Marc Kolden
Olin S. and Amanda Fjelstad Reigstad Professor in Theology
Marc Kolden likes to paint a "big picture" view of the Christian faith for his students. "Systematic theology tries to put Christian teachings together in a way that is organic and makes sense. It gives us a framework for considering the particulars," he says.
Such theological reflection helps pastors understand the "whys" of their ministry. For example, praying with patients during a hospital visit isn't just a nice thing to do. It's a necessity, since persons facing serious illness or death need to be invited to bring their concerns to God. "Through theological reflection, I understand that I should pray with them even if they haven't asked or don't know that God wants them to pray," Kolden says.
Although he emphasizes the importance of thinking theologically, Kolden wants his students to make a clear distinction between their theology and their faith in God. "Theological formulations or ways of talking about faith aren't faith itself," he says.
Students need to know that they can remain firm in their faith even if their theology is challenged. He also wants them to understand that they can talk to people with whom they disagree or read challenging books without fearing that their faith will crumble — even if their previous understanding of it crumbles! Understanding the difference between faith and theology is essential if students are going to be able to communicate the Gospel to those who don't yet believe.
Kolden holds degrees from Harvard, Luther Seminary, and the University of Chicago. Before returning to full-time teaching, he served as Academic Dean of the seminary from 1996 until 2003. This period included the development and implementation of the school's strategic plan.
In his writing, Kolden has focused on the doctrine of Christian vocation, an interest that stems from his experience as a pastor. "People are called by God to love their neighbors. One way they do this is by fulfilling roles in daily life — at work, in the family, in school, in the community, in retirement. God cares about all those everyday things and Christian faith helps us understand this and convey it to others," he says.
Marc Kolden Biography
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“ Theological formulations or ways of talking about faith aren’t faith itself.”
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