Theology has always been a bit of a mind-boggling topic. One of my work colleagues once asked me a question: “What is theology?” If I’m honest, I had no answer at the time. To me as a Christian, theology is something that we simply do. We already have an understanding of it, and we attempt to live by our Christian theology. Often this is what has been handed down to us from our parents. However, articulating the definition of theology and its usefulness to someone not of the faith is not an easy feat!
Let’s take a look at theology.
Theology is defined as “what the church of Jesus Christ believes, teaches and confesses by the word of God: this is Christian doctrine”[1]. Christian belief is Christian theology. The Christian Church teaches and lives according to its theological beliefs. We know this because Christ told us the following in Matthew:
“16 You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. 18 A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.”
Matthew 7:16-20 ESV.
Theology defines what Christians believe and practice. For evangelical Christians, our theology is centred on the gospel. “They are a people committed to hearing, living out, and sharing the good news of God’s saving action in Jesus Christ and the divine gift of the Holy Spirit, a saving action that brings forgiveness, transforms life, and creates a new community. As a gospel people, evangelicals continually set forth the truth that the center of the church is the gospel and that the church, therefore, must be gospel centered[2]”. Theology is not only about the intellectual study of God; it is about its application to life! It is something that every believer is a part of, even if they do not realise.
In hindsight, I wish I could have articulated this answer to my colleague: “Theology is the study of God and the application of His Word to the lives of Christian believers. Theology is the application of God’s Word to the lives of His people and followers”. Understanding is often the first step to successful articulation.
I hope that this piece will grow your understanding of Christian Theology and perhaps help you to learn.
God bless.
[1] Jaroslav Pelikan, The Christian Tradition: A History of the Development of Doctrine, Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1971, 1:1.
[2] Stanley J. Grenz, Renewing the Center, Baker Academic: 2006, 337.
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