Skate Park Theology

Today, I'm going to begin publishing a series of articles on what I would call Skate Park Theology.

Why? I have a 14-year-old son who loves to skate board in whom I need to help develop a better understanding of faith, God, and spiritual growth.

The idea struck me this afternoon as we biked to the local park together. As I sat there and watched this emerging young man "ollie", "grind", "kick fip", and "pop shuvit", I was impressed.

Skateboarding requires skill and balance. The more I watched my son the more I realized that our faith is like that board. It looks easy, but it isn't. It takes practice, practice, and more practice. A devoted skateboarder can pull off some pretty cool tricks, just as a devoted Christian can be used by God to do some pretty cool stuff. A skateboard rookie is akward on the board, just like being a new Christian can feel awkward.

There are many spiritual parallels to explore. That's why I'm going to take some time to flesh this out. Who knows? Maybe it will help me understand my son's hobby a bit better.

And just maybe it will help me help him to develop a vibrant relationship with God. If you want to help out, feel free to join in the fun.

I'm looking to develop the following Skate Board Theology metaphor's (who knows how long it will take, but it will be fun getting there):

• The Skate Park: The environment in which skaters practice their craft.
• The Skaters: The players who range in skill from rookie/beginner to the aspiring to the pro.
• The Tricks: Why the skaters skate.
• The Falls: From my observation, the falls are a part of skating.
• The Skate Park Culture: This is a unique world--from music to clothing to one's board.
• The Spectators: Those who watch the tricks and wish they could do it too.

This could be some fun. This series will publish as it comes to me or as you share insights. It will find it's home under it's own "skate park theology" label on the blog.