Theology. What is the big deal today with it? Well, it has actually always been a big deal. Today it just is a bit more mainstream than I think it has been in the past. But does this mean we all need to understand Theology? If we are supposed to, what parts are most important, and why do we need to know them? These are questions which I have heard, asked, and attempted to answer. In this post I hope to give some you some mind fuel for this topic.
First off, do all people who consider themselves to be Christians need Theology? This is a difficult question to answer, but I would say first off that technically all people have a personal Theology, because we all have at one time or another came to some conclusion or have had some thought about God. When you get into the Bible and begin to ask, “What does the Bible say about (insert topic here)?” you end up having a Theology by discovering what God says, because when God says something about something, it gives a picture of who God is. Though we are all involved with Theology in one way or another, how far into it does the average lay person need to dive?
I was recently confronted by a person I minister to often with this question, “Why do people get so caught up with things that don’t even matter?” This is a very valid question which is asked my many people. I have came to the conclusion that we do not need to fully understand many issues which don’t affect our salvation. There are a lot of these issues which are spoken of often, when these issues are spoken of to a person who does not want to concern themselves with them, then it is burdensome to that person to try and understand, which can cause unneeded frustration. But other people do find the more minor issues of the Bible to be very important and relevant.
Using a personal example, I love to understand the Theology of more than just salvation or the Trinity. I love to hear why we baptize, why we speak in tongues, why we tithe, etc. But I also have a heart to pastor and disciple people, and when I understand Theology more broadly, it helps me paint the basic picture in a new believers eyes better than I could if I had not understood these more minor topics.
Moreover, I feel that it is imperative that a new believer understands the essentials to who God is. This includes but is not limited to God’s holiness, the Trinity, man’s sinfulness, and redemption through Christ. To me this is essential, a close follower to these would be the understanding of how God, the Holy Spirit, empowers each and every one us to live for the Kingdom of God. Though like I said, others will pursue a greater knowledge concerning things of God, or as it is popularly called.. Theology.
A quick side note too, you should not allow a person who does want to understand more bug you or turn you off from the Church. To you broad Theology may be unimportant, but to another it could be very important. Also, if you do enjoy a broad Theology maybe you should consider not speaking of so many of the things you find in your study to those who are more concerned with the more basic things. You may be hardening their hearts by confusing them with terms, words, and debates which they may not be ready to hear.. Comments?
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