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Theology
Before we dive too deep, I feel the need to clear the air on a matter that I believe serves as a hindrance to many when it comes to getting to grips with scripture. We’ll begin by defining theology itself and discussing what that actually means.
Theology;
1. the study of religious faith, practice, and experience especially: the study of God and of God’s relation to the world
Merriam-Webster
There’s more to it, but this first definition is the one I want us to focus on for the moment.
First, the term theology is derived from the Greek theologia, which is a compound term. That’s just a fancy way of saying it’s two words crammed together; theos, meaning God – and logia, a form of the term logos meaning reasoning or discourse and is the root from which we derive the word logic in modern English. Breaking this down, we see that one could reasonably define this term as [the study of] God’s Reasoning, or God’s Word.
Honestly, when you boil it down, it gets pretty simple pretty quickly – but I think we, as believers, don’t tend to view things this way. You see, over my short time on this rock, I’ve noted a generally tendency within the minds of men to put this topic on a proverbial pedestal. Whether we readily acknowledge it or not, the general consensus seems to be that deep understanding is only for those who attend seminary, or otherwise study the issue in a structured, academic environment.
Now, I’m not here to tell you that there’s no value in academic study with regards to scripture or theology, but I AM here to tell you that this view, in general is dead wrong and misses the mark in so many fundamental ways as to be a significant blockade to true understanding for the common man. That is to say, despite our best intentions, things tend to go sideways pretty quickly – and this happens within our individual perceptions… let me explain.
God is a very real, ever present being. He is a PERSON. The study of theology is ultimately, the study of a living PERSON and I think that we often tend to lose sight of this – extremely important – fact.
Consider: I am a person.
One could, were they so inclined, study me (which would be silly, but stick with me here). The accuracy of any conclusions drawn would depend greatly on the manner in which this was conducted. If, for instance, one could go back through everything I’ve ever written or said, they may gain a fair bit of understanding into how my mind works and even a bit about my personality. Of course, this would only be relevant were they to view such material in it’s entirety – if one only focused on a specific portion of these materials, they’d have a limited, and likely skewed perception of me.
Of course, the best way to get an understanding of me would simply be to get to know me. Engage me in dialogue, spend time around me, ask questions and so forth. I mean, “duh” right? Yet how many of us fail to adopt this simplistic approach with regards to God and the scriptures?
Now, before this analogy goes sideways, let’s clarify some things; first, yes you absolutely CAN talk to God and, yes, He absolutely DOES answer. Thing is, you first have to be willing to tune in to His frequency and you have to develop some discernment… I mean, the adversary is always introducing “static” into the line.
Second, you need to to understand that this is NOT a replacement for reading – and actually studying – what the scriptures have to say. In fact, there are questions you’ll ask that will be met with a response along the lines of; “I’ve already answered that… look it up.” How do I know this? Experience.
Still with me?
Here’s the thing – if you were studying me and came to something you found perplexing or difficult, would you then go seek out someone reported to be an “expert” on the subject of me… or would you just come ask me? I mean, outside of God Himself, I am the world’s foremost expert on me.
Now let’s clarify a bit: I am not saying that there’s nothing to be gleaned from listening to preachers, teachers or formally educated theologians – I do so frequently and have picked up a great deal of invaluable understanding. My point is that my understanding of scripture is not limited to, nor bound by what these people say. Heck, there are topics on which I whole-heartedly disagree with some prevalent opinions ad beliefs – One Law and the Rapture come leaping to mind.
I can stand on such issues, in direct opposition to some of these views because the position I hold is NOT something I was simply told, but a hard-fought understanding of what is and isn’t actually in the Bible. In other words, what I hold on such matters is not just a theological “view“, but an actual belief – and one doesn’t develop deep-seated beliefs by simply regurgitating what someone else has told them on the matter. At least… not really.
So the true crux of everything I am putting forward today is this: we are not called to be followers of this or that preacher… we aren’t called to champion the cause of this or that denomination, and we are not called to treat others as having some special understanding not available to the rest of us; we’re called to follow the Messiah; the Son of the Living God and God in the flesh. That requires us to seek understanding and to plant His words and teachings deep within us ~ and that requires us each to…
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
2 Timothy 2:15 KJV
All of this is to say that the standard of truth isn’t what your pastor says – it’s what God says… and the primary tool for knowing the difference is knowing His Word.
Lastly, please don’t misunderstand; I am not trying to take a swipe at ministers, pastors or theologians – I am simply pointing out that they are not our source of truth… or understanding. Moreover, far too many within the larger congregation seem to be content with being “spoon-fed”, and that simply isn’t going to cut it.
I’m not here to give you fish, I’m trying to give you the net.
Until next time,
שלום עליכם – Shalom Aleichem – Peace Be Upon You