Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds,

so that you may discern what is the will of God--what is good and acceptable and perfect.

The Apostle Paul to the Romans (12:2)

Too often theology or "talk about God" is viewed as stuff for hermits and marooned shipwreck victims. When there's nothing else to do, then is the time to ask abstract questions about God. Such a notion would have exasperated the apostle Paul. To him, theology was worthless unless it made a difference in how people lived. Paul did not live as an intellectual recluse. He applied his theology to life, a.k.a. practicing what he preached. In fact, the lofty book of Romans was written while he was also raising money for famine victims in Jerusalem (see Romans 15:25-27).

Martin Marty, pastor and Lutheran church historian, has stated: "Christian faith has to do less with what you know and more with whom you know, namely, God and God in Jesus Christ." And yet, the "what" of Christian knowledge also matters greatly because all kinds of stories, events, memories, doctrines, and programs enrich the faith. In faith as in the rest of life, a person grows in knowledge by asking questions.

Therefore, as Lutherans, we welcome questions of all sorts from every generation.