Disclaimer: These blogs that fall under the heading Theology 101 are in no way meant to suggest that I am some sort of theological genius. But seeing as I am pursuing an advanced degree in the subject, I might as well say something about it.
Theology. It’s a word most Christians hear, but many say they have no time for. “Just give me the Bible and Jesus and I’ll know what I need to believe.” I hate to break it to you guy I made up then quoted, but the very words I put in your mouth make you a theologian. The minute one begins thinking about God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit (we are Trinitarians after all), and what have you, is the very same moment one becomes a theologian. Maybe not a good one, but that’s not the point.
The word theology is formed by combining two Greek words. The first is theos and simply means “God.” The second is logy…this is a theology/Greek joke, hahaha. The second word is actually logos and means “word, statement, or message.” So basically, theology is a word, message or statement about God.
Let me be clear, I understand why so many people resist or feel negative about theology. The classic example is theologians sitting around arguing about how many angels could stand on the head of a pen, and there are many others; election, predestination, atonement, Heaven and Hell, and so much more. Professional and lay theologians make a big deal out of formulating lofty opinions and then telling the world why if you don’t believe them you are a heretic. For someone whose heart is to serve God and live for him, all the arguing and infighting seems like, and is probably not helping much. But don’t throw the proverbial baby out with the bathwater.
Sure, theologians argue. We debate and try to convince others to see things our way. And many times we lose sight of what is most important, namely living out the Gospel and working towards the fulfillment of God’s will on earth. But that is not the desire of all theologians and it is not the goal of true theology. Its intended goal is to inform what we believe about God so we can worship him accurately and relate to him more intimately. At least that’s my purpose in this whole thing.
So what about you? If, like my imaginary quote above, you’d rather just read the Bible and love God, good, you are on your way to being a great theologian. No matter, how much you resist the idea, being in relation with God requires theology of you. Do you think he is good, loving, powerful, compassionate? Do you believe he sent his son for you and has given you his Spirit? Do you think Jesus is alive and the Spirit is active? Oh yeah, you read the Bible, do you think it’s trustworthy, authoritative, meaningful? If you answered yes, or no, to any of these questions you have made a statement about God. You have formulated a message, a word about him. And in doing so, you have entered the ranks of theologians historically and the world over. Welcome to the club.
Maybe you’re not going to write books and articles about your theology. But you need to live it. You need to make sure it’s biblical, Spirit inspired, Church maintained truth about God. Then do it. Live it out. Think big about God and make conclusions and don’t be afraid of the fact that by the act of thinking alone you have become and will remain a theological contributor.
Written on: May 23rd, 2011
At: My house
Listening to: Cary Brothers-Under Control
