In honour of Simon, a true theologian and restless seeker of truth.
Simon in his own words
This is an edited extract from the introduction of a short book written by Simon in May 2020 called The key to the door. Go to the Simon Mapp Library section to download your own copy (best read by selecting two page view).
“I am not an academic, and I will not pretend to be so; but I did read theology at University and I do have an appreciation for the complexities of scriptural interpretation, systematic theology, and I enjoy the linguistic tease of many philosophers. Interestingly, and self-reflectively, I studied at a liberal university, Birmingham and was [and I hope this is not unfair to say] steered away from more ‘evangelical’ scholars, such as Tom Wright. Having now spent twelve years in ministry I am appreciating Professor Wright’s scriptural studies and his many books.
This leads me on to my very brief biography. A Methodist, then a radical theology student at Birmingham, then a radical Methodist preacher, then having secured a place at Oxford University to continue my theology studies, rejected by the Church of England, so, I picked myself up, got a job as a high schools careers officer, and went off to Nottingham University for five years to study Community, Social Work, and Career Guidance, then I was a Minister in an independent Church where I began a funeral ministry then back to Oxford University [Dept of Continued Education] for one year part-time study of Philosophy, finally back to the Methodist Church where I’m happy as a member, occasional preacher, and helper at Bible study gatherings, and endeavour to follow a path as a lay monastic.
So, from radical student, to now as I write, a more evangelical funeral Pastor, I see my journey has moved into a richer and deeper understanding of what it means to be a Christian [I am still learning].
This little book is not really about the authors, it is about me, and those who have influenced my own thinking. There are a couple of thinkers I would like to have included, such as Michel Foucault and Jacques Derrida – but to do so would be to delve into deep philosophical ground and one would require a knowledge of specialised language and I am keen to keep in mind the guidance from William Sangster. The thinkers I have chosen are:
· Soren Kierkegaard
· Ludwig Wittgenstein
· Leslie Weatherhead
· John Moriarty
· Tom Wright
These thinkers have influenced me for different reasons, so do not look for a common thread – other than the person I am.
I know that I’m a Christian who sometimes has agonising doubts, and I understand this in two ways. Firstly my doubts come when I’m at my busiest in my ministry, supporting families, doing what I feel ‘called’ to do, by God; [and I don’t have good language for this] but it feels like I’m under attack from something darker [see my chapter on Tom Wright for a fuller explanation of how we might understand this]. Secondly, sometimes, and here I rest in the writings of John Moriarty, when I’m distant from God, in the darkness, this is actually when I’m closest to God. Kierkegaard inspires me to move away from the organisation of religious institutions and find an asceticism, a lay monastic life, to discover what it means to be a Christian.
Wittgenstein delves into some technical language – but this little book would not be possible without reference to him – not in relation to his philosophical work especially, but how he has influenced me as a Christian.
Leslie Weatherhead has been a constant companion throughout my life, his preaching, best defined as ‘truth through personality’, his message, and his pastoral ability; Weatherhead was a preacher and a writer with a gift for finding beautiful language to express the love of God for His people. I owe Weatherhead more than I could possibly say. “
