Theology thrives on problems.  Of course, there is more to theology than just problems.  Theological reflection is driven by an impulse inherent in biblical faith.  That impulse pushes us to seek the meaning and implications of what we believe. God is Truth; theology ponders this Truth, in obedient response to the summons of Truth itself.

That said, the history of Jewish and Christian thought makes clear the essential role of problems in theological development.  Theological breakthroughs have occurred when Jews and Christians have faced unavoidable challenges to their convictions.  As a classic example, the theological vision of the Talmud emerged in part as a creative response to the challenges posed by the adoption of Christianity as the official religion of the Roman Empire.

For much of Jewish history, theology has had a low profile.   There are many reasons for this, but one that is often unrecognized is the unproblematic nature of Judaism for generations of traditional Jews.  Between the close of the Talmud and the modern era, the Jewish community led a relatively self-contained existence.  Within the community, basic theological convictions were assumed rather than argued.  In such a setting, spiritual life may thrive—but theology usually lies dormant.