Theology—beneficial or source of endless debating?

[ResidentAlien]

Personally, I hate theology. To me it seems like a pointless intellectual exercise that locks people out from hearing the truth. I like understanding, but to me understanding is something different than theology and it's important to know the difference. Understanding comes from the Lord; theology, in most cases, is a human edifice written in stone. "You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me."—John 5:39

What are your thoughts?

 

[Live4Him3]

Well, that depends upon how one defines "theology".

It literally means "the study of God", so I don't see anything wrong with that.

However, that's not what much of today's so-called "theology" seems to be.

Instead, it seems to be a puffed up rehashing of all sorts of heresies which fuel one fiery argument after another while the harvest that God cares so much about perishes in the field.

Here's what Solomon had to say about "much study":

Ecclesiastes chapter 12

[11] The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd.
[12] And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.
[13] Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
[14] For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.

How many people have you ever met in your life who live in accordance with Solomon's conclusion?

I've been a Christian for close to 34 years now, and I'd be lying if I told you that I ever met even one professing Christian who I truly believe fears God and keeps his commandments, and that's the whole duty of man.

Anyhow, you asked...

 

[Magenta]

Theology is a set of intellectual and emotional commitments, justified or not,
about God and man which dictate ones beliefs and actions. Neither the word
itself is irrelevant, nor the concepts which it seeks to articulate. It is the first
pursuit of knowledge and wisdom, and called “the queen of the sciences.”
It was understood to be the first among pursuits of knowledge, since it was
believed that all other pursuits were vitally linked to its dictates. Morality
was dictated by it. Philosophy was called its handmaiden. It was held in such
high esteem because theology itself provides a foundation for your philosophy
and worldview, which in turn sets inclinations for your heart, actions, and
decisions in all situations. Everything is affected by your theology. source

 

[Eli1]

I don’t like talking either but I enjoy it sometimes or most of the time.
‘But other times I won’t say anything at all because it’s just not worth it.

 

[Amanuensis]

I have a book called Systematic Theology by Wayne Grudem. It is fun to read and keeps me learning the Word the whole time I read it.

I have tried to read Institutes of Christianity by John Calvin. It is supposed to be a Systematic Theology book but it is so full of philosophical reasoning that goes over my head that I don't really feel like I am learning the scriptures when reading it and I give up.

 

[pottersclay]

Theology should never be preached. It has done more damage than good.
It traps you into a thought process which in many cases hides the truth.

Take for instance replacement theology where the church replaces Israel. Calvin in his end yrs embraced this.
Full of anti-Semitism and corruption of the word of GOD.
If God all throughout the bible is a redeemer then why did he replace Israel...to hard for him to redeem?
Not according to revelation.
God said he would never forsake Israel. If he replaced Israel hes a liar.
Jesus said he would never forsake us...should we be concerned.

There are many more theological thoughts that are preached from the pulpit today. Dangerously blasphemous.
I started a thread not to long ago on this and stated the bible teaches by anology not theology.
All scripture is inspired. We were given the Holy Spirit as our teacher and CHRIST as our example.

 

[Lanolin]

I think its a greek thing, when they had altars to 'an unknown God'

its not a jewish thing...they know God all too well, but dont get along with Him.

as for Christians, we love God and thats the difference

 

[SomeDisciple]

"Contend for the faith" while you still can. When he returns, the debate is over.

 

[ResidentAlien]

"Contend for the faith" while you still can. When he returns, the debate is over.

Yes, contend for the "faith," not theology.

 

[ResidentAlien]

Well, that depends upon how one defines "theology".

It literally means "the study of God", so I don't see anything wrong with that.

However, that's not what much of today's so-called "theology" seems to be.

Instead, it seems to be a puffed up rehashing of all sorts of heresies which fuel one fiery argument after another while the harvest that God cares so much about perishes in the field.

Here's what Solomon had to say about "much study":

Ecclesiastes chapter 12

[11] The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd.
[12] And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.
[13] Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
[14] For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.

