Is Theology Really Necessary?

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by David Velasquez on December 22, 2009 at 6:41pm

yes Nancy

Philippians 3 (New International Version)
7But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. 10I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.

Permalink Reply by David Velasquez on December 29, 2009 at 12:30am

Short and sweet Charles -

'to know Him is to love Him' yes indeed!!!

Permalink Reply by Edward Klassen (skypilot) on February 11, 2010 at 10:31am

This is the best explanation I have heard so far. Thank you

Permalink Reply by Edward on July 3, 2010 at 6:45pm

Theologians like many others seek to get their views infixiated into christian teachings (doctrines). Does this mean studying theology is wrong? First I don't care to much about our definition of who a theologian is and I am not necessarily impressed by them. Yes, I have Bible College and it was there I learned some very simple and valuable info. Bible College is a first step to studying scripture not a p[lace where one will find all thge answers in fact more questions were raised than answered. Being the curiuous sort I studied more diligently find answers from within scriptures. Granted there are a lot of things we do not know of scripture or what scripture does not teach or speak of. There are countless sources available to us. Paul told Timothy to study scripture diligently. Timothy didn't need to know about culture, lifestyle,etc. because he lived it he knew all about it - we don't. Too often we (North America) try to fit scripture, Biblical culture, into our North American views, ideas and beliefs. Theology ( the study of God) does is not required to know God, His will, His purpose. Get 5 theologians in a room and you will end up with 15 different interpretations. Now there are good theologians but we need to test them from God's Word. Thanks to Theologians we have over 800 "Christian churches" over 1200 cults. We find the Truth through unconditional surrender to Go, His wii and faithful and diligent study of God;s Word. It doesn't take a theologian to interpret scripture but a studious child of God.

Permalink Reply by RoyW on July 24, 2010 at 6:10pm

Edward,

There are more reasons then just theology for starting new denominations. Let me give an example: the methodist church founded by John Wesley began to stray from some of his teachings. For one thing, John Wesley was certainly anti-slavery. The Methodist Episcopals were not prepared to take a strong stand against slavery. Thus, the Wesleyan Methodist Church was founded. The Baptists split over the issue creating the American and the Southern Baptist. There were other splits taking place over this issue. There have been other reasons for splits and new denominations. The big split at the Reformation was more due to corruption in the church than doctrine. (However, justification by faith was also a big issue.)

Today, we are facing splits over other cultural divides. Several denominations are beginning to approve homosexuals for the ministry. Some say this is what God would want while others say that this is an abomination to God. Some of the splits are creating some very difficult situations. I have a friend that is agonizing over the decision by his church to support homosexuality in the ministry.

Yes, there are splits over theology but usually the split comes over cultural divisions. Can you think of some other reasons there are splits. How do we determine whether or not homosexuality should be an acceptable practice to the church today. I know of some denominations that primarily exist because of the issue of divorce. It is the lack of theology not theology itself that produces these splits. We need more serious minded people that are willing to spend time in the Word studying what God has to say on these subjects. There are answers. We need less of man's philosophy and much, much more theology. The only place where we can find and understand the nature of God is through His Word. God revealed Himself through the Word. I have no understanding what you mean when you say theology (the study of God) is not required to know God, His will, His purpose. Please explain.

Willing to learn,
Roy

Permalink Reply by David Velasquez on August 3, 2010 at 2:05am

Amen and amen bro Roy

Permalink Reply by Robert Smyth on August 31, 2010 at 4:25pm

Over the last couple of years i have had the oppertunity to read more of the bible, have moved church and have several interesting theologal idea's on the Word. But i don't expect them to alter people's views of their faith, rethink their church, or question the bible.

Sadly i don't feel this is how theology has worked over the last 2,000 years. Man has distorted Christinanity so much its almost unrecognisable in some denominations. My feeling is that theology has in so many cases been used by the devil to split and undermine Christianity.

Robert

Permalink Reply by Richard L. Broch, Sr. on November 9, 2010 at 2:42pm

Jumpin` Jehoshaphat, you saints come out with some of the most interesting discussions.

What is the greatest commandment?
Jesus answered that question in Matthew 22:37: "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind." and He continued after that, regarding our neighbors, and ourselves.
Now, when we love someone, don`t we want to "know" everything possible about them that we can? My wife and I have been married for almost 45 years. We met on a blind date. Ever since that first meeting I`m still getting to know her - inside and out.
Why? because I love her. I want to please her and make her happy. I want her to be happy with me, and to be glad of her choice.

Isn`t that the same with God? Why we study the Bible ( the mind of God )? Pray? Do church?
Can we say that loving someone wii normally equate to desiring to know them as well as possibe? I like David`s words: "To know Him is to love Him." The two concepts go together like a horse and carriage, and love and marriage.

I believe Roy is right on track about churches being affected (and split apart) because of cultural developements.
Let`s take a look how things were in Jesus` cultural environment. Things in Palestine were not good. Roman oppressive rule,
puppet, corrupt Jewish royality, and spiritual matters in the temple were a combination of all the above. Jesus didn`t seem to be too concerned about changing the world, in terms of civil and moral issues.
According to the four Gospels, Jesus` primary concern was focused on the house of God. In fact, on two different occasions Jesus literally cleaned house, and was He mad!
The world, which is contrary to God, is going to do what they want to do, no matter what the church says.
Please check 1 Corinthians 5:12-13,"For what do I have to do to judge them also that are without? do you not judge them that are within? (13) But them that are without God judges. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person."
What I hear Paul saying here ( with the Holy Spirit breathing on him ) is take care of spiritual discipline within the church. God will take care of the world.
When the church lets the world come into the primary functioning of God`s precepts, never the two shall become one.

