The Patristic Period: Part One
Grandmasters spend much time behind the chessboard, and aspiring grandmasters spend much time behind the board, staring over the backs of those who have reached the coveted rank. Likewise, "the onlooker [of any chess game] is forced to survey the chessboard and make an assessment of what has happened, who is winning, whose turn is next, and who has the advantage. The onlooker observes the game in progress, and, using her knowledge of the game, evaluates the strategies in play to appreciate what is happening." Historical theology is much the same as this game of chess: "Christians of the present and future, once they start their journey in the Christian life, either as individuals or in local churches, are put in the position of the onlooker.