Whether you realize it or not, we are all theologians. A core definition of theology is simply the study of God and in that regard, all people theologize (not sure that is a word) at least off and on. Sit down with any person and they will be able to give you their thoughts on God; some may be very open about it even if others are not. But everyone is a theologian. Somehow though, we have relegated to the seminarians and the professionals the job of really working through theology. There is an image of a theologian as some guy who can’t quite cut it in the real world who sits over some dusty books and writes long and boringly academic papers. And while I would say such a description is unfair, there are those whose jobs are to devote themselves to theological thought. In evangelical Christianity, we should be thankful for those whom God has blessed with the ability and the gifting to work through some very difficult issues.
However…theology is not for academia. Theology is for the backstreet alleys of Mooresville. It is for the suburban housing of Indianapolis. Theology is for the lab rooms at Eli Lilly. Theology has been and always will be for the blue collar thinking. By blue collar I mean to say for the average Joe living what we would call an average life. Theology is for practical application in the real world!
Stay tuned over the next several weeks. I’m not 100% sure where this will end but it is important to discuss, work out and apply theology to our lives. To avoid it is to become weak in our faith. To embrace theology strengthens our walk with God as we study who He is, what He does and how we relate to Him.
Tags: theology
