The Problem with Fireside Theology

I love backyard fires. At different seasons and in different locations we have had many a backyard fire. In Niugini, we frequently cooked our meals over one. And firesides are also a great place for conversations. Almost inevitably in our house the conversation will turn to spiritual things. Theology is an abiding topic, sometimes just the two of us, sometimes with our kids, sometimes with the people we have over for a meal, and these days it also involves answering theological questions our kids’ friends ask us. Theology has been and always will be my favourite topic of conversation.

(So, if you’re ever over, please feel free to skip the small talk entirely.)

Today many people partake in fireside theology. They treat Christianity like sitting by the fireside, it is something to keep you comfortable, a balm on a cold night. Christianity is something you sit around, but not something you really live. Christianity is something that adds a nice touch to your life but doesn’t really change you. Christianity is warm and comforting, but not purifying or refining. Fireside theology is the kind of passive Christianity we have frequently encountered amongst Westerners. A Christianity that doesn’t cost you too much, isn’t uncomfortable or too sacrificial.

The historical account of Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego is one of my most favourite events recorded in the Bible, I love teaching it. In Daniel chapter 2, Daniel requests that Nebuchadnezzar allocate Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego to the province of Babylon (Daniel 2:49). The neo-Babylonian Empire which Nebuchadnezzar ruled was about 1600km wide, and Babylon was one province within that empire. Daniel was likely still in the capital city, which is why he doesn’t feature in the narrative. In chapter 3 Nebuchadnezzar builds a golden statue on the plain of Dura, in the Babylon province, and he calls just the officials for the dedication (v2). Nebuchadnezzar’s image was 30m tall, which by ancient standards was nothing extraordinary. Ramses II’s four reliefs at Abu Simbel are 20m tall, built 600 years earlier, and The Colossus of Rhodes was estimated to be 33m tall.

When the leaders of the province gather for the dedication, a herald gives them the rules: at a particular time of day, you will hear music, everyone must worship the golden image or be thrown into the furnace (v3-6). We can assume that all the leaders then go back and pass on this message to the rest of the people, because in verse 7, at the time set, the music starts, and all the people worship. It is unlikely that the entire province was gathered at the image worshipping like is shown in Sunday School pictures. We should imagine it more like an Islamic call to prayer, some people would have been at the statue, but others would have been at home or working. This is also why someone else had to dob in Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego.

When the Chaldeans come to Nebuchadnezzar, they even check they have heard the message right (v8-12). Then the Jews are sent for. Nebuchadnezzar hadn’t seen them not worshipping, which is why he wants to give them another chance to obey him (v14-15). But read their answer to the king carefully:

If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.(Daniel 3:17-18)

Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego don’t claim earthly salvation. They know God has the power to save them physically, but they never claim he definitely will. And they were willing to die for their beliefs. They know God can save them, but even if he doesn’t they would rather burn that worship false gods.

When they are thrown into the fire, only the ropes are burned and they are seen walking around in the fireplace with an extra person, that Nebuchadnezzar says looks like the Son of God (v24-25). And here is one of the most overlooked facts: Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego aren’t recorded as speaking again. Only Nebuchadnezzar does; and he says the miracle is from God. He doesn’t need them to tell him to worship the true God, the miracle speaks for itself. And another oft ignored aspect of the event, the three men are still living in a foreign land and still working for a foreign king; there is no indication that the statue is taken down or that the music won’t play again tomorrow. I mean these guys were probably still living on lentils! (Daniel 1:12-16) God didn’t fix all their problems and struggles in the fire. In fact, from what is recorded, the miracle is less about them and more about God demonstrating his power to Nebuchadnezzar (v15), which is a recurring theme throughout the book of Daniel. God repeatedly demonstrates his power to the different kings who rule his chosen people in captivity; he makes sure they never forget who is really in control.

Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego didn’t have a fireside theology. They had a theology that went into the flames. They knew God had the power to save them, but they didn’t know they would survive, and they were willing to be thrown in the fire anyway. They were willing to die for their beliefs. Much like Jonah, who didn’t tell the sailors to throw him overboard because he knew God had a plan to rescue him. Rather, he didn't want them to suffer for his wrong actions (Jonah 1:12). His error was about to cost others their lives, and he was going to at least correct that. It was less about him, and more about others, just like the events in Daniel.

I’ve been on the Voice of the Martyrs mailing list for over 2 decades. There are so many Christians suffering in the world right now for the same beliefs in the one true God. Unwilling to bow down to a false god even if it costs them their life. They don’t have fireside theology, they too have a theology that goes into the fire. But how many of us could say the same thing?

IT'S NOT ABOUT BEING COMFORTABLE.

Whether is going into a fiery trial or God's own refining fire, God doesn’t want us to just have fireside theology. He wants us to have a theology that takes us into the flames, so others can see the truth (Malachi 3:1-3). When God speaks to the nation of Israel through the prophet Isaiah he says,

Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction. For mine own sake, even for mine own sake, will I do it: for how should my name be polluted? and I will not give my glory unto another. (Isaiah 48:10-11)

God’s refining fire isn’t just about me, it's about God getting the glory. It is for his sake. For a decade, every time we returned to Australia from Niugini we noticed the drift in Christianity, because for many Christians, theology has become just an academic exercise. Something to discuss by the fireside. Something listened to on a Sunday morning, but not something they live every day. And we noticed that many churches have started teaching a Christianity that is comfortable; a version where if I do have to go into the fire, is it always all for my own personal benefit, rather than being about God or for others who are looking on. We all know Romans 12:1-2 and its instruction to be a living sacrifice, and to be transformed by the renewing of your mind. But have to paid attention to verse before it lately?

For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen. (Romans 11:36)

It gives the reason Paul beseeches us to living sacrifices – it is for God’s glory! We don’t sacrifice our lives for our own benefit, we do it for God’s glory.

But you know there is another overlooked group in the events of Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego. There was a group of men who never saw the miracle. The soldiers who threw Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego into the flames heard their declaration but they never saw God’s response. They were so close but they missed out. They saw the fire, they felt the heat, they heard the truth spoken, they may even have helped make the fire hotter. But it wasn’t enough. Unlike Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego who didn’t even smell like smoke after going into the flames, when the soldiers got close they perished. And they serve as a powerful reminder of what happens when fireside theology faces the fire (1 Corinthians 3:12-13). Seeing the truth, hearing the truth, and even feeling it’s effect isn’t enough, we need to believe the truth, and live the truth.

Cause you know the biggest problem with fireside theology?

It can't survive the flames.

Made for His Glory,