Isn't "theologian" too much of a big word for mere mortals?

[Marcelo]

I appreciate the work of theologians in general (with some exceptions, of course), but I still think this title is out of proportion to reality. Imagine an ant bearing the title of anthropologist. Ridiculous? If an ant can't understand human beings much less can we understand God.

Who can search the mind of God? We can at best interpret His word, but with some limitations because God has hidden His secrets from the wise and learned, and revealed them only to His little ones. God often chooses the unlearned to confound the wise, who stumble over their own "wisdom".

Can anyone suggest another word instead of "theologian"?

 

[Willie-T]

Religiologist?

 

[Marcelo]

Religiologist?

It's better than THEOLOGIAN.

 

[resurrection33]

I appreciate the work of theologians in general (with some exceptions, of course), but I still think this title is out of proportion to reality. Imagine an ant bearing the title of anthropologist. Ridiculous? If an ant can't understand human beings much less can we understand God.

Who can search the mind of God? We can at best interpret His word, but with some limitations because God has hidden His secrets from the wise and learned, and revealed them only to His little ones. God often chooses the unlearned to confound the wise, who stumble over their own "wisdom".

Can anyone suggest another word instead of "theologian"?

This is one of my favorite topics. It allows me to state again that until you actually obey the Lord's commandments, you can't really understand the Bible. And so there are a lot of people with the title "theologian" who don't have a clue what's going on. Thanks for bringing it up.

 

[BeyondET]

Maybe Peabrainology is more fitting, Is it important what a mere mortal calls himself in his own language or what God sees in the heart of a mere mortal and the name that God gives the mere mortal in Gods own language.

 

[Dino246]

"...logy" as a suffix simply means "study of". "Biology"... study of biosphere; "anthropology"... study of humans, etc. So, in purely linguistic terms, "theology" )(theos + logy) is the study of god (small 'g' intended) or gods. As Christians, we believe in a unique personal God (capital 'g'). We believe that the Bible is His revelation of Himself in written form, so in studying the Bible we are, directly or indirectly, studying God.

I don't think we need to impose other complications on the word 'theology'. Rather, I think if we are coming to recognize our limitations and the greatness of God, it means that we're doing it right.

 

[Grandpa]

Berean.....

 

[lastofall]

I agree. There have been through the centuries to many invented words by scholastic achievers using secular means to define something in scripture, which for me is not at all necessary; for me we ought to rather learn not to think above that which is written, so that we keep ourselves away from exaggeration and over-estimation; instead we should remain practical and common, even as a carpenter or fisherman or tent-maker might convey a matter as the servant of God, and keep ourselves away from religious elitism, for we know very well by the Word of God that that never turns out good.
As for a suggestion I would just use the word servant or servant of the Lord rather than any title.

 

[breno785au]

I appreciate the work of theologians in general (with some exceptions, of course), but I still think this title is out of proportion to reality. Imagine an ant bearing the title of anthropologist. Ridiculous? If an ant can't understand human beings much less can we understand God.

Who can search the mind of God? We can at best interpret His word, but with some limitations because God has hidden His secrets from the wise and learned, and revealed them only to His little ones. God often chooses the unlearned to confound the wise, who stumble over their own "wisdom".

Can anyone suggest another word instead of "theologian"?

What about having a relationship with God?
I certainly wouldn't want my wife or children to study a book about me from afar lol

 

[Chester]

Reminds me of a book I read recently: Will the Theologians Please Sit Down - David Bercot -- not a book for a thin-skinned "theologian" to read - you might get offended!

True Christianity has always been about actually following Christ in life, not about correct creeds and doctrine.

 

[JesusRules1]

I appreciate the work of theologians in general (with some exceptions, of course), but I still think this title is out of proportion to reality. Imagine an ant bearing the title of anthropologist. Ridiculous? If an ant can't understand human beings much less can we understand God.

Who can search the mind of God? We can at best interpret His word, but with some limitations because God has hidden His secrets from the wise and learned, and revealed them only to His little ones. God often chooses the unlearned to confound the wise, who stumble over their own "wisdom".

Can anyone suggest another word instead of "theologian"?

It would not matter how well I knew the word of God,I could not give myself a title as if I was in a class greater than other people.

It might be some people pride themselves with that title,so they like that title,which is a Pharisee type thing to do,which they liked to convince people that they were great men of God,above the common folk,but Jesus said they have their reward,for they loved the praises of men more than the praises of God.

The Bible says we need not any person teach us,but the Spirit will teach us.

Jesus said the Spirit will guide us in to all truth,and bring to our remembrance things we have learned,and show us things to come.

The Bible says if you lack wisdom,ask God,who gives to all people liberally,nothing wavering.

Daniel and Joseph when interpreting a dream to the king did not give themselves glory,but said,I have no more wisdom than any other person,but it is God that reveals it.

Which means that God will cause all people that seek truth to understand truth,the same as everybody else,which the preacher is not given more wisdom,and understanding,than a common pew sitter.

