WHY DO THEOLOGY?
OR...
THE IMPORTANCE OF KNOWING WHAT YOU BELIEVE ABOUT GOD
While interest in theology is on an upswing among many American Christians, some modern-day church goers are quick to turn their noses up at the though of theology. Several may insist on sentimental spirituality or religious ritualism, but knowing God more intimately and trusting him more fully often requires digging in to understand the basic elements of foundational faith. Doing theology may seem like work at first, but the payoff is transformational.
When we talk about theology, we are talking about God - his nature, character, and workings - his Being, his activity. The subject of God serves as the fountainhead for our understanding of everything else related to the Christian faith. In fact, the fear of god is the beginning of wisdom. Psalm 111:10 A growing understanding of God yields an increasing understanding of faith, salvation, church, Christan mission, and the living of the daily life.
It's simple. As goes our theology, so goes our life.
Doing theology is a matter of obedience to God.
Theology is "the study of God." Theology is not for the minister, the missionary, or the martyr. It's for everyone. While individual believers are at different stages in the faith journey, God calls each one of us to do theology. The eleventh century philosopher and theologian, Anselm described trust in God as a continuous process of "faith seeking understanding." When we do theology, we are seeking a greater understanding of God whom, in fact, we can never fully know. In one sense he is so great and glorious that we can never fully know him. (Romans 11"33-36) We realize that we will not see clearly until we are with God forever. (1 Corinthians 13:12) On the other hand, we are called to know him. (2 Peter 3:18)
As an elderly man, the apostle Paul was still pursuing the Knowledge of Christ. (Philippians 3:10) We are commanded to pursue the knowledge of God. Following Christ does not mean that we check our minds at the door or put our minds in neutral. Just the opposite! Jesus said, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind" Mathew 22:37
It's a command. Grow. Know God better. It's a matter of obedience.
Doing theology helps us discern the voices of life.
Navigating the many sounds which continuously come at us is hard work. Somebody's voice is always clamoring for our time, attention, and commitment. Knowing the good, the right, and the true is not always an easy thing to know. Distinguishing between truth and falsehood is often challenging and always requires God's leading.
From the beginning, the evil one has sought to steal, kill, and destroy through lies. (John 10:10) God had spoken to Eve in the Garden of Eden, but Eve also had heard a voice saying something different than what God said. Her willful act of sin was an example of listening to the wring voice.
God is the ultimate reality from which all other truths come. Christ, who himself embodied truth said, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life" (John 14:6). No one can continuously discern truth without an increasing knowledge of God's character and expectations. Doing theology causes us to focus on God and provides us with the proper lenses through which we can see and discern the many voices of life.
Doing theology helps us respond properly to those who ask the reason for our hope. (or . . . Doing theology improves our evangelistic efforts.)
We are to always be prepared to make a defense to others for the reason for our hope (1 Peter 3:15). Would you be ready if someone asked you to give the rationale concerning your Christian belief? Would you be able to confidently explain why you believe what you believe?
Christian faith is indeed personal, but it should never be private. We should always be ready to share our faith with others. More than just being ready, we should be doing it-actually sharing our faith! Too often we are about "loving Jesus" without adequate knowledge of who Jesus really is. Doing theology discourages a mere pietistic spirituality and leads to a more robust understanding of God which in turn results in a greater and more accurate love for Jesus.
Many grew up in the church singing, "You ask me how I know he lives? He lives within my heart." By singing the words of such a song, one could just as well be singing about Santa Clause as he is singing about Jesus Christ. Such experiential exclamations are admirable, but these desiring reasons for the faith which we hold often desire rationalistic and propositional truth as well as our experiential assertions. Doing theology helps up provide both.
Doing theology strengthens trust in our spiritual foundation.
Spirituality is popular these days. However, followers of Christ understand that mere spirituality is not our goal. Our spirituality is rooted in the foundation of God's work in Christ. Our spirituality has an object, and his name is Jesus Christ. Our spirituality is biblical.
Doing theology gives attention to the foundation of our faith. As goes the foundation, so goes the structure which is built on that foundation. Jesus spoke of the essential importance of the foundation-warning that if the foundation is faulty, the house will fall. He also warned that if the foundation is sound, the house will stand regardless of what may come against it (Matthew 7:25-27).
Some wonder why cracks may appear in the walls of our spiritual houses. Could it be that attention needs to be given to the foundation and not simply the the walls? Christian faith may be encouraged by personal experiences, behavioral conformity to Christian values, and religious activities, but our faith will be ultimately encouraged and strengthened by a focus on the foundational aspects. Doing theology does just that-it focuses on the foundation in which our Christian faith is rooted.
Doing theology results in personal transformation.
Someone studying God for the sake of mere information is not studying God. True theology always sharpens the mind and warms the heart. A theologian who may be "cold-hearted" is not a theologian at all.
The Bible says, "Do not be conformed to the world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind" (Romans 12:2). Transformation is not an option for the believer. Christians are commanded to be transformed-a work that only God can do. However, that work of transformation is a process-the renewing of the mind.
Theology is an exercise of the mind. Theology is also an exercise of the heart. Theology should always stoke the fires of devotion and contribute to transformed living. Theology is not ultimately about the information of God in our heads, but the transformation of God in our lives.
Supper is at 5:00 pm. Singing and study begins at 6:00 pm.
Come. Think. Grow. Be transformed.
Pastor Todd
Pastor Todd
