Daniel Prince
Originally started on May 17, 2011
Here, I will write in an unorthodox manner. I will not start in the boring way of defining terms, giving a short history of the term, and then stating my case concerning theology. I will start as if many things are understood, and as if a conversation has already been taking place. Many people dislike the term theology not because of what the term actually means, but because of the ideas they already have about what theology is. Perhaps there have been people whom they often see as representatives of theological studies and notice that they don’t quite live up to the standard of what Christianity is. In other words, they might not take scripture as serious as one ought to. The negative understanding (preconception) about theology could very well be because of these liberal scholars whom they associate with the term. The saying goes “seminary, cemetery.” This statement cannot be made independently of the intention to bring down theology.
One thinks that when a person goes to learn more about God, it means they are on a personal journey of figuring out God, with their own wisdom and knowledge. Theology cannot be defined by those whose names end in the letters M.T.S. (Masters in Theological Studies) or Ph.D. (in theology). It would be like saying “All the women I know are feminists, therefore all women are feminists." This statement is false and simply unfair. Women should not be defined by a person’s personal experience with women. We can agree. It is no different with theology, or anything else for that matter. The stone a person throws to bring down seminary and theological studies needs to find a bigger one and needs learn why they’d even want to throw it in the first place.
If everyone was aware of what was meant by the word theology they wouldn’t waste their breath condemning it, but rather spend the energy on speaking against the people who misuse or misrepresent the word. Theology is basically the pursuit of gaining a clearer understanding of the nature of God based first on scripture, secondly on tradition, thirdly on reason, and lastly on experience. It is not based on whatever the person wants it to be based on. It is not a reserved word only to be used by those of elite academic status. It is a word that no one can avoid. Every person has a theology; everyone has gained a certain understanding of who God is whether they believe He exists or not. With that, every person views life (whether theirs or another’s) through the lens by which they view God. Our idea of God cannot be separated from our everyday lives (at least it shouldn’t…i.e. predeterminism shouldn’t and cannot be lived out. That is for another time) When there is suffering, it seems that everyone (especially those skeptical of God’s existence) looks to God for an answer and comes to conclusions about how God ought to respond to suffering. They are making a theological conclusion about God (in his action or inaction, whether he ‘ought’ or ‘ought not’ to do something) in turning to him for answers. How one views God will determine how he views and handles his suffering or any other circumstance. Theology is inescapable.
Simply stating the definition should cause any open minded to reconsider if they are understanding theology correctly despite what they may associate with the term.
“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.”
2 Peter 3:18
Daniel
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