Is Theology for Everyone?

Dear Reader,

It seems to be a popular trend to avoid Systematic Theology, that is a formal organization of doctrines, and either allow Pastors and Professors to study it, or to throw it out altogether.  It is a tragedy of our time, for everyone is a theologian, and though they may not be theologians vocationally, they do hold a theology on which they base their beliefs and actions.  C.S. Lewis, in his book Mere Christianity, points out that all people are theologians; however, many hold on to old and outdated beliefs that have been tried and refuted by professional theologians in years past.   He also notes that most of the new trends, post-modernism and new-agism especially, are repackaged versions of old ideas.  So if one does not guard and nurture their theology, it will affect every aspect of one's life; one cannot separate your theology and one's actions.   If one has a flawed theology, than his life will feel the repercussions.

There is another reason that studying peer-reviewed Systematic Theology is also beneficial; it makes one challenge and defend the views one already holds, and the studier is forced to think critically about their theology, and when one finishes their study, one is likely to have a clearer idea of God.  As a Christian, I want the clearest view of God I can possibly attain.  God is already immensely above me in every respect, and I want to know him more clearly.  

However, Systematic Theology is not and cannot be the only method of knowing God.  In fact, if one studies Systematic Theology and does not have a relationship with God, the studier's efforts would have been wasted.  God cannot be known from theology alone, just as I do not know Abraham Lincoln from studying him.   C.S. Lewis likens a personal encounter with God with a walk on the beach--you experience God or the Atlantic Ocean and are overwhelmed; however, you cannot get anywhere on the Atlantic Ocean without a map, a less real representation of the Atlantic that is culmination of all the real experience navigators have had on the Atlantic Ocean.  Certainly the map is not as exciting as a real experience, but it is very much as useful.  The bible is not practical theology alone, it contains many doctrines which have been copied and pasted into Systematic Theologies.  If God had inspired his authors of the Bible to include aspects of Systematic Theology and Practical Theology, shouldn't Christians study both?

However, I realize that most people find lengthier Systematic Theologies difficult to read, so I would like to recommend, free of charge, a couple brief Systematic Theologies:

Berkhof, Louis.  Summary of Christian Doctrine.  Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1978.

------------------ Manual of Christian Doctrine. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1933. 

(The Summary is shorter and the Manual is more in depth)

Packer, J.I. Concise Theology. Carol Springs: Tyndale House Publishers, 1993.

Sproul, R.C. The Essential Truths of the Christian Faith.  Wheaton: Tyndale House Publishers, 1992

I sincerely hope that you pick up one of  these theologies and begin studying.  Best of Luck.

I will post once a month on the 4th Sunday of the month.  Please tune into The Joyful Sound for more next month.

To email me with any questions or concerns, please email: unworthyservent@hotmail.com

Cordially in Him,

Tommy Race