains subject to ongoing clarification and correction as it is continually evaluated in light of the story.
Living the Story (Life)
Living the Story is the lived response that flows from the meaning of the story.
As understanding of the story develops into a system, that system is meant to shape how we live. It is the application of that understanding in everyday life.
The goal is not only understanding, but how that understanding helps us live faithfully before God and toward others.
The Core Process in Simple Terms
The Story is the story the Bible tells, and the governing structure.
Meaning is the understanding drawn from that story and organized into a system.
Life is the lived response shaped by that system.
Note on Ongoing Development
This project reflects current understanding and may be updated as clarity develops.