What is the relationship between Theology & Right Living?

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Permalink Reply by Sarah Gardener on December 19, 2010 at 9:01pm

Well I have been on a few other sites which are purely theology in readiness for studies (Lord willing) myself and I have noted:

 

The head knowledge sometimes predicates the heart knowledge or real experience.

 

There is also the obvious that knowledge can puff up.....  So in the presence of pride one lacks humility in approach.

 

Also another is the ability for the Spirit to teach may sometimes get left out of the equation for the Spirit does teach as the word tells us.

 

My thoughts and look forward to other thoughts...

 

God Bless

Linda Ruth

Permalink Reply by Colin Bleakney on December 20, 2010 at 7:11am

Yes, I agree with you, head knowledge alone does puff up.

The Spirit does also teach, I believe that the Spirit teaches in accordance to our obedience, John 7:17

"If anyone wants to do God’s will, ¹ he will know about my teaching, whether it is from God or whether I speak from my own authority."

Permalink Reply by Richard L. Broch, Sr. on December 22, 2010 at 4:24pm

Welcome, Colin,

I like your style.

Ah yes, some thoughts on these matters:

What is the theme of the New Testament?

Could we say it could be summed up in one verse - 1 Corinthians 1:30," But of Him you are in Christ Jesus (Holy Spirit`s conviction),Who is made unto us Wisdom (the living Word joined to our spirit), and Rightiousness (justification in God`s sight), and Sanctification (born again,set apart to live a new life), and Redemption" (eternity with our Saviour).

Obviously, the New Covenant expands and specifies on the above outline (Theology and Doctrine) so that believers can use the Scriptural content as our rule book, counsel reference, inspiration consultant, history text, and road map.We really need this. Sometimes we can read it by ourselves, and sometimes in a sermon or Bible study. But ALWAYS with the presence of the Holy Spirit. So, the Word can be applied Theology in our lives.

 

Yes, Linda Ruth, speaking of "puffed up", I`ve noticed some modern-day Pharisees around, who like to strut their stuff.

Also, I`ve noticed some new converts who like the idea of Jesus as Saviour, but as Lord - that`s another thing.

 

My day job is as an instructor teaching staff in working with individuals who have developmental disabilities.

We have a curriculum to impart to staff so they can utilize this data into a working knowledge to serve the clients.

 

That appears to co-incide with your post theme.

(1) Theology and Doctrine.

(2) Impartation of the Word, by Holy Spirit and disciples.

(3) Applied Theology.

 

I agree with your advocation, Colin, and subscibe to the whole kit-n-kabooble.

 

Grace and Peace.

Permalink Reply by Colin Bleakney on December 22, 2010 at 6:32pm

I love this response bro!  This is exciting for a number of reasons.

 

I am training up leaders at the moment who will eventually lead a home-Group of Believers; these leaders will be Pastors and will be responsible for the entire group, also, they will be looking out for other potential leaders in their group and seek to train them also in the things that they have learned.

Your points at the end in this context are poignent and relevant.

We are seeking indeed to teach:

1) Theology and Doctrine

2) Impart the Word and give place for the Holy-Spirit to apply it through Discipleship, and

3) Apply what is learned to life in service of the Master

 

Thank you for that outline, no doubt, I will use this as a visual illustration to teach the process involved,

Thanks again,

Blessings in Christ,

 

Colin

Permalink Reply by David Velasquez on December 24, 2010 at 4:24am

Excellent topic and questions beloved Colin.

 

Is good to have you among us. I think a lot of people are not interested in theology because it is not useful in their immidiate life as they see it. Of course knowing whether "open theism" or the" traditional view of god's knowledge" is the right paradigm has practical application in our thinking and even actions, and knowing how to debunk "modalism" (oneness theology) is important in its place, but most Christians are just not in a place to care about such issues.

 

I think your question is getting at what is Practical Theology. Yes such an animal does exist and we are welcome to feast on it hahaha

 

Practical
1 of, relating to, or manifested in practice or action : not theoretical or ideal.
2 : actively engaged in some course of action or occupation
3 : capable of being put to use or account : useful
4 : disposed to action as opposed to speculation or abstraction

Theology
1 : the study of religious faith, practice, and experience; especially : the study of God and of God's relation to the world

So is there such a thing as practical theology? That question is answered with a resounding Yes! Almost all of theology is practical.

To study things pertaining to God (what God has revealed of Himself and His decrees) and Godliness without APPLICATION IS AN EXERCISE IN FUTILITY

 

When we study the bible, different Doctrines, we find that ALL of the Word of God has practical implications to our renewing of the mind, which is what in turn guides us to act and react a certain way.

