What Does It Mean to Think Theologically?
When a discussion concerning a theological matter arises, it is often greeted by a blank look of indifference and a general lack of concern for what follows. People may twiddle their thumbs or remain silent until the conversation has subsided and the opportunity to change the discussion has presented itself. All too often this lackadaisical attitude is found present in the minds of Christians.
This presents a particular challenge when pastors call their congregations to think theologically. It is as though an imaginary brick wall has appeared and been placed between the shepherd and his sheep. The pastor’s message no longer seems relevant to those sitting in the pews because he has disconnected from reality. As a result, pastors wonder why their congregants are not listening and laymen wonder why their pastors do not have a clue about real life.
The problem escalates further when pastors become appalled by this notion as well. Sooner or later, doctrine becomes deemphasized, sermons begin to lack substance, and congregations start following the latest fads. The Church thus begins to lose its flavor to the broader surrounding culture (Mt. 5:13).
Ironically, regardless of the indifference some may have about the idea of thinking theologically, it is inescapable. All believers think theologically, whether they know it or not. Otherwise, their relationship with God would be nonexistent. How would they ever grow in their sanctification as a believer? The more they come to know God, the more their relationship is strengthened through that knowledge of Him [1].
This knowledge is not merely cognitive assent in one’s understanding of God, but rather it is knowledge that is gained through fellowship with other Christian believers for purposes of confession of sin, accountability, and, ultimately, edification. It is a knowledge that comes through the sweet communion found with God when fasting and praying. If theology is only understood as acquiring knowledge of God through the context of the mind, then theology is emptied of its very essence. There is no theology.
This being the case, the problem is not that Christians do not think theologically. Rather, it is more appropriate to argue that many Christians do not think theologically sound. The question may be asked, “What does it mean to think theologically sound?” To answer that question, the following matters must be considered for discussion: 1) the common misconceptions, 2) the proper perspective, and 3) the necessity of theological thought for Christian living.
The Common Misconceptions
Often, when many people hear the word “theology,” they assume it is some form of philosophical thought abstracted from reality. It is presumed to be a subject that only those who are in the academy are required to study. No one would ever admit that it is unimportant, but many would prefer to discuss issues that are more concrete and tangible to grasp. Thus, they are turned off to the idea and are satisfied with their current mode of thinking regarding theology and the life of the Church.
This outlook results in a dichotomy between upper and lower story knowledge [2]. Upper story knowledge deals with aspects of divine revelation from God. It seeks to answer the inescapable questions of life; that is, the harder disciplines of Christian theology such as the knowledge of God, moral truth, or religious knowledge. Lower story knowledge focuses on those things that can be observed by experience and reason or the softer disciplines of Christian theology. These are things that are felt, seen, tasted, touched, heard, and can be observed for ourselves [3].
Those with false assumptions about theology unknowingly place a dichotomy between upper and lower story knowledge when their personal relationship with God requires them to engage theologically. Therefore, their thinking concerning these issues, which requires good theological thought, is neither sound nor consistent.
For instance, it may appear to some in a worship service as if the Holy Spirit is not working amongst the congregation—people are not very emotional, they are not raising their hands in praise, and no one seems to be broken over their sin. As a result, the congregation appears dead despite the fact that they are doing proper evangelism within the community, sound expository preaching, biblical church discipline, or practicing other various aspects of church life that would be ascribed to a healthy local church. They are not allowing their upper story knowledge to inform and affect their lower story knowledge.
Postmodernity further complicates the matter because it allows for one to maintain a Christian worldview that has not been established upon consistent theological thought. Thus, people can herald against not having good sound preaching in church, yet listen to preaching that is not expounding the text, is emotionally charged, and is still called “biblical” because it moved those who heard it. Their experience begins to govern their own thinking about God and His actions. When upper and lower story knowledge is properly united, this is not the case [4].
What Is It, Really?
All Christians should think theologically, not just pastors and theologians. All should engage in matters of theology and apply it to matters of life. This means that theology is concerned with all aspects of life: the arts, literature, history, science, educational philosophy, business and work ethics, parenting, church and community life, spirituality, and other facets pertaining to the softer disciplines of Christianity. Although no Christian would disagree with such sentiments, the fruit among many Christians is that this does not appear to be the consensus.
Theology concerns itself with Christians from all walks of life: from the seminary professor teaching systematic theology to the south Georgia peanut farmer. It requires the stay-at-home mom to understand trends, fads, and cultural changes currently present and engage them with sound biblical thought in order to properly disciple and raise her children in the admonition of the Lord. Theology infiltrates every aspect of life, not just the academy. When this is understood, it requires Christians to consider how the individual aspects of everyday life affect their theological thought and spiritual relationship with Christ.
Necessary For Christian Living
Finally, sound theological thought is necessary for Christians living in a postmodern culture. “For though we walk in the flesh,” says the Apostle Paul, “we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ” (2 Cor. 10:3–5 ESV). Paul states that Christians are to combat any argument that stands against the knowledge of God and to take it captive and make it obedient to Christ. This is not only a battle of the mind, but rather a spiritual matter requiring the power of the Holy Spirit.
Theology permeates the very fabric of life itself. Whether it is some heretical doctrine or a new cultural trend influencing the Church, it must be taken captive and made obedient to Christ. It is a war in which all soldiers of Christ participate. When properly understood, theology is no longer the enemy of the Church, but an ally to help win the war against Satan.
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[1] Knowledge here does not only refer to the cognitive aspects (such as the Trinity or Incarnation) of understanding God, but also encompasses those aspects that can only be understood through relationship and spiritual discipline. For example, knowing God as Father is a doctrinal concept that can only be understood in the context of personal relationship. Thus, knowledge of God includes both the cognitive and relational or personal aspects of theology.
[2] F. Leroy Forlines, The Quest for Truth: Answering Life’s Inescapable Questions (Nashville: Randall House Publication, 2001), 7-24.
[3] I credit the terms “hard” and “soft” disciplines to J. Matthew Pinson in a previous conversation concerning this topic. J. Matthew Pinson is the President of Free Will Baptist Bible College in Nashville, TN.
[4] Granted, the reverse can happen as well. Upper story knowledge can be so removed from lower story knowledge that it becomes inapplicable to the Christian. This is what many grass-root Christians fear the academy has done—an argument, which, at times, is rightfully made. As a result, many pastors and theologians are hindered when trying to teach their congregants about the importance of theology. In some fashion, they have committed the same fallacy as those Christians on the grass-roots level.
Resources For Further Study:
J. Gresham Machen. “Christianity and Culture.” The Princeton Theological Review 11 (1913);http://www.cambridgestudycenter.com/artilces/Machen2.htm; accessed 4 July 2010; Internet.
Kenneth Keathley. “Why Theology Matters To Everyone.” Outlook, Spring 2007, 17-18.
May 30, 2015
Great Article. All pastors and congregants should hear this!
June 3, 2015
Thanks, Steve! I appreciate your feedback.