How Important is Theology...really.

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Hello, I have a simple question about theology which I am primarily wanting answers from a Christian standpoint, but anyone may respond. Here is the main question along with a supporting question.

How important is theology? Why should someones faith depend on whether or not they believe the Trinity doctrine (for example)?

Jesus didn't seem to be too concerned with someone's theology after all. Is this wrong?

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Is this what you mean? "God is a Spirit, and those worshiping him must worship with spirit and truth." (John 4:24)

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As I understand the definition of theology it's the study of the religion one practices? I think Christ would be very concerned with this. Being a Christian is not something you just become overnight. Well, let me put it this way, accepting Christ as your Savior and repenting of your sins makes you a Christian (in that respect), but it takes study and a lot of change to live a Christian life.

Am I close to what you mean?

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OH; and welcome to the forum, id.

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What does this mean?

neologist wrote:

Is this what you mean? "God is a Spirit, and those worshiping him must worship with spirit and truth." (John 4:24)

That's an interesting verse, although it doesn't (literally at least) say anything about having orthodox theology.

If he is talking about orthodox theology when he says "truth", does this mean that unless our theology is 100% we are lost? If so, who has perfect theology?

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At the very least, we should eschew falsehood.

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more probing

Momma Angel wrote:

As I understand the definition of theology it's the study of the religion one practices? I think Christ would be very concerned with this. Being a Christian is not something you just become overnight. Well, let me put it this way, accepting Christ as your Savior and repenting of your sins makes you a Christian (in that respect), but it takes study and a lot of change to live a Christian life.

Am I close to what you mean?

Yeah, I would gather that some theology is important to Christian growth. It's just that I see that doctrinism has become the all important factor in faith now adays. This surprises me when Jesus seemed to put sincerity before doctrine. I say this because I think the term "Born again" has become overused if not mis-used. If you read it in John 3 you'd see that being born again is a pre-requisite to being a Christian, and after Jesus says we must be born again he tells a bit more about himself theologically.

Even things like "Repenting of your sins and accepting Jesus as Saviour" are a bit vague, at least to me. Unless anyone who claims they have done these things is automatically a Christian simply because they said the words, I would still think that something else more passionate is invovled. But, many would say it's sound doctrine that is needed "Believing in the Trinity" or "Believing in God's Oneness". It all depends on which church you go to.

Thanks for the welcome to the forum, btw, neologist. Although I do believe that we should eschew falsehood (thankfully!), I find that this can lead to a lack of risk in a persons religious life.

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Why take risk when your relationship with God is at stake?

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idol_defiler,

Yes, it takes more than just saying you are a Christian to be a Christian. The Bible lays out the things we are to do. We are to be Christ-like. We should do as Christ did or would do when dealing with others.

Unfortunately, there are some that use the term Christian to their own means. I hate that it is that way, but it all comes down to each of us is responsible for ourselves and our relationship with the Lord. We can only do something about our own relationship with Him. We can tell others, but it is their decision.

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According to Dictionary.com, 'Theology' is defined as:

1. The study of the nature of God and religious truth; rational inquiry into religious questions.
2. A system or school of opinions concerning God and religious questions: Protestant theology; Jewish theology.
3. A course of specialized religious study usually at a college or seminary.

That being said, my view on the importance of approaching one's spirituality in that manner is that it is useless and not truly for getting close to God, but for the purpose of justifying one's mindset, whatever it may be.

It is basically studying God from a distance. I don't think that's the goal. I see the goal as 'Unity with God.' That requires some intimate one-on-one 'let's get to know each other' time. Albeit, God already knows us. But I do believe that one can truly know one's self except through God. Because what God is, to me, is truth and love. And when we look at ourselves, we often spare the love and deny the truth. I also think the route to God is not anything ending in '-ology.' Only by revelation can the hidden be seen.

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Welcome to A2K queen annie. I hope you enjoy the journey.

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Good perception, Queen Annie. Welcome to A2K to you and idol_defiler.

