Have you ever listened to or read conversations between two people with
opposing theological viewpoints? I once watched a new Christian and a long-time believer cordially debate Scripture at a men’s conference. They poked and prodded one another with their Biblical scholarship for 45 minutes. When it was over, they’d been down so many rabbit trails neither one could remember what the original theological debate was about.
The folks over at the American Heritage Dictionary define theology as, “The study of the nature of God and religious truth; (Religious truth? What an oxymoron!) rational inquiry into religious questions.”
Theology means “the study [ology] of God [The].
Theological discussions often morph into disagreements that morph into arguments that morph into finger pointing that morph into insulting retorts that morph into name calling that morph into, . . well . . .sin.
I don’t want to study God. I want to worship Him and praise Him and adore Him and bask in His love and grace and get lost in His word. Then I want to share His love for me with others.
To me that leaves no room for “theology”.
For His Glory 
I agree and disagree. I agree in the sense that Christians should not argue or fight over doctrinal matters. “The Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth” (2 Tim. 2:24-25). However, everyone has a theology, and some are more defined than others. Having a well developed theology can be a real blessing for self and others, if it glorifies God and helps others grow spiritually. Francis Schaeffer is a good example of someone who has profound theological insights, but models grace and love among all. Don’t let some bad arguments among Christians lead you to throw the study of theology under the bus. There’s a place for it.
LikeLike
Thank you, Steven, for your thoughtful comments. I appreciate your input and your ideas about theology. It was not that singular argument that influenced me to abandon studying God. But I have vowed to avoid, no, run away from fast, any theological discussions. Thank you again for your comments. God bless.
LikeLike
“I don’t want to study God. I want to worship Him and praise Him and adore Him and bask in His love and grace and get lost in His word. Then I want to share His love for me with others.” Amen! Good word. Blessings.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Mel. God bless.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree with your point in this post. God is not glorified when his “children” just debate the details of his nature or his goodness with each other. He is best glorified when they personally testify to the acts of his loving grace and care in their daily lives.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amen, Bob, what you say is so true. Great thoughts. Thanks for sharing.
LikeLike
So true…Not too long ago, I wrote a post, “Apologists, Defenders of the Gospel or Rude Loud Mouths?” I like to study the Word, but I hate to argue my view points unless specifically directed by the Holy Spirit…which, I might add, is very very seldom.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amen. All our responses, in my opinion, ought to be directed by the Holy Spirit, especially when conversations start to lean towards theology. Thanks for sharing. God bless.
LikeLike
You get an “attaboy” for this one. Thanks Steven! We need to spend more of our time experiencing and sharing Him, not debating Him.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amen and Amen. Exactly. Thank you for your encouragement. God bless.
LikeLike