“What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.” ― A.W. Tozer

One dictionary’s definition of theology is:

1: the study of religious faith, practice, and experience; esp: the study of God and of God’s relation to the world

2a: a theological theory or system

2b: a distinctive body of theological opinion

When someone says they are going to study theology, what do they mean?

• Are they going to study God?
• Are they going to study religious faith, practice and experience?
• Are they going to study different methodologies and disciplines of theology?

Ambiguity and Theology

The phrase “study theology” can be ambiguous. The word theology is comprised of two Greek components.  Theo refers to god or gods. The word-forming element -logy means a doctrine, theory, science, discourse, or speaking — it denotes a subject of study or branch of knowledge. The phrase study theology then can be literally interpreted to “study the study of God.” For some the literal interpretation of this phraseology may be the intended meaning. Many use the phrase to mean study of theories, disciplines, methodologies, or opinions about God — to study something related to God — but not God. For others the meaning of the phrase differs from the etymologically literal connotation, with intended meaning including significant or even primary consideration to the ultimate objective of study — which is God.

Phrases in language often carry meaning apart from the sum of their parts. Words knit together into idioms can carry nuance and meaning defined by tradition. Idioms can represent meaning wholly unrelated to the meanings of their constituent words and redundant terminology is common in the English language. For example, the term “safe haven” is regularly used and entirely redundant. What kind of haven is not considered safe? Yet it is common to add the word “safe.” Adding the word safe may be redundant and inefficient but at least no ambiguity is injected into the message with this word pairing.

Meaning With Other -Ologies

The study of natural sciences, areas of study such as living organisms, rocks, water, atomic particles, or the cosmos may be very complex. But the objects of scientific fields of study are well established and generally well understood. The subjects of such studies can be objectively experienced.

Similarly to the word theology, geology is comprised of two Greek components. Geo refers to the earth, rock, ground or soil. Geology then is the framework, science and discipline of studying the earth, rocks or soil. When one studies the earth, rocks, or soil they practice geology, that is, they study the earth, rocks or soil in the field or in a laboratory setting. Geologists understand the difference between (a) studying geology, an activity done in the classroom or from a book, and (b) practicing geology in the laboratory or field. The objective of geology is logical clarification of knowledge about the earth, rock, and soil. There is clear delineation between theory, science, terminology, disciplines, and methodologies of a discipline compared to the objective or subject of the discipline.

The distinctions between study of methodology and study of a subject are understood across many disciplines. One can study medicine or one can practice medicine.  With natural sciences it is possible to apply and verify logical rules of analysis and study to the observable universe. This convention can be found in disciplines outside the natural sciences as well. Lawyers study law in school and practice law in their careers. In many or most disciplines of learning, context can provide clarity of meaning even if one uses ambiguous language. Context alone often clarifies whether a methodology or a physical item is being discussed.

What about the discipline of theology? Disciplines such as theology and philosophy work in a different realm, that of thoughts and concepts. What precisely is meant when one says they are studying theology? What is the difference, or is there a difference, between “study of theology” and “study of God”? What are the meanings of various terms such as theology, devotional theology, theological studies, religious studies, and comparative religions? Dictionaries provide some help but usage varies even among academic theologians. Precise meaning can often be difficult to ascertain; no clear delineation exists as with natural sciences. Does someone using the phrase “study theology” intend to convey thoughts consistent with the etymologically literal construct of the phrase or include consideration of thoughts or concepts about God? In many cases convention, tradition or context fail to provide assistance ascertaining the true intent of the message. The phrase “study theology” is prone to ambiguity and may be a stumbling block to clear communication. The sender and receiver may not have a common concept in mind for the term, and meaning may even shift over the course of a discussion.

Consider the many great educational institutions of the world founded centuries ago around devoutly held theology. These great institutions continue to thrive and serve as centers of higher learning even though they may no longer offer theological degrees. For many of those institutions which retain departments or schools of theology, their curricula of theology affirmatively exclude God and discourage professors and students who are devoutly religious. God can be specifically and aggressively excluded from the study of theology! Until recently there was a clear differentiation between theology and study in the associated areas of religious studies or comparative religions. Nomenclature of our day now often ascribes little or no difference in those terms. Language has not only devolved in this area, evolution in our language has worked to obfuscate and confuse understanding.

Modern Language

Most students of physical sciences understand the difference between study of their disciplines and practice of those disciplines. For those imprecise with terminology underlying meaning may typically be gleaned from context, at least for disciplines with observable subjects such as natural sciences. This is not typically the case with theology. Take for example the following two academic sources pertaining to the practice of theology, one Catholic, one Protestant.

“The practice of theology requires study of the origins and uses of Jewish and Christian scriptures, the history of Christianity (Eastern and Western, Catholic and Protestant), contemporary theologies, and theological ethics. It also requires studying the multiple relationships between theology and contemporary philosophies, religions, and cultures.” (Department of Theology, http://www.loyola.edu/academic/theology)

“This text aims to expose students to the history of Christian thought, which is a central part of the discipline of theology. The rationale behind it is that students should not complete an introductory course without having been exposed to a wide variety of competing approaches and having gained some broad knowledge of the tradition, rather than studying methodological concerns only.” (The Practice of Theology, Colin E. Gunton (Editor), 2001 [Publisher’s Summary])

Neither of the selections above even mention God in their discussion of the practice of theology, but that is not why they were selected! It is common in our day for God to be absent from discussions of theology. These examples were selected simply because they both deal with the practice of theology but do so differently.  Theology may be likened to scaffolding erected next to a wall. The wall represents the object of study, that is God. Scaffolding in this sense is a tool which facilitates access. The focus of meaning in both of the above examples is on the scaffolding rather than the wall (that is God!) for which the scaffolding is constructed. It is curious and ironic that such ambiguity is created in use of the term theology, a discipline where linguistic precision and syntactics constitute such an important role.

Thirty years ago such distinction carried less significance. But we live in a time when culture is altering definitions of words held for millennia in order to accomplish specific purposes and agendas. In 2004, the Supreme Court case Locke v. Davey upheld the decision of a Washington State scholarship program to withhold promised funding from an otherwise qualified individual after learning the student had decided to study theology in a program the State of Washington considers “devotional theology.” Secular efforts to purge God and freedom of religion from town halls, schools, the city square, and media have aggressively extended into the arena of language and our dictionaries. Shifting definitions have been used to rationalize nullification of constitutional meaning which for over 200 years preserved religious freedoms in the United States.

Time and Eternity

The objective of theology is logical clarification of thoughts about God. Logical clarification of physical systems like rocks or water cycles is a very different matter than study of thought and concept. And there are important distinctions between philosophy and theology. As does philosophy, theology deals with thought to be sure. But the concept of a Creator introduces another entire realm to consider, a realm eternal and spiritual. God is spirit and the Creator of all existence, the universe, and all existence. Theology deals with matters both material and spiritual, temporal and eternal.

Man was created with a spiritual component to his being. The opportunity for spiritual experience exists for men, but there are no objective or empirical means of evaluating such experiences. No empirical systems of study in this arena exist and such are not possible in any practical sense. Empirical methodologies are confined to material existence. In the case of God, who is spirit and uncreated, the very concept of existence contains ambiguity. From man’s position in the created universe it is not possible to objectively study the spiritual nature of God. Subjective spiritual experience is the only directly available data in this territory.

Historical Practice

One course of action has been for theologians to consider God from the limited empirical perspective of physical existence. This would be an impossible course of action except for the act of God aiding mankind on this course by providing a guide — His written word. The bible, through fulfilled prophecy and descriptions of the universe, provides objective verification of the truth it supplies. Through the evidence