What We Believe
Narrative Theology
Catalyst approaches the scriptures as an inspired liberation narrative; a story inviting us to encounter a God who asks us to make a difference about the injustices in our world.
The teaching series 'Unfinished Beauty' is our best attempt to explain this much more deeply.
As you read the accounts in the pages of the Scriptures you notice a kaleidescopic blend of voices, cultures, and literary genres. They come together to offer a breathtaking and compelling story of beauty, brokenness, restoration, and hope... a story that does not end on the last page of the Bible, but continues to unfold even today and invites us to become characters within it's unfinished plotline.
7 Core Questions
As you read the story of God found in the Biblical texts, and as you search for your place in it, we invite you to be asking yourself seven core questions. These are questions that all followers of Jesus answer, either intentionally or unintentionally:
1. Who is God?
2. Who is Jesus?
3. Who is the Spirit?
4. What does it mean to be human?
5. What is the 'problem of sin', and what does 'salvation' mean?
6. What is the nature and role of the church?
7. What is the future that we hope for?
From your answers to these seven, the rest of your theology and faith-life practice will unfold. We would also argue that the most important question of the seven is the second. We must all articulate our response to the question that Jesus asked his disciples, "Who do you say that I am?"
Sources for a WorldView
As you begin your journey in answering these questions, there are four core sources of guidance that you can use in the process (not in a particular order):
1. Scripture- Your reading and understanding of the Bible in community with others. We do not see the engaging of scriptures as a solo sport, and encourage you to encounter it with others.
2. Reason- Your reflection and that of others, including science. God created us with a capacity to think deeply, and by doing so we are loving God with our minds.
3. Experience- The life experiences and real-world observations you have that offer clues about the nature of our world and reality. From your first-hand experiences of suffering, beauty, justice, love, prayer, spiritual connection to God and more.
4. Tradition- The joint understanding of the people of God across time, from the earliest centuries of our faith- to today. This will include everything from the early desert fathers, to medieval monks, to Reformation era figures, to the many denominational leaders and scholars of today. Each offer valuable perspectives and insights.
We see Jesus teaching us to trust the Spirit of God to guide people towards truth as they integrate these sources into a coherent worldview.
