None of these views of theology is accurate. Theology is vital to the Christian life. Stanley J. Grenz and Roger E. Olson give a wonderful description of theology in their book titled, Who Needs Theology?: An Invitation to the Study of God. In this, they wrote:
Christian theology is reflecting on and articulating the God-centered life and beliefs that Christians share as followers of Jesus Christ, and it is done in order that God may be glorified in all Christians are and do. Soli Deo gloria. (1)Christian theology is not about discovering random truths about God. The foundational source for Christian theology is the Bible, because of its inspiration, inerrancy, and authority as God's word. Theology discovers doctrines by reflecting on Scripture and bringing Scripture's meaning and essence to light under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. These doctrines are important, because they affect how Christians view God, their relationship to Him, humanity, sin, and so much more. Without theology, no one would know anything about God.
There are two main tasks in Christian theology. First, theology examines and evaluates beliefs and categorizes valid Christian beliefs based upon their importance. This task is known as the critical task of theology. Second, theology constructs "unified models of diverse biblical teaching," and relates these "models relevantly to contemporary culture." (2) This is the constructive portion of theology. Good theology builds up a systematic set of beliefs in the light of Scripture and leads to a unity within Christ's Church.
J.I. Packer made some good points regarding the importance of theology. First of all, he explained that theology equips Christians for witness. Christians are called by God to be His witnesses to the world. On top of this, Packer asserts that theology helps provide discernment in practical matters. (3) A firm understanding of the biblical truths guides how one lives out their life. Actions spring out from the heart and mind. Without this understanding, trying to please God would be futile.
As an example of how good theology can affect a person, one should look at Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Bonhoeffer lived in Germany and saw the rise of Nazism under Adolf Hitler. Bonhoeffer's Scripture based theology revealed how terrible and sinful the country's pride and actions were. What Bonhoeffer discovered in the biblical text led him to stand and preach against Hitler's regime, anti-semitism, and the theological errors of Germany. (4)
Bonhoeffer lived as a witness of God to the people of Germany and made a difference for the Kingdom. His words and works still impact lives today. This is how powerful theology can be. Aided by the Holy Spirit, it can empower people to make a difference in this world for Jesus Christ.
Theology is for everyone, because everyone deals and grapples with beliefs about God. Most importantly, theology is for Christians who were called to live a life pleasing to God. By reflecting on and applying God's word in the light of other biblical teachings, people can grow closer to God and know Him more. Theology is important, because it equips the believer for effective ministry/witness, provides grounds for better discernment, lends to unity within Christ's Church, and leads one to not only a better understanding of God, but a better relationship with Him. All of this is done to the glory of God.
Here is a video of J.I. Packer teaching a lesson titled, Theology is for Everyone.
Sources:
1. Stanley J. Grenz and Roger E. Olson, Who Needs Theology?: An Invitation to the Study of God, (Illinois, InverVarsity Press, 1996), 49.
2. Ibid, 80.
3. Video, "Theology is For Everyone (J.I. Packer)", http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGdpY0OcV_M.
4. Darren C. Marks, "The Mind Under Grace: Why a heady dose of doctrine is crucial to spiritual formation," Christianity Today, http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2010/march/13.22.html, Accessed: 9/11/11.
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