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idol-defiler,

If I neglected to welcome you to A2K, please forgive my oversight?

I hope you enjoy it here also!

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Thank you kindly, guys. Seems like a friendly and well-rounded forum--I'm sure I'll enjoy posting here.

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more re: doctrine

queen annie wrote:

According to Dictionary.com, 'Theology' is defined as:

1. The study of the nature of God and religious truth; rational inquiry into religious questions.
2. A system or school of opinions concerning God and religious questions: Protestant theology; Jewish theology.
3. A course of specialized religious study usually at a college or seminary.

That being said, my view on the importance of approaching one's spirituality in that manner is that it is useless and not truly for getting close to God, but for the purpose of justifying one's mindset, whatever it may be.

It is basically studying God from a distance. I don't think that's the goal. I see the goal as 'Unity with God.' That requires some intimate one-on-one 'let's get to know each other' time. Albeit, God already knows us. But I do believe that one can truly know one's self except through God. Because what God is, to me, is truth and love. And when we look at ourselves, we often spare the love and deny the truth. I also think the route to God is not anything ending in '-ology.' Only by revelation can the hidden be seen.

Yeah, this is basically how I'm beginning to see it. God wants us to live a relationship with him. I can't see that he's impressed with what creed we have memorized

Neologist: You asked "Why take risk when your relationship with God is at stake? "

Well, for three reasons. 1) I don't feel that it's possible to extract an air-tight doctrinal belief from the NT, so I am more or less in a position of having to take a risk with what I believe. 2) I think that Jesus blesses attempts made at sincere theological/practical risks of faith. I don't mean making up or believing in any wacky doctrine that comes into vogue, I just mean believing in something that seems more accurate, even when it's not accepted as orthodox. 3) I believe that faith, by it's very nature, is taking the biggest risk you can imagine. But it must be taken.

I feel like much of the religious world is afraid to take risks with just about anything. Jesus seemed to be against this mentality from what I gather of the parable of the talents in Matt 25. The servant who was to afraid to do risk what God gave him ended up the biggest loser out of them all.

Having said all that, I think it would be pure folly to take a risk with one's conscience.

Momma Angel: "but it all comes down to each of us is responsible for ourselves and our relationship with the Lord."

Yeah, I agree with this too. It's just that this seems to rely on subjectivity rather than objectively measurable orthodoxy. Which is fine to me.

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Queen Annie,

I have said this before and I will probably continue to say it, "I think that when Christ comes again, we are all going to be in for a big surprise." There are so many interpretations and twists in the basic message anymore that it's very hard to know anymore, isn't it?

So, I think you are right in that Jesus would bless attempts at theology made with a sincere heart. I believe He understands the confusion man has made of things.

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Momma Angel wrote:

There are so many interpretations and twists in the basic message anymore that it's very hard to know anymore, isn't it?

Certainly it can be--and the basic problem, IMHO, is that most look to others for the truth, instead of looking inside. They read the bible, wanting to know the truth, yet reject the most simple of statements made to clear the way:

Quote:

John 14:23
Jesus answered him, "If anyone loves me, he will keep my word. Then my Father will love him, and we will go to him and make our home within him.

What is that 'word?' I believe it is 'love.' Love God, love each other. How do we love God? By loving each other.

Quote:

So, I think you are right in that Jesus would bless attempts at theology made with a sincere heart. I believe He understands the confusion man has made of things.

Yet I can't let go of the idea that it is of the utmost importance for each soul to look to God rather than man--and then the confusion clears miraculously.

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queen annie,

I completely agree. It is God that we need to look to and not to other humans. Very wise advice.

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But not my own wisdom, I must confess. I got it out of the bible! Laughing

I bet you knew that, though!
Psalms 118:8.

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queen annie,

If I remember correctly that particular verse is in the exact center of the Bible. I think that's what I read. And I think the wisest advice always comes from God.

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How Important is Theology...really.

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