How many people have you ever met in your life who live in accordance with Solomon's conclusion?

I've been a Christian for close to 34 years now, and I'd be lying if I told you that I ever met even one professing Christian who I truly believe fears God and keeps his commandments, and that's the whole duty of man.

Anyhow, you asked...

Well, no one's perfect. Do you count yourself among those who doesn't fear Yahweh or keep His commandments?

But I agree with your observations about theology. Good post.

 

[Gideon300]

Personally, I hate theology. To me it seems like a pointless intellectual exercise that locks people out from hearing the truth. I like understanding, but to me understanding is something different than theology and it's important to know the difference. Understanding comes from the Lord; theology, in most cases, is a human edifice written in stone. "You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me."—John 5:39

What are your thoughts?

The Bible is a spiritual book for spiritual people. God is a person who can be known, not a subject to be studied. The term "systematic theology" grates on me. It de-personalises God.

 

[Gideon300]

Well, that depends upon how one defines "theology".

It literally means "the study of God", so I don't see anything wrong with that.

However, that's not what much of today's so-called "theology" seems to be.

Instead, it seems to be a puffed up rehashing of all sorts of heresies which fuel one fiery argument after another while the harvest that God cares so much about perishes in the field.

Here's what Solomon had to say about "much study":

Ecclesiastes chapter 12

[11] The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd.
[12] And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.
[13] Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
[14] For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.

How many people have you ever met in your life who live in accordance with Solomon's conclusion?

I've been a Christian for close to 34 years now, and I'd be lying if I told you that I ever met even one professing Christian who I truly believe fears God and keeps his commandments, and that's the whole duty of man.

Anyhow, you asked...

God is a person to be known, not a subject to be studied.

 

[Live4Him3]

Well, no one's perfect. Do you count yourself among those who doesn't fear Yahweh or keep His commandments?

But I agree with your observations about theology. Good post.

I definitely fear God, and I do strive to keep his commandments by his Spirit.

That said, I'm definitely not perfect, but I'm consistently seeking to grow up more into the fulness of the stature of Christ which is what God truly desires for all of us.

 

[Live4Him3]

God is a person to be known, not a subject to be studied.

I agree, but we do need to study God's word in order to know who he truly is.

 

[XavierJesusLovesIndia]

I love Theology. Theology means the Knowledge of God. It is about seeking God's Wisdom from Him. The Bible commends it in Prov 4:

"Proverbs 4

1Listen, my sons, to a father's instruction; pay attention and gain understanding.2I give you sound learning, so do not forsake my teaching.3When I was a boy in my father's house, still tender, and an only child of my mother,4he taught me and said, "Lay hold of my words with all your heart; keep my commands and you will live.5Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or swerve from them.6Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you.7Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, [1] get understanding.8Esteem her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you.9She will set a garland of grace on your head and present you with a crown of splendor."

 

[ResidentAlien]

I definitely fear God, and I do strive to keep his commandments by his Spirit.

That said, I'm definitely not perfect, but I'm consistently seeking to grow up more into the fulness of the stature of Christ which is what God truly desires for all of us.

And you've never met another believer who does likewise?

 

[ResidentAlien]

I love Theology.

Yeah, Catholics can't live without their theology. Too bad they don't feel the same about truth.

 

[XavierJesusLovesIndia]

Theology is Truth. Christ, Who is called the Wisdom of God (1 Cor 1:24), is also the Truth (Jn 14:6). Seeking Truth is seeking Wisdom.

The Bible says the Church is the Pillar and Foundation of the Truth. It is already revealed and doesn't need to be re-discovered.

1 Tim 3:15:

"if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the Church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth."

 

[Beckie]

it can be both. Kinda depends on what one gleans from it.

 

[Eli1]

I see some comments here regarding fear of God. These are common in many Christian circles but I don’t get this.
Why would you fear God? I love God !