Defining Theology
Etymologically speaking, theology is the study or words (logos) of God (theos). Theology discusses more than what God is like, but also creation, sin, the human condition, and salvation. So how should we define theology? Encyclopedia Britannica prefers the definition of theology as a discipline of religious themes. This definition is far too broad. Plato’s usage of theology (theologia) refers to things of the divine realm. To Saint Augustine, theology is “Rational discussion respecting the deity.” One of my favorite theologians, Augustus H. Strong, believed theology to be “the Science of God and of the relations between God and the universe.”
None of these definitions will suffice for what contemporary theologians mean by theology. Over the centuries, some theologians have adopted the view that theology is entirely subjective; others believed theology to be exclusively propositional. Both are wrong. The definition of theology I prefer is the study of God’s revelation for our edification. In a practical sense, theology is the organization and articulation of Christian beliefs taught in Scripture. Make no mistake, theology is always Spirit driven. As Thomas Aquinas put it, “Theology is taught by God, teaches of God, and leads to God.”
What Theology is Not
Theology is not the reiteration of Scripture nor is it the study of just Scripture. If it were, there would be no point in studying theology in addition to Scripture. Instead theology employs Scriptural teachings and functions as a complement to Scripture. Theology is not simply creating terms for biblical concepts; it does more than define things. Theology is not to be taken on equal authority as Scripture. While God surely guides us in our theological endeavors, theology is not inspired in the same manner as Scripture. For when a theologian develops a biblical doctrine of salvation, we shouldn’t think of such as the words of God. Theology is not merely an academic discipline. It is a common mistake to think that theology is only for pastors and scholars. The youth minister and the Sunday school teacher are just as much as theologians as the pastor at the pulpit. As some have said, every Christian is a theologian in virtue of their Christian beliefs; the question is whether they’ll be a good or bad theologian. Finally, although they oftentimes work hand-in-hand, theology is not equivalent to philosophy.
Reasons for Studying Theology
Recall my definition of theology: the study of God’s revelation for our edification. By edification I mean the spiritual growth one gains through a contemplation and application of God’s revelation. I can think of five reasons all Christians should seek to become a good theologian.
1. Studying theology is loving God, and perhaps even an act of worship (Mt 22:37-38).
2. Since it is the Spirit who guides us in attaining a more profound understanding of God, he will use such knowledge to further develop our faith. Christ does not wish for us to be intellectually childish in our knowledge of Scripture (1 Pe 3:15; Eph 4:13-15). Misinformed knowledge of God will necessarily hinder one’s relationship with God. It is not enough to feel emotionally connected. Without question, a more intimate relationship with God requires theology.
3. Theology helps prevent the intrusion of false teachings, both personally and corporately (Gal 1:6-9). Not only should we defend against false teachings, but we should actively refute them (Ti 1:9).
4. Theology addresses culture, as it correlates to God’s relation to humans in the world. With all kinds of dangers and absurdities in our culture, theology brings a sense stability. In this sense, the Holy Spirit compels us to actively shape our culture through theology and the spreading of truth.
5. Studying theology helps us to live godly lives. By organizing what Scripture teaches about how to live godly lives centered on Christ, Christians are better suited to live according to what Scripture teaches.
A concluding prayer from the apostle Paul to the church at Philippi: “that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God” (Phi 1:9-11).
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