What is Theology?

Rev. Roderick Heck, M.T.S., M.Div. Pastor Theologian

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines theology as the study of religious faith, practice, and experience; especially: the study of God and of God's relation to the world. While this is the academic view of theology, I believe that theology does not belong to academia only, but to everyone who speaks about God.  Theology is “For all who live and breathe, who wrestle and fear, who hope and pray.”[1]

The dichotomy between academic theology and ministry plays out in every aspect of Church Life. Where those responsible for teaching and guiding the flock forget that they are also ministering to the flock, showing God’s Love, Mercy and Forgiveness through His Word and the lives of those they minister to.

There are those who stick strictly to doctrine. There mantra is “do not add to or take away from God’s Word in any way.” They refuse to discuss scriptures in any meaningful way. They only quote them and talk about their own theological background which makes them the expert at the table. On the other side of the table sit those church members who just want to know God’s will for their lives. They want to understand the scriptures, but they also want to talk about them in relationship to their personal lives, their personal hopes and prayers, their personal situations.

One way to reconcile the two groups is by asking the question “what has The Holy Spirit revealed to you about the scripture?” This question is meant to empower everyone sitting at the table and to remind us all that we are each under the tutelage of The Holy Spirit. There is no commendation or embarrassment in saying what we believe the scriptures are saying. I believe that as ministers of the Gospel, we should encourage everyone to discuss their personal challenges and relate God’s Word to the situation by focusing on what He has revealed in the scriptures through the lives of the major characters who faced similar situations.

The study of God’s Word should unify and minister to everyone at the table. In its highest purpose, theology is a way to examine our praise, prayers, words and worship with the goal of making sure that what we believe conforms to God alone.

God Bless.

[1] Kelly M. Kapic, A Little Book For New Theologians (InterVarsity Press, 2012) pp. 15-16

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