The latest Issues, Etc. promotional video

I just saw this at the IE website . . . must have missed it when it came out a couple of weeks ago.  Anyway, below is the latest IE promotional video.  I think the "you can't teach laypeople theology" myth is still very much alive and well in our synod.  First of all, you CAN teach laypeople theology.  IE has been doing it for almost two decades now, and faithful pastors having been doing it ever since there have been faithful pastors.  Secondly, behind this myth is the idea that laypeople are just not interested in learning theology.  So, the solution to that has been, for many pastors over the years:  Don't bother them with theology.  But, see, that's the actual problem.  The solution should be:  Teach them how important it is for them to learn theology and then, well, teach them theology.  Don't give up.  Keep exhorting them to learn.  Keep teaching them.  Yeah, it's hard work, but that's a bit of the hard work pastors are called to do.  Sure, there will be some who are simply disinterested, but there will also be plenty who are more than ready and willing to learn.  One of the qualifications of a pastor given by St. Paul is that he be "able to teach" (1 Tim. 3:2).  To be able to teach not only means that he has the theological knowledge required to teach, but also that he has a passion for learning theology himself and the desire to pass on what he has learned to the flock under his care.  Any pastor who says, "You can't teach laypeople theology," is really saying, "Teaching laypeople theology isn't important."  And, any pastor who says that is in dire need of someone teaching him a little theology, since he has either forgotten what he has learned or didn't pay attention to what he was taught in the first place. 

In any event, you CAN teach laypeople theology.  I know.  I am blessed to serve a parish full of laypeople who are very interested in learning theology, and I have watched them grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, right before my eyes over the years.  And, I am ever so thankful for resources like Issues, Etc., which has been a blessed aid not only in my ongoing theological development, but also in my ongoing catechesis of the parish I serve.  Anyway, enough rambling.  Here's the excellent video: