I propose that every theological system also has an associated sociology, such that we can fully understand the claims of a theological perspective only if we attempt to see what it would look like if those claims were fleshed out in the life of a community. Thus an examination of such a link can be used to test cautiously the adequacy of the theological position in question. What kinds of sermons would be preached? What would be the patterns of spiritual formation? How would ecclesial decisions be made? How would spouses treat each other, and how would they raise children? What would be the character of the community’s evangelism, counseling, and catechizing? How would the members of the community deal with the pressing problems of humankind in general?
Richard Mouw
He Shines in All That’s Fair
