As someone who completed her master’s degree in theology just a year ago, I still find the word “theology” to be daunting.
It feels big and weighty. A topic so broad that it’s hard to really wrap our minds around it. And so often, because theology seems vast and difficult to understand, we simply don’t try. We choose to not give it much thought.
But friend, as believers, we should and we must have an understanding of what theology is and why it matters to our lives.
I am reminded of what Dr. Caroline Leaf wrote in her book, Switch on Your Brain. As she was asking God why she was so obsessed with the mind-brain connection, she felt God tell her, “If you can get them to think, they will find Me.”
This is why pondering the large topic of theology is so incredibly important.
What Is Theology?
Did you know the word theology is not found in the Bible? So rather than pointing to Scripture, let’s look at a few other sources.
Going back to the origin of the word, theology comes from two different Greek words. Theos refers to “God,” and logos refers to “word.”
What does this mean? According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, theology is “the study of God and of God’s relation to the world.” An article from Houston Christian University put it this way: “Theology is speaking about God.”
Is it really that simple? It absolutely is.
However, I would dare to add a little more depth. Theology, yes, is the study of God, but it’s not just studying God and His nature. It’s about studying in order to understand.
Now, we will never fully grasp the depths of God on this side of eternity, but the goal is not to have total understanding and knowledge (though I know we all would love to). The goal is to continually seek Him and try to know Him more and more each day.
So, no, the word theology is not actually found in the Bible. Rather, theology is the Bible.
As Thomas Aquinas, a theologian from medieval times, once said,
“Theology is taught by God, teaches of God, and leads to God.”
What is a Theologian?
Simply put, a theologian is someone who is proficient in theology.
It might seem intimidating to think that someone could achieve expert status in a vast topic such as theology and the study of God, especially since mankind has been trying to understand Him since the beginning of time.
Regardless, there are those who have devoted their lives to reading and studying about God in order to better understand Him and His nature and to help others gain understanding. When we think of theologians, we may think of professors in universities, prolific authors, and well-known pastors—people we listen to and learn from.
And we absolutely should listen and learn from theologians who have dedicated hours upon hours to study God and His Word. Their work can be beneficial to us and can help inform our thoughts and beliefs.
But allow me to interject here a quick note—we should never simply take the “experts’” study for ours.
Why?
For one, theologians are humans too. We all have our opinions and agendas that can shape our perspective on God and His nature. We should never take what someone says about God and theology as full truth. We must do our own studying and digging to determine if what they said can be found in Scripture.
Secondly, in taking what theologians have studied, learned, and believe, we should exercise caution not to take nor borrow someone else’s faith as ours. We are meant to forge our own relationship with our Father.
Theologians spend their lives studying God, but as followers of Jesus—shouldn’t we all?
I’m not suggesting we give up our full-time jobs and throw ourselves into Scripture and commentaries all day, every day. But we absolutely need to spend time in His Word, talk to Him daily, and ponder upon His nature and character. Everything around us can show us a little piece of who He is if we’re looking carefully and being aware.
So as we work, as we live, as we take care of our charges and chores for each day, may we ponder and pray and pay attention to what all of creation is pointing us toward . . . or rather who.
Why is Theology Important?
1. Our Faith Needs to Be Rooted in Sound, Biblical Theology
We need to be grounded in foundational doctrines because when storms hit, and the chaos of life seems all too much, it is our faith and belief that will either catch us or leave us crippled and confused.
I’ve been through several moments in life when the bottom fell out. One of the first times, my faith was quite shaken. I did not have a very sturdy grasp on God and theology, and to borrow an analogy C.S. Lewis used in A Grief Observed, I found that my faith was a house of cards . . . easily blown over in the winds of life.
As I studied and deepened my love for and understanding of God, my faith grew stronger. And when another storm hit, though I was knocked over, I was able to stand back up, and stand up a little quicker at that.
Was I still confused? Absolutely. Some of the things God does and allows, I will never understand. But because of the theological beliefs I hold, I don’t have to understand the circumstances because I understand my God.
2. Without a Firm Grasp of Theology, Our Beliefs Are Easily Swayed
If we aren’t clear on theology, on what we believe and know to be true about God, we will be effortlessly influenced by those who certainly have opinions about God but not a true understanding of Him.
Unfortunately, there are many of those voices out there, and thanks to our devices, they are easily found and loudly heard.
With a mission like the one we have been given—to love God, love people, and make disciples—it is critical, not only for ourselves but for others, that we are rooted in sound theology that is not contrary to His Word. Otherwise, not only could we be led down wrong paths, but we could lead others there, as well.
3. We Cannot Know Ourselves if We Don’t Know God
Friend, how will we ever truly know ourselves if we do not know our God? How will we ever be content and satisfied in this life if we do not truly know the Author of it? We are made in His image. So if you ever feel like you have lost yourself, go find Him.
And the beauty of it all—He wants us to seek Him and understand His nature, His heart. From the beginning of time, God has been revealing Himself to us. Through Scripture, through Jesus, through creation itself. He is not running or hiding from us. He is waiting for us to find Him. Because in Him is freedom. In Him is love. In Him is life and life to the fullest.
So take some time today to think, to ponder, to wonder. Take time to ask questions. Because as we do so, we will find Him, and we will see that He’s been there all along.
So what are you waiting for?
“But from there you will seek the LORD your God and you will find him, if you search after him with all your heart and with all your soul” (Deut. 4:29).
Gabbi Hartzell is a Jesus follower who is passionate about moving His mission forward! Along with the role of mother to three spunky little girls, she is also the founder of The Flourish Factory (a nonprofit for women in her community), an inspirational and motivational speaker, and a seminary graduate. She is currently writing her first book all about pursuing the purpose God has given you and running your race!
To connect further, head to Gabbihartzell.com or find her on social media @gabbihartzell.