Kesusu (Rushed) Theology
Kesusu is a Javanese word that means being in a rush. But in what sense can theology be rushed?
Perhaps we need to take a step back and realize that theology is not only concerned with content but also with proper timing.
Teaching obedience to the government during the Nazi era, for example, would have been utterly misguided. Offering sharp rebukes at a moment when someone needs comfort is equally inappropriate.
Imagine if Paul had written the content of Galatians to Matthew’s more lawless community—or the other way around—if Matthew had written that not everyone will enter the Kingdom of Heaven except those who do the will of the Father to the legalistic Galatian church.
Jesus once said to Peter, “Be gone, Satan!” when Peter tried to stop Jesus from facing suffering and the cross. But imagine if those same words were spoken when Peter was weeping bitterly after denying Jesus!
Theology delivered out of season is not good theology. This often happens because we are not walking closely with God, and we lack sensitivity toward the struggles of the congregation or the problems of society.
Rehearsing theological debates from 400 years ago that have little urgency or relevance in today’s context—unless we can convincingly show that these issues still matter deeply—well, that’s probably not rushed theology, but rather delayed theology.
Yet rushed theology also happens when someone is too impatient to hold back from teaching others. Sometimes we read something profound, and we’re so eager to share it with others—even though we ourselves haven’t had the time to wrestle with it, internalize it, let alone live it out.
Yes, it’s not just eggs—good theology also needs incubation. Theology without this incubation period is rushed theology, forced and premature.
James reminds us, “Let everyone be quick to hear, slow to speak” (James 1:19).
But we now live in an age where people grow restless if they’re not constantly lecturing others. Corrigo ergo sum: I correct, therefore I am. Their very existence feels validated by correcting others. Goodness. 🤦
Of course, theology isn’t always rushed—it can also be too delayed. Instead of being consistent (konsekuen), it turns into kon kesuen (forever dragging on)!
Delayed theology might stem from a lack of courage to deliver prophetic messages, or from overthinking things to the point where nothing gets said or written—like someone in a sack race who never jumps because they’re too busy calculating the physics of the most effective leap. 😇
May God help us to discern His timing—the right time to speak, the right time to remain silent.
For everything, there is a season.
He makes all things beautiful in His (and their own) time.