Theology is Not Just for Academics. We are All Theologians!

This is an excerpt from You Are a Theologian by Jen Wilkin and J.T. English

Why Does Theology Matter?

Theology matters because it shapes us not merely at the intellectual level, but at the emotional and the practical level. One of the greatest misconceptions about theology is that it is something learned in a classroom or through reading a book. Christians do not merely learn theology; they “do theology.” The grammarian in Jen does not love this phrase, but it is commonly used for a reason. It communicates the holistic impact of theology on our lives: we think differently, feel differently, and act differently as a result of developing better categories for understanding God.

Theology is not done exclusively or even primarily in the classroom. It is done in everyday life, every minute of every day. We are doing theology when we preach, pray, and sing, but we are also doing theology when we go to work, when we take a vacation, as we care for an aging parent, as we fight sin, as we raise kids, as we mourn the loss of a loved one, as we spend our money, and as we grow old. You are a theologian, and you are always doing theology.

“Theology for Academics”

If this is true, then doing theology is a consequential endeavor. Why, then, do many avoid taking up the task of getting better at it? One common hurdle is the perception that theology is overly academic. To be honest, sometimes it can be, but that doesn’t mean it can’t also be accessible. Because academics do theology at a level some of us never will doesn’t mean all of us should avoid doing theology altogether. Most of us will never get a PhD in applied mathematics, but we still benefit from learning math beyond a rudimentary understanding for the purpose of conducting our everyday lives well. Theological concepts can and should be accessible to everyone: kids, parents, young professionals, people with PhDs or GEDs.

“Theology Is Impractical”

A second obstacle is the perception that doing theology is impractical. Everyone wants to live a life that makes sense. We want to give our lives to what matters most. This isn’t true for Christians only; it’s true for all people—just look at how impassioned people are about the causes they support, their political convictions, and even their favorite sports teams. Put simply, we all want to be a part of something bigger than ourselves, and we want our lives to matter. If theology is simply words about God, and God is the most important being—the ultimate Reality—is there anything that matters more? And, for that matter, is there anything more practical? If theology is understanding who God is and orienting our lives to that, is there anything more important for us? There is nothing more practical than a life well lived, and theology is a means to that end.

“Theology Is Heartless”

A third obstacle is the perception that theology emphasizes thinking, not feeling. This is true in part. It is more accurate to say that theology begins with the mind and moves to the heart. Doing theology is the work of mind renewal for the purpose of heart transformation (Rom. 12:2). Christianity is not a religion of the mind only—some cold, dead, and dusty intellectual exercise. But neither is it a religion of the heart only—all emotion and fervor, and no reasoned belief.

Theology does not worship the life of the mind, but rather acknowledges that “the heart cannot love what the mind does not know.”2 Theology fails if it is an intellectual exercise only. Theology functions properly if an enlivened intellect fuels an enlivened heart. It recognizes the beauty of reason in the life of faith, and it gives to reason a vocabulary and a vision. Thinking deeply about God should always result in feeling deeply about God. Theology that does not lead to doxology (worship) is not theology at all, but a vain pursuit of knowledge. What’s the difference? The motive of the learner and the work of the Holy Spirit in applying what is learned.

So, is theology academic? It can be. But it is meant to be accessible to all disciples. Is theology impractical? Far from it. In fact, knowing and loving God well is the most practical thing in the world. Does theology lack feeling? Not at all. True theology always leads to loving and worshipping God.

What is theology? Words about God.

Who does theology? Everybody.

What does theology do? It organizes biblical truths.

Why does theology matter? Because living well matters.

Simply put, theology is part of a life well lived. Theology helps us live all of life well.