What would it mean to do theology with the assumption of God as ultimate mystic? Smoley explores the human adventure described in scriptures through the lens of input from various philosophical and religious traditions. He explores the limits of our imagination and understanding - and asks, what is reality if we don't understand much about anything (besides what we can experience with our senses)? It's an intriguing and dangerous idea - an one that leaves room for a lot of speculation and wild imagination.
Perhaps my biggest concern is the supposition that we can place limitations on God's revelation of himself in the Bible. Is what he tells us enough? Did he reveal himself to us in a true and provable way? Or is it our responsibility as humans to go beyond what we read to speculate on what God might be like and what the universe could be about?
Do we need to add some wildness and unlimited possibility to our theology?
Maybe - but here's my caution: without the anchor of a vibrant relationship with God through Christ, are we cliff-jumping into academic and philosophical silliness? Smoley's mixture of invention and mystical traditions makes this a no-go for me. It's interesting, but too far from the God who reveals himself in scripture to make it a serious contender for a way of life ... or as wisdom that could lead to a more profound or accurate theology of God-with-us.
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