Why I Value Theology

One would think that with the uncertainties of life and certainty of death, people would be intrigued, perhaps even obsessed, with knowing if there is a Creator and, if He in fact, has a plan for His creation. It amazes me how many people I meet who seem uninterested in what happens to them when they die. Yet, this is THE MOST IMPORTANT question everyone should want to know the answer to because one second after death will be too late to decide.  For this reason, among many, I value theology.

According to Merriam Webster, theology is “the study of religious faith, practice and experience especially: the study of God and of God’s relation to the world.”[1]  Millard Erickson, a theology professor, shares several key points about this subject:
1.  Theology should be biblical. The Bible is the most credible source of information about God in the world. Failing to read this book deprives people of hearing from God about Himself and about His Creator’s intent. People should draw from all of Scripture because it is thematic, gives the whole picture and all 66 books are coherent.
2.  Theology should address cultural and learning issues related to science, psychology, anthropology, philosophy, history etc., because God throughout history has interacted with people.
3. Theology should be contemporary—relevant to life today but without distorting or confusing the original meaning of the Bible to suit changing views of those who do not and will not honor its truth.
4.  Theology should be practical in that it helps people negotiate life.[2]
 
Meditation
Job 38:2--Who is this who obscures My counsel with ignorant words?
 
In Job chapters 38-41 God confronts a suffering Job by asking him a series of questions and informing Job about Himself. At the end of His monologue, Job replied, “I know that You can do anything and no plan of Yours can be thwarted. You asked, ‘Who is this who conceals My counsel with ignorance?’ Surely I spoke about things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know” (42:1b-3). From this ancient writing that precedes Psalms we can learn much about God and much about ourselves. It is a superb example of why theology is important.  

Do you know people struggling with life or who seem blissfully unconcerned about death?  Point them to Scripture, (if possible, agree to study with them) and pray that the Holy Spirit draws them to Himself. Though his reputation is now tarnished, Ravi Zacharias was still accurate when he wrote in The Logic of God, “To echo Charles Spurgeon, the study of God is the highest science, the loftiest pursuit, and the mightiest discipline. Its rewards are immeasurable.” 
 
Inspiration
Insomuch as any one pushes you nearer to God, he or she is your friend.—Anonymous

©2021 Daniel York  ARR.  Reveration is the weekly devotional ministry of First Cause.  If you would like to receive these devotionals go to www.firstcause.org and click on the “Click here to receive weekly devotionals” box.  Unlimited permission to copy this devotional without altering text or profiteering is allowed subject to inclusion of this copyright notice.      
 
Ecclesiastes 12:10-The Teacher sought to find delightful sayings and to accurately write words of truth.  (Holman CSB)


[1] https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/theology
[2] Millard Erickson in Christian Theology, 1985, Baker Book House