Welcome to our Theology Thursday series!
I am so excited to have a space to nerd out over all things theology. This is where we’ll be exploring various aspects of theology and how it impacts our daily lives.
In this particular post, we are going to answer the fundamental question – what is theology? And, why is it important for us to have an understanding of it?
If you are a mother or a homemaker, you may wonder if studying theology is really necessary or even useful for you, since you have so many other responsibilities and demands on your time.
However, I believe that theology can enrich your life in ways you cannot imagine.
Why do I believe that?
Because I have experienced the transformative and lifegiving gift of knowing Jesus. I attended Moody Bible Institute as a Biblical Studies major because I wanted to know more about who God is, why that matters, and what that means for me.
Turns out, a lot.
This rich educational foundation couplerd with my own rebel heart background enables me to shed light on complex theological concepts in a way that’s approachable and relevant to your everyday experiences.
By sharing this knowledge, I aim to help you discover how theology can provide a meaningful framework for understanding and navigating the world around us.
So, let’s jump right into the discussion.
What is Theology?
All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16
Theology simply means the study of God and His relationship with His creation. It is an academic discipline that involves critical thinking, research, and analysis of religious texts and traditions.
However, theology is not just an intellectual exercise but also a spiritual heart practice. It involves reflecting on the nature of God, exploring His attributes, and allowing our hearts to worship Him properly.
Theology seeks to understand both the revealed and hidden aspects of God, and how they impact our understanding of truth, morality, and purpose.
The term “theology” derives from two Greek words: “theos,” meaning God, and “logia,” meaning utterances, sayings, or oracles.
Thus, in its simplest form, theology translates to ‘the study of God.’
As Christians, our theology involves a deeper exploration into the beliefs, teachings, and history associated with the Bible .
Christian theology delves into the understanding and interpretation of the Bible, the nature of God, the person and work of Jesus Christ, and the role of humans in relation to God. It examines doctrines such as the Trinity, salvation, sanctification, and the end times.
Theology allows us to better comprehend the divine mysteries of our faith and apply these truths to our everyday lives, enriching our spiritual journey and enabling us to articulate our faith more effectively.
Our task is to ensure that our thoughts about God are informed, accurate, and respectful, seeking knowledge from scripture and discerning wisdom within our Christian community (more on how we do this practically below).
Most importantly, we want to constantly check our understanding of theology and our thoughts about God in relation to the person and character of Jesus.
The Heart of Theology
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside Godâs throne.”
Hebrews 12:1-2 NLT
Keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus is a sure way to enable us to hold fast to a proper theology.
It is all too easy to take our understanding of God and misplace it with our feelings about God.
John Piper explains this detriment so eloquently (click here if you want to read more of his work); "My feelings are not God. God is God. My feelings do not define truth. Godâs word defines truth. My feelings are echoes and responses to what my mind perceives. And sometimes - many times - my feelings are out of sync with the truth. When that happens - and it happens every day in some measure - I try not to bend the truth to justify my imperfect feelings, but rather, I plead with God: Purify my perceptions of your truth and transform my feelings so that they are in sync with the truth."
In this quote, Piper reminds us that feelings can sometimes blur our understanding of God and His truth.
Therefore, when our emotions seem to conflict with God’s word, we should seek His guidance to align our feelings with His truth, not alter His truth to match our feelings.
This aligns with the heart of theology, which is to truly know and worship God according to His revelation of Himself, not our perception of Him.
That is why proper study of God’s word is so important.
Practical Theology
In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God.
John 1:1 NLT
Studying God’s Word involves a careful and deliberate approach to understanding the Scriptures. This process often involves two different approaches: exegesis and eisegesis.
Exegesis
Exegeis is the scholarly process of drawing out or interpreting the original meaning from the text based on its historical, societal, and linguistic context.
It requires understanding the authorâs intention, the original audience, and the historical circumstances surrounding the text.
An exegetical study might involve researching the original languages, cultural norms of the time, and historical events that may have influenced the writing.
Isegesis
On the other hand, isegesis involves interpreting a text based on the reader’s personal ideas, biases, or presuppositions.
While God can use this approach to provide meaningful insights, it runs the risk of distorting the original message of the text.
As students of God’s Word, we should strive to practice exegesis and be aware of our own biases that could lead to eisegesis.
Context
Understanding the context of a Bible passage is crucial in correctly interpreting the text. This means understanding the broader themes and ideas of the book in which the passage is found, as well as the specific circumstances surrounding the passage.
This is why participating in Bible Study is so beneficial for believers. It allow us to perform proper exegesis and see God’s living and active word in timeless action.
As believers, we are all
We are all Theologians
All who declare that Jesus is the Son of God have God living in them, and they live in God.
1 John 4:15 NLT
But why does theology matter to us as homemakers, mothers, and women?
Although formal study can offer a structured understanding of God, it is not solely reserved for Bible scholars or those in ministry.
First and foremost, theology helps us form a deeper relationship with God. As we study the Scriptures, we learn more about God’s character, His ways, and His purposes.
This knowledge deepens our faith and trust in Him, which affects how we live our lives and make decisions. We become more mindful of His presence in our daily routine and more grateful for His blessings.
Theology shapes our worship of God in profound ways. Our worship becomes a thoughtful reflection of our beliefâwe sing, pray, and live in response to Godâs revealed truth.
Thus, theology serves as the foundation of our worship, enabling us to worship God “in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24).
Consequently, a robust theology not only deepens our knowledge of God but also enriches our worship of Him.
Moreover, theology provides a framework for understanding reality and our place in it. It provides answers to the big questions like the meaning of life, the problem of evil, and the purpose of suffering.
As mothers, we are stretched emotionally and mentally by the daily demands of raising children in a fallen world.
As homemakers, we face numerous challenges every day – from mundane tasks like household chores to complex issues like managing relationships and personal growth.
In the face of these challenges, theology offers us a perspective that transcends our own experiences and enables us to see them as part of a bigger story. This perspective brings wisdom, comfort, and hope to our lives and hearts.
Mothering is now the mission field and Homemaking the art of worship.
Yes, mothers and homemakers and everyday women are just as much theologians as John Piper, because we all study God’s word.
Why Theology Matters
Theology matters because it provides a lens through which we interpret the world around us. It shapes our perceptions of truth, morality, and justice, influencing our interactions and relationships.
This matters because our study of God equips us to differentiate between absolute truths and societal norms, offering us a solid foundation in a world that is constantly shifting.
There is a reason Paul admonishes us to think of certain things, to guard our hearts and minds.
Theology gives depth to our understanding of Scripture, facilitating a deeper, more intimate relationship with God. It not only provides answers to our spiritual queries, but also guides us in our earthly journeys.
Hence, theology is not merely an academic disciplineâit is a crucial aspect of our spiritual formation and personal growth.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, theology is not just an abstract academic discipline reserved for pastors and theologians. It is an essential practice that can enrich our daily lives, deepen our faith, and transform our worship.
As women and homemakers, we interact with God in unique ways and have a unique perspective on the world. By studying theology, we can deepen our understanding of God’s ways, find meaning and purpose in our daily routines, and help us on the missional motherhood field.
As we continue with the Theology Thursday series, we will dive deeper into the scriptures, doctrines, and really study God’s word!
What are you most excited for? What do you want to learn more about in this series?
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