theology versus pragmatism

I've just come back from a sunday evening with our own Church and Mark, who was preaching from 1 Sam. 13, talked about principle v practicality. He was good, I thought, speaking about Saul who let go of principle in favour of practicality. It got me thinking about the wedge which some people seem to be driving between 'theology' and 'pragmatism' at present. Pragmatism devoid of principle is bound to be hollow and, like a cul de sac, going nowhere fast. However, a theology which is lacking in any genuine practical outworking is not worthy of the name. Unfortunately, it's those of us with theology degrees who are doing the talking and maybe we need to listen to what those who have to listen to us think and feel a little more. Some of our gatherings are so detached from my life monday through to saturday (and I spend most of it with the Church!) I dread to think how others might respond. Ask them? Scary! Maybe blogging will help - maybe I'll discover I'm on a different planet, or perhaps someone will tell me how we can connect more beyond the walls of the Church without interviewing the teacher every week.