But I do not want to judge when they say theologian,for they might not think they are special above other people,but might be saying they have studied the word of God for many years,but there are people that will try to convince people that they are above the common saint that stems from arrogance.

 

[Tintin]

I appreciate the work of theologians in general (with some exceptions, of course), but I still think this title is out of proportion to reality. Imagine an ant bearing the title of anthropologist. Ridiculous? If an ant can't understand human beings much less can we understand God.

Who can search the mind of God? We can at best interpret His word, but with some limitations because God has hidden His secrets from the wise and learned, and revealed them only to His little ones. God often chooses the unlearned to confound the wise, who stumble over their own "wisdom".

Can anyone suggest another word instead of "theologian"?

Um. Anthropology has nothing to do with ants.

 

[Whassup]

Can anyone suggest another word instead of "theologian"?

How bout "Big Head Fred"

Those titles my mean something here on earth among men... but in Heaven before the Lord they are meaningless.

He'll tell 'em... "Where you come from you may be willd Bill... but here, you ain't nuthin but sweet William"

Um. Anthropology has nothing to do with ants.

So, does that mean Narcolepsy doesn't have anything to do with people feeling the need to tell on others when they do wrong?

 

[Marcelo]

Um. Anthropology has nothing to do with ants.

Ants are in great need of anthropologists within their communities, to teach them where to build their houses so that they don't fall victim to men's cruelty.

 

[p_rehbein]

No, it doesn't, but I appreciate the use of it in this instance. It's a wee bit BAMAish........ Giving a meaning to a word that has nothing to do with the real meaning of the word.......we do it all the time.

Um. Anthropology has nothing to do with ants.

 

[p_rehbein]

Someone said something about studying the Word to show thyself approved.......theologians are students of the Word.....nothing more........as well, the Title is not usually one they place on themselves, rather it is given to them because of their dedication to the study of God's Word. Titles, in and of themselves, are not wrong, sinful, prideful, or any such. The APOSTLES had a Title.......Pastors, Preachers, Evangelists, Deacons, Elders, and such all have Titles that are given to them because of their dedication to their "calling."

(my thoughts)

"...logy" as a suffix simply means "study of". "Biology"... study of biosphere; "anthropology"... study of humans, etc. So, in purely linguistic terms, "theology" )(theos + logy) is the study of god (small 'g' intended) or gods. As Christians, we believe in a unique personal God (capital 'g'). We believe that the Bible is His revelation of Himself in written form, so in studying the Bible we are, directly or indirectly, studying God.

I don't think we need to impose other complications on the word 'theology'. Rather, I think if we are coming to recognize our limitations and the greatness of God, it means that we're doing it right.

 

[LaurenTM]

What about having a relationship with God?
I certainly wouldn't want my wife or children to study a book about me from afar lol

that invoked all kinds of images...not about you, but families in general

laughed out loud...

 

[LaurenTM]

Um. Anthropology has nothing to do with ants.

anthropological dig

 

[Marcelo]

Someone said something about studying the Word to show thyself approved.......theologians are students of the Word.....nothing more........as well, the Title is not usually one they place on themselves, rather it is given to them because of their dedication to the study of God's Word. Titles, in and of themselves, are not wrong, sinful, prideful, or any such. The APOSTLES had a Title.......Pastors, Preachers, Evangelists, Deacons, Elders, and such all have Titles that are given to them because of their dedication to their "calling."

(my thoughts)

Perfect! Theologians can't be blamed for having a pompous title, and what I am questioning here is the title - not the job of a theologian.

 

[Grace777x70]

Perfect! Theologians can't be blamed for having a pompous title, and what I am questioning here is the title - not the job of a theologian.

Sometimes us people can perceive it as a pompous title. The title itself has no effect other than to say that they read and study the scriptures but even that within itself is meaningless because without the Holy Spirit revealing the things of God - we can have our human understanding "interpreting the scriptures"....which is where we end up with 80,000 denominations.

In saying that - I do enjoy reading what they have to say and have learned many things that the Holy Spirit witnesses to me about but a the end of the day - it is their opinion and personal thoughts too.

If you take all the "theologians" from one denomination over the years - they could be just saying what that denomination believes which may or may not be quite accurate.

Thus we can have a "string of theologians" all saying the same thing. To some this is somehow a "confirmation of truth". I don't buy that theory myself. No, what it is, is a bunch of the same people with the same beliefs saying what they believe. And that is fine.

I find it funny in our modern church world that we have no problem calling someone Pastor so and so...and yet if someone says I am Prophet so and so or Prophet so and so - we can freak out and yet we accept the title of Pastor so and so without any thoughts - this is simply showing church traditions IMO.

I do believe in honoring our leaders but this "title thing" is a man-made tradition.

Personally I don't see where anyone in the NT called themselves by a title including Apostle, Prophet, Pastor, Teacher, or Evangelists. Paul never called himself "Apostle Paul" as in a "title"...he simply said that he was an apostle sent by God to preach the gospel to the gentiles.