However there are doctrines in theology which do not have immediate implications in our day to day walk, yet shape our understanding of God, which understanding does contribute to shape our actions and reactions. I realize that what I just said sounds or appears to be an oxymoron, but there is no contradiction there.

Simply put there are doctrines that have immediate effects on our life if we apply them to our walk, while other doctrines do not have an impact on our day to day walk in a tangible manner.

Let me try to explain.

When we discuss matters pertaining to the account found on Genesis 1 and 2, of creation and a brother among us is incline to believe the Gap Theory and we debate the topic in love, we have a blast doing it, for we find worth in knowing the truth about all doctrines and matters pertaining to God and Godliness.

However how does the fact that I believe on the literal 6 day creation account affect my day to day walk? This is where Practical Theology separates from General Theology, if I may make up a term here.

 

Practical Theology Method

Definition: Practical Theology is the ongoing integration of theology into life.

Practical Theology Method
Step #1Experience
Step #2.. Exploration
Step #3..Reflection
Step #4.. Action

Practical Theology Method

 

Step 1. Experience

Clearly and critically assess current actions and responses.
Attempt to discern “land mines” in analyzing current situation, circumstance or action.
Develop an intellectual framework for assessing action

Step 2. Exploration:
Does Scripture directly address this issue?
Does the narrative of Scripture inform the issue?
Consider other authoritative voices that inform the issue.
Tradition, Reason and Experience

Step 3. Reflection:
Prayerful consideration of action.
Defining and/or redefining of convictions.
Deliberate about personal embedded theology.
Examination of God’s desired will.
Practice of spiritual disciplines: solitude; meditation, fasting, etc.

Step 4. Action:
Deliberate response vs “reaction” Work as an agent of change.
Rearrange priorities.
Change existing behaviors.
Design a new plan of action

I did not come up with the above steps, but I failed to get the reference of where i got it from, so excuse me for not including it here.

 

Blessings family.

Permalink Reply by David Velasquez on December 24, 2010 at 4:27am

 got this one from one of my fav webpages because they keep it simple and sound.

http://www.gotquestions.org/practical-theology.html

Question: "What is practical theology?"

Answer: Practical theology, as its name implies, is the study of theology in a way that is intended to make it useful or applicable. Another way of saying it is that it is the study of theology so that it can be used and is relevant to everyday concerns. One seminary describes its Practical Theology Program as “being dedicated to the practical application of theological insights” and that it “generally includes the sub-disciplines of pastoral theology, homiletics, and Christian education, among others.” Another seminary sees the purpose of practical theology as helping to prepare students to translate the knowledge learned into effective ministry to people. Doing this involves both personal and family life as well as the administration and educational ministries in the church. They state that the goal of practical theology is to develop effective communicators of Scripture who have a vision for the spiritual growth of believers while being servant leaders.

Some consider practical theology to simply be a more technical name for the doctrine of the Christian life. Its emphasis is on how all the teaching of Scripture should affect the way we live today in this present world. The emphasis of practical theology is not simply to contemplate or comprehend theological doctrines but to move beyond that to applying those doctrines in everyday Christian life so that we “contribute to the world’s becoming what God intends it to be.”

The premise behind practical theology programs is that future Christian leaders need to be equipped not only with theological knowledge but also with the necessary professional skills to minister effectively in the modern world. Often these programs use preaching, Christian education, counseling and clinical programs to provide opportunities to equip and prepare future Christian leaders.

Permalink Reply by Ruel Z Chavez on December 25, 2010 at 4:52am

Thank you Colin for this post.

 

A thought comes to my mind as I read your questions.

 

Personally, I see at least three relationships between doctrine and practice.

 

First, the soundness of doctrine is tested in practice. No matter how appealing and sophisticated the doctrine is but if it cannot be demonstrated in practical Christian living, it must be disregarded. Ignoring this principle leads into "castle on the sky" theology and it will not be true to its nature, which is facing the concrete reality in the society.

 

Second, Christian practice must inform our theological formulation for it to be relevant to contemporary situation. There is always a room for expansion or improvement in theology. Continuous reformation is the appropriate spirit here. We are still learning. We have not arrived yet. The study of the knowledge of God and of ourselves is too vast for us to claim that we have already exhausted it. And that is why Christian experience has a legitimate place in theological formulation.

 

Third, our theology must also inform our practice. The Holy Spirit speaks not only to us but also to our predecessors including their theological labors. Honoring the work of the Holy Spirit in the past would imply humility to ask the wisdom of our predecessors and learn from them. 

 

I think we can add more relationships between the two.

 

Blessings!

 

Ruel

Permalink Reply by Colin Bleakney on December 26, 2010 at 9:09am

Thank you Guy's so much for your responses, I an just back from Christmas spent up in my old County, (Armagh) and will respond shortly,

 

God Bless,

Colin