Too Consumed With Theology - quiz

I must admit, I have been guilty of being consumed by theology.

The problem is the most believers (and when I say "most believers" I really mean "me" but it makes feel better to think I'm not alone) simply learn about God through someone else and never learn to go directly to the source themselves. Some may even become theologians with a great grasp of the biblical texts, but still their knowledge of God is based upon second or third hand accounts. They fool themselves into thinking they know God because they have read stories about Him and have adopted a theological construct which helps them define God in human terms. Yet, still the intimacy between them and God is no more real than the intimacy between them and their favorite dead theologian.

I have learned Father is much more interactive throughout an entire day when you learn to recognize His voice and promptings. My hunger for knowing Him grows each day I spend with Him and I can’t see ever going back to attempting to confine that to a ten minute time slot. Prayer is much more natural and responsive to my circumstances...it's rarely confined to a particular time of day. Reading the scripture has become less of a way I seek to hear ‘a Word from God’ and more of a means to confirm the truth of the words he is speaking directly into my spirit. I’ve been reminded that scripture never refers to itself as “The Word of God.” Instead, Jesus himself is called “the Word” and the scripture is the ultimate testimony to lead us to an encounter with Him. It should never become the substitute for what ONLY the Spirit can provide. Plus, reading the Bible will only lead you to a system of religious obligation and shame management without a relationship with its author. The Author is worth knowing.

Do you know Him? I mean really know him? Do you know what makes him laugh…weep…delight? Not long ago those questions seemed goofy and theologically inept. I mean, how can divine omniscient being engage with a finite creature in such a way that He might ever laugh? Absurd. Now, I find myself laughing with Him throughout the day…and usually I’m the butt of the jokes. He has moved from a theological concept to be analyzed and debated to a real person who steps into my world and walks with me through the good and the bad.

What has He told you about himself recently? Has he comforted you through a tough time recently? Do you talk to him about your temptations and struggles, or like me, did you immediately run to a ‘tangible’ friend like a spouse or an accountability partner to find comfort and guidance? You know, there is a reason the Holy Spirit was called the 'Comforter' by Christ. I’ve been learning He is really good at it and the unrealistic expectations I had been putting on others aren’t putting undue stress on those relationships near as much. He is really fun to know and love!

 

I mixed feelings about the quiz. There are some rather good points in it. The nature of dogmatism in theology often leads us to concentrate on proving ourselves right rather than proving God to be glorious. Being reminded of our center is a great reminder.

My constant question for people has always been, what is your theology leading you to do?

You'd be surprised by the answers I got, including from my professors, when I was doing my PhD. Theology should lead us, and others, to be worshippers. There is a component of education that both liberates us to believe while also aligning us with God's values for our lives. For both of those things I am certainly thankful.

I'm just wary of some things in the quiz. Like, what is the proper ratio of reading my Bible to reading theology? The whole "well unless you're reading your Bible all the time you're not being a good Christian" is pretty lost on me. It is overly pious. Now I don't doubt that there are some people who will neglect the text of Scripture to troll the latest preponderance of their favorite theologian. Yet I wonder if we are all a bit too pious too often.

Like I said I enjoyed reading the questions. They are good and a helpful reflecting device.

 

We all have to remind ourselves what the Apostle paul learned/practiced...
he was GREATEST Theologian who ever lived after Jesus Himself, worked miracles and signs, inspired etc

yet, he realised that without a proper focus/application of knowledge, expressed in love towards the bethren and having practicle tangible deeds "it profits nothing!"

 

I think the question posed as the heading to the quiz is wrong. It asked: Are you too consumed with theology? It reminded me of some dear Christians I knew who used to ask why doctrine was so important. They seemed to make a distinction between "doctrine" and "teaching". It seems the same with the use of the word "theology", here. I found the following definitions of "theology":

The study of God, His nature, attributes, character, abilities, revelation, etc. True theology is found in the Bible which is the self-revelation of God. (from "Dictionary of Theology")

Naves' Topical Bible says simply: "See Naves on God."

Theology, from the Greek "Theos" (God) and "logos" (word) is in its broadest meaning a word about God. (Lightner: "Evangelical Theology")


[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]theos[/FONT][/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman], "God" [/FONT]
[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]logos[/FONT][/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman], "word, study, science" [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]thus, "the science or study of God" (from John Battle: "Theology")[/FONT]
[/FONT]
​

How can anyone be too concerned with The study of God, His nature, attributes, character, abilities, revelation, etc.?

By the way, I love (and agree with) Skandelon's words:
when I say "most believers" I really mean "me" but it makes feel better to think I'm not alone.

 

If I were locked in a theological debate with a high alert defcon 1 status or in full battle condition with someone with whom I disagree with and my foe had established historical fact, logic and the Word of God on his side and I didn't and he was advancing on all fronts I would probably downplay the study of theology.

In order to be an approved workman, we must study the Word and have sound doctrine. I have read this in the Bible 1 Timothy 4:5-7. Study away but make the Bible your final authority in all matters. Don't be afraid to test the doctrine of anyone regardless of their academic achievement or eclesiastical reputation. Finally, don't worry having the favor with your internet pals, being Biblical is more important than being friends with someone you will probably never meet in person.

 

Perhaps, but this has been the condition of the church from the apostles (particularly Paul and John) to this very day.

2 Timothy 4

2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.​

2 John 1

9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.
10 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:​

HankD

 

Think that we must all strive for a Biblical balnce between knowing and applying the truth...

can have greatest revealtions granted unto him by God, Apostle paul, yet IF we are head smart heart not affected, what real good is knowing all thing theological sense, and yet fail to have it affect/apply into our daily lives?

if we believe God answers prayers and yet don't find time to pray, but can for more study, what real good is that!

 

When I read the quiz, I filtered it through the prism of "that is not me, I am better than that." But I was convicted anyway.

While I am engaged in other ministries, I do have a passion for spreading the pure gospel, which makes understandable sense that anyone can understand.

 

The quizz falsely sets Bible study and ministry against theology as if they were enemies. The Bible IS theological and good theology compliments the Bible.

 

So you would differiate between what are called biblical and Systematic Theology, and view Biblical as being more important than?