by Diane M. Hoffmann
Theology is absolutely
relevant to the Christian church today. What is theology? According to various
dictionaries and statements, theology is the study of the nature of God and
religious belief, religious beliefs and theory when systematically developed,
it is the systematic and rational study of concepts of God and biblical truths,
etc…
So, whether we know it or
not, in the church, we are doing theology!
Yet many in the church speak as if theology is anathema (something
accursed or loathed). No kidding. I know, I’ve had my share of receiving
negative comments on the basis that I have a degree in theology.
In the church, we are to
exhort and encourage one another, but when we have someone in our midst who has
spent many years of hard studies to achieve a degree in bible studies or
theology, the church is quick to give condescending references and innuendos
that this is not necessary to serve God and give our Christian testimony. Some even scoff at it and say, “I have no use
for that”. Even any type of formal education is put down. I give true stories
that I personally experienced in my book “24 Hot Potatoes in the Church Today”
about this.
Theos in
the word theology means “God”. So, right there how can any Christian say they
have no use for theology? By this, they often only give themselves away for
being ignorant of the Word of God. These people have been influenced by the
lack of encouragement from the church or they have listened to criticisms from
secular philosophers who are, of course, threatened by counterpart theological
explanations. Here too, I cover this area a great deal in the book.
I always say that theology
is like philosophy but with God in it.
Philosophers look for life and truth, but they keep God out of their
search and study. But life and truth
comes from God (Yahweh) who is the Creator and the sustainer of the universe!
Deuteronomy 4:35 says that Yahweh is God; there is no other besides
Him.
Exodus 3:14, “And God said unto Moses, I Am that I Am: and he
said, Thus shall you say unto the children of Israel, I Am has sent me unto you.”
We need to encourage
Christians in the church to,
“Study to shew thyself
approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing
the word of truth, But shun profane and
vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. (2 Timothy
2:15-16) (King James Version).
That’s theology and it is
most relevant in the church today. /dmh
Blessings,
.-------------------------------------------------------------------
Diane M. Hoffmann, B.Th., M.Th., Ph.D./Th.
Author of "24 Hot Potatoes in the Church Today"
Just released by Xulon Press, a div. of Salem Media.
To watch the Video Trailer:
http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=YLZYLGNX
web site: http://24hotpotatoes.blogspot.ca/
Order a copy of
"24 Hot Potatoes in
the Church Today"
for yourself or as a gift for a friend,
at:
Amazon.com, Barnes&Noble.com, Xulonpress.com,
Your Local Book Store,
(in Campbell River: North Island Inkjet-Christian Corner).
(in Campbell River: North Island Inkjet-Christian Corner).
or
.
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