We have non-churched friends who are homosexual.We love them and witness to them. But I would not stand for a homosexual church official to be installed. I believe there are doctornal points of God that cannot be violated.

Thanks Roy , for explaining about the Methodist Church with regards to slavery. I was not aware of those issues.
Now, I abhor slavery. But the Bible is full of references to slavery, and it doesn`t appear to be an abomination to God ( like homosexuality ). Here again, I would not agree for a minister,elder, or deacon to be a slave owner. What we have here is worldly practices blending into the church, and that means trouble in River City.

At any rate, these issues are not revolutionary. The New Testament is full of omission, compromise, and changing of God`s Word from the first church on.........because of theology........lack of love........and the evil one stirring the pot.

GRace and Peace.

Permalink Reply by Edward on November 10, 2010 at 8:55am

Theology....the study of God. I sometimes find that the more theologians there are the more interpretations there are - thats on any given subject. It reminds me of what Paul wrote . Avoid pointless discussions. People who {pay attention to these pointless discussions} will become more ungodly,
2 Tim 2:16 (GW)

As New Testament Christians we are encouraged, like Timothy, to read AND study scripture Do your best to present yourself to God as a tried-and-true worker who isn't ashamed to teach the word of truth correctly``
2 Tim 2:15 (GW)
A good spiritual education is necessary for each one of us as we grow and mature in the faith. We need more good teachers/preachers who have studied diligently God's Word and passed on the knowledge to others.
One of the first rules in Hermenutics is that scripture interprets itself. Too many are not content with that and insist that they must change the meaning of certain passages of scripture. The evidence? There are over 800 "mainstream" religions and between 1200-1400 different cults. I understand some of the problems and one of them is that the Bible is NOT black & white there are some possible gray areas but what is important to our spiritual growth and maintaining it is very clear.

Permalink Reply by David Velasquez on December 31, 2010 at 7:53pm

>>I sometimes find that the more theologians there are the more interpretations there are - thats on any given subject.

 

Edward first and foremost everyone who studies the bible is studying about God and hence is a theologian. I am a theologian in that sense and so are you. Having different interpretations is not the ideal, but having the ability to reason and to examine those interpretations so the right one can be harmonized with scripture is a worthy exercise.

 

>>Avoid pointless discussions. People who {pay attention to these pointless discussions} will become more ungodly, 2 Tim 2:16 (GW

 

Paul certainly was not talking about theology or studying doctrine, which the bible is full of. This is exactly why we need to study to show ourselves approved, so we can rightly divide the word of God.

 

14Keep reminding them of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. 15Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 16Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly.

 

Logomachein λογομαχέω "disputing about words," means to engage earnestly in contentious disputes, which are commonly produced by a foolish desire of being inventive. Speculation is useful at times, but God’s reveal will/word can be understood and harmonized with the entirety of scripture and our theology should not be built on speculations. Verse 16 says to avoid Godless chatter, but studying everything pertaining to God and Godliness is not godless chatter. On the contrary there is nothing more wise or noble on this earth.

You have formaly study theology so I am sure you are not against it and I do understand what you are saying. The rest of post is right on my brother.

Permalink Reply by David Velasquez on December 29, 2010 at 4:11am

Religion, the fear of God, must therefore be the element which inspires and animates all theological investigation. That must be the pulsebeat of the science. A theologian is a person who makes bold to speak about God because he speaks out of God and through God.
To profess theology is to do holy work. It is a priestly ministration in the house of the Lord. It is itself a service of worship, a consecration of mind and heart to the honour of His name.

 

From Bavinck's Inaugural Address as Professor of Systematic Theology in the Free University of Amsterdam.

Permalink Reply by RoyW on January 2, 2011 at 5:21am

With the understanding that theology is simply the study of God, one would have to say that anyone that is not into theology is really not into God. I really don't think David meant for this forum to be geared towards those who are considered what the world would call "theologians." The truth is - those that read the Word to learn more about God are all theologians. There are those whose minds are very wise and can give us better insight into what the Bible says about God but all of us that can read and understand at about an eight grade level can read the Bible and find God's love for us written in a beautiful form.

Jesus has said that His sheep hear His voice and follow Him because they know Him. I believe that voice is Scripture. I personally believe, after reading His Word, that His sheep were familiar with His Word after hearing it in synagogues and other venues and recognized that He was the One the Word was speaking about. When we read His Word we can share the excitement of Andrew after hearing Christ went to find his brother Peter telling him that he had found the One Scripture spoke about.

If you are into God, you are into theology. You either want to read about Him or hear someone expound on Him through Scripture. Either way, you are a theologian. You want to learn more about God.

Fanny Crosby, blinded in infancy, wrote a beautiful song we used to sing in the good old days. It was entitled, "Tell Me the Story of Jesus." The lyrics:

Tell me the story of Jesus,
Write on my heart every word.
Tell me the story most precious,
Sweetest that ever was heard.
Tell how the angels in chorus,
Sang as they welcomed His birth.
“Glory to God in the highest!
Peace and good tidings to earth.”

 

Tell me the story of Jesus,
Write on my heart every word.
Tell me the story most precious,
Sweetest that ever was heard.

 

Fasting alone in the desert,
Tell of the days that are past.
How for our sins He was tempted,
Yet was triumphant at last.
Tell of the years of His labor,
Tell of the sorrow He bore.
He was despised and afflicted,
Homeless, rejected and poor.

 

Tell of the cross where they nailed Him,
Writhing in anguish and pain.
Tell of the grave where they laid Him,
Tell how He liveth again.
Love in that story so tender,
Clearer than ever I see.
Stay, let me weep while you whisper,
Love paid the ransom for me.

 

Amen, Fanny.