What is Theology?
The word theology usually conjures up images of people in white robes who sit in a dim room and pore over big books , or of big professors in well dressed suits discussing it in some university campus.
Wikipedia simply defines theology thus "Theology is the systematic and rational study of religion and its influences and of the nature of religious truths, or the learned profession acquired by completing specialized training in religious studies, usually at a university or school of divinity or seminary." .Boring people poring over boring stuff :)
Though this is the formal definition of theology ,I would say that everyone who has thought about or asked the Ultimate questions in life is a theologian in some sense
Why is there something rather than nothing ?
What happens after death ?
Is there someone called God?
Is there only one way to God? etc..
Why should we study theology?
As in my previous discussion.Religion is the Primary Lens through which we tend to see the world.Therefore whatever views we may tend to have on issues such as abortion and the way we live will be governed by our belief systems
Also it is important for all of us to understand Why we believe what we believe.The first greatest critic of our religion will usually be ourselves.Therefore it is essential that we test our belief systems both rationally and intellectually before we commit to it. Or if we are already committed to a position we should just back up a little way and understand why we do it.This will help us get confidence in what we believe and we will be able to present a reasoned and mature defense of the gospel whenever we are called to do so
How should theology be done ?
Theology is best done as a community.This is where a strong fellowship will help us out a lot.For example if you had noticed that when most of the girls speak there is more of an emotional angle to it whereas men tend to think and speak more rationally and logically.Both sides are important and will help us get a more well rounded perspective of the issue at hand.Of course this does not in any way undermine the importance of good personal study
I hope I have given a fair understanding of the Why's and What's of theology.Please do give me your thoughts and suggestions
The word theology usually conjures up images of people in white robes who sit in a dim room and pore over big books , or of big professors in well dressed suits discussing it in some university campus.
Wikipedia simply defines theology thus "Theology is the systematic and rational study of religion and its influences and of the nature of religious truths, or the learned profession acquired by completing specialized training in religious studies, usually at a university or school of divinity or seminary." .Boring people poring over boring stuff :)
Though this is the formal definition of theology ,I would say that everyone who has thought about or asked the Ultimate questions in life is a theologian in some sense
Why is there something rather than nothing ?
What happens after death ?
Is there someone called God?
Is there only one way to God? etc..
Why should we study theology?
As in my previous discussion.Religion is the Primary Lens through which we tend to see the world.Therefore whatever views we may tend to have on issues such as abortion and the way we live will be governed by our belief systems
Also it is important for all of us to understand Why we believe what we believe.The first greatest critic of our religion will usually be ourselves.Therefore it is essential that we test our belief systems both rationally and intellectually before we commit to it. Or if we are already committed to a position we should just back up a little way and understand why we do it.This will help us get confidence in what we believe and we will be able to present a reasoned and mature defense of the gospel whenever we are called to do so
How should theology be done ?
Theology is best done as a community.This is where a strong fellowship will help us out a lot.For example if you had noticed that when most of the girls speak there is more of an emotional angle to it whereas men tend to think and speak more rationally and logically.Both sides are important and will help us get a more well rounded perspective of the issue at hand.Of course this does not in any way undermine the importance of good personal study
I hope I have given a fair understanding of the Why's and What's of theology.Please do give me your thoughts and suggestions
3 comments:
good blog adri continue writing!
with reference to this article i have to say that i finally agree with you on this matter. when discussing about our religion with someone else we need a mature defense like what you said, something based on facts and science and not just based on miracles and personal experiences. but if some one asks you to explain a miracle through science or with historic proof and not just pass it off with faith, what would be your reply? for example if i ask u,"God splitting up the red sea,how can that happen?" what would you say?
You cannot explain a miracle through science since the very fact that it is a miracle means that it defies the known laws of science in some way.
However we do have solid historic proof for things such as the Resurrection will share that in the coming posts
hey adriel... Good blog
aurelia: in answer to ur question.. First of all... I believe that miracles are born out of our faith in GOD. For instance, lets not look at history. Lets take now, the present. Believe it or not, the very life we live this very second, reading this blog, its a miracle. So many people lived to see the dawn of the new day... But... There are those who do not live this very second. Why are we alive? Well, thats is a miracle.only when u are aware of this, u will believe in miracles. Ur faith in GOD that you are and will be alive today is a miracle... HIS mercies are new every morning. Everyday is a miracle.
If you get into details about the red sea... if a person asks proof... First show them by your faith that HE is a GOD of miracles... Next... Tell them the whole miracle in detail on who. When, what, why and how.... At last show him the proof... The proof has been found by an archeologist named Ron Wyatt. He is the one who found Noah's ark,etc. But remember what CHRIST said when HE appeared to Thomas after resurrection "Blessed are those who have not seen, yet believe"...
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