Why Theology Matters
The last time we discussed this matter, I confirmed that Theology was a ‘Need’ (something a Christian cannot believe and live right without). In the following three sessions to ensure that this conclusion (Theology as a Need) is established, I will share with you the thoughts of one of my theology Teachers Roger. E Olson, however, I will edit (not the thought) but contribute to the thought a few Biblical texts where necessary.
Clearing Up Confusion about “Theology” (Prolegomena to Prolegomena)
Systematic or constructive theology usually begins with “prolegomena”—so-called “first things”—foundations of theology. What prolegomena include vary from theology to theology. However, prolegomena usually begin with some discussion of the method of theology—how theology is “done”—especially including the roles of revelation, tradition, reason, and experience—the so-called “Wesleyan Quadrilateral.” Many volumes of Christian theology begin with some version of natural theology or at least discussion of it. Natural theology, of course, includes reasons for believing in God, divine revelation, etc. (This is why Swiss theologian Karl Barth rejected prolegomena, because he believed it began Christian theology with non-Christian foundations.)
In short, “prolegomena” is any discussion of “first things” of Christian theology but especially theological method—how theology will be done. This is similar to studies of science which begins with discussions of the scientific method. That would be the prolegomena to the sciences—physics, chemistry, biology, etc.
Here I want to step back from prolegomena to prolegomena to prolegomena—to explain what theology is—discussion of first things before first things. Even among Christians, one cannot assume knowledge or understanding of theology as theology. “Theology” is a word often misused for other subjects. For example, “theology” is often misused for ethics and for spirituality and for the practice of ministry. All those and more can come under the broad umbrella category of “theological studies,” but they are not themselves actually pure theology. Let me explain with an illustration.
Theology is to ethics what physics is to engineering; ethics is to theology what engineering is to physics. Both are essential, but they are not quite the same thing. Engineering depends on physics in a way physics does not depend on engineering.
Once, long ago when I began teaching theology at a Christian liberal arts college, I was confronted by a colleague who taught physics. He asked what I taught and I told him “theology.” He replied somewhat snarkily “O, theology, that’s theoretical Christianity.” I responded “O, physics, that’s theoretical engineering.” He got my point, laughed and we were friends ever afterwards.
There is a sense in which theology is “theoretical Christianity,” but that does not make it irrelevant; it makes it essential—in the same way physics is essential to engineering. Engineering might be considered “applied physics.” So ethics and spiritual formation and ministry practice might be considered “applied theology”—theology put into practice.
But nobody learns engineering without first learning physics and every good engineer uses physics daily in “doing engineering.” You cannot just jump into engineering without first studying physics! Physics guides engineering even if it does not actually do engineering.
The same relationship exists between, say, social work and sociology. Social work is applied sociology; sociology is (sometimes) theoretical social work.
Many people, including many Christians, simply do not understand the relevance of theology or they reduce theology to ethics or spirituality or ministry practice. They are not the same. Theology is the study of God; it is thinking about God—with the goal of undergirding and guiding ethics, spirituality and ministry practice. Of course, theology “thinks” about God and other things in relation to God—creation, history, humanity, Jesus Christ, salvation, the church, etc.
My main point here is simply this: theology, properly understood, is not ethics even if ethics often calls itself “theology.” Christian ethics is applied theology, theology applied to moral decision making and acting. Ethics, spirituality and ministry practice (including Christian social work) build on theology. They borrow from other fields such as philosophy, sociology, etc. Theology itself often “borrows” from philosophy and sociology—as “conversation partners”—but pure Christian theology always depends primarily on revelation—especially the Bible—plus tradition, reason, and experience. The Bible is the primary source and norm; tradition, reason and experience are tools theology uses in “filling in the gaps” and interpreting the Bible.
Theology proper, theology itself, is thinking about God (and matters related to God) in the light of God’s Word, revelation, especially scripture, using tradition, reason and experience as tools of interpretation. It is about beliefs—the cognitive content of Christianity—what Christian churches and individuals ought to believe. It informs Christian practice (ethics, spirituality, ministry, etc.) but cannot be reduced to them. They are informed and even regulated and governed by theology.
God bless you I invoke TRUTH, WISDOM, and FAITH (2Tim 2:7)
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