Reflection: Is Theology static or dynamic?
- John Scoble
- Jan 6
- 5 min read
Updated: Sep 19
This video asks whether one believes theology is static or dynamic and how that impacts the spiritual journey.
View John Scoble's Reflection Video: Is Theology static or dynamic?
Reflection: Is Theology static or dynamic?
When you think about theology, do you picture something carved in stone - forever fixed, absolute, untouchable? Or do you imagine it as a living conversation - shifting, breathing, adapting as humanity and culture evolve?
This question isn’t just for ivory-tower academics. It matters for seekers, wanderers, and anyone trying to walk a spiritual path in today’s ever-changing world. Because how you answer it shapes the way you pray, the way you see your neighbour, and even the way you engage with science, culture, and justice.
The Case for Static Theology
Static theology insists that truth is timeless, unchanging, and already revealed. God has spoken through scripture and tradition, and those teachings provide a reliable foundation for faith and practice.
It gives clarity and stability - no guessing games, no shifting goalposts.
It promotes unity - a common ground believers can rally around.
It guards against error - protecting communities from “new ideas” that may distort faith.
This approach is often championed by fundamentalist strands of Judaism, Islam, and Christianity. It emphasises God’s unchanging nature and the need to anchor ourselves to truths that don’t bend with cultural winds.
The Case for Dynamic Theology
Dynamic theology, on the other hand, says revelation is ongoing. Faith isn’t a museum - it’s a living, evolving relationship. Truth speaks not only from the past but also through culture, science, and the cries for justice in our world today.
It allows faith to respond to cultural diversity and human rights.
It integrates scientific insights without fear.
It supports compassion, inclusion, and ethical growth.
It recognises that personal faith is a lifelong journey of re-interpretation.
Traditions like Hinduism and many mainstream Christian denominations lean toward this dynamic view, encouraging seekers to see theology as flexible enough to meet new realities.
Static and Dynamic in Conversation
Interestingly, in October 2023, Australian theologian Professor Ormond Rush revisited the tensions in Catholic theology highlighted by Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger (later Pope Benedict XVI). Vatican II documents, he noted, hold both strands together:
Static theology - legalistic, propositional, ahistorical, claiming relevance for all times and places.
Dynamic theology - personalist, sacramental, rooted in history, interpreted in context, open to the future.
Rush concluded that when you study history, you realise how little about the Church is incapable of change. Only a small number of doctrines are formally revealed. The rest? Theological commentary - commentary that grows, adapts, and sometimes needs re-imagining.
What Does This Mean for Your Spiritual Journey?
So, what’s your stance? Do you find comfort in timeless truths, or do you sense that God still speaks through culture, science, and new voices?
Neither side needs to “win.” Perhaps the challenge is to hold both - to root ourselves in tradition while staying open to the Spirit’s surprising whispers in the present and future.
Because whether theology is static or dynamic isn’t just theory. It shapes how you see God, how you treat others, and how you live your own story of faith.
Reflection:
Where in your life are you holding tightly to static truths, and where are you being invited to let theology breathe, shift, and grow?
FAQs: Is Theology static or dynamic?
What does static theology mean?
Static theology holds that truth has already been revealed and doesn’t change over time. It sees scripture and tradition as the final word, offering stability and clarity for believers. This approach is common in fundamentalist strands of Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, where unchanging truth is viewed as a safeguard against confusion or error. (Source: A St Lucia Spirituality perspective)
What does dynamic theology mean?
Dynamic theology views revelation as ongoing - alive and responsive to culture, history, and human experience. It encourages imagination, creativity, and adaptation, allowing faith to evolve in step with new knowledge and social change. Mainstream Christian denominations and Hindu traditions often embrace this approach, seeing faith as a lifelong process of reinterpretation. (Source: A St Lucia Spirituality perspective)
Why is the debate between static and dynamic theology important?
Because how you view theology shapes your spiritual journey. A static view offers certainty but can feel rigid. A dynamic view fosters openness and inclusivity but can feel less predictable. Your position influences how you interpret scripture, respond to cultural issues, and integrate science or justice into your faith. Theologians like Ormond Rush point out that Catholic tradition actually holds both perspectives in tension. (Source: Ormond Rush, 2023 lecture; A St Lucia Spirituality perspective)
How do static and dynamic theology show up in church life today?
Static theology shows up in churches that emphasise strict adherence to tradition and doctrine, seeing faith as timeless rules to be applied universally. Dynamic theology shows up in communities that re-interpret scripture for modern issues - such as climate change, gender equality, or human rights. Research confirms that younger generations are more likely to seek flexible spiritual frameworks that integrate science and social justice (Pew Research Center, 2023).
Can static and dynamic theology work together?
Yes. In fact, Vatican II documents reveal both strands coexisting: one legalistic and timeless, the other contextual and open to change. Many modern theologians argue that faith is healthiest when rooted in tradition (static) but open to growth (dynamic). This balance allows believers to remain grounded while also being responsive to new challenges, voices, and discoveries. (Source: Ormond Rush, 2023; A St Lucia Spirituality perspective)
At St Lucia Spirituality we believe the journey is richer when it’s shared. If you’re seeking a place to explore questions, practice mindfulness, or simply belong to an inclusive spiritual community, we invite you to join us. From online discussion groups and meditation gatherings to our growing library of resources, there’s space here for every seeker. Step into the conversation, connect with others, and discover how community can nurture your spiritual growth.
About the Author - John Scoble
John's journey began in the heart of a traditional Roman Catholic family in Sydney, where he was raised with steadfast faith and reverence. Now residing in the serene surroundings of St Lucia, Brisbane, alongside his beloved wife, John finds solace and inspiration in the tranquil rhythms of life. With four adult children and a cherished grandchild also calling Brisbane home, John's family is his anchor, providing love, support, and a sense of belonging.
While spirituality has always been a cornerstone of his life, it was three transformative events in 2012, including a sacred pilgrimage to the Holy Lands, that ignited a profound shift in John's spiritual trajectory. Embracing retirement as an opportunity for deeper exploration, John immersed himself in extensive reading and soulful reflection.
Over the course of a decade, this journey of self-discovery has led John to reevaluate and transcend many of his traditional beliefs, embracing instead the timeless wisdom and cosmic perspective inherent in Christianity. Influenced by luminaries such as St. Francis of Assisi, St. Teresa of Avila, and Richard Rohr, John's spiritual evolution has been marked by a deepening resonance with the essential truths of his faith and a profound connection to the divine unfolding within and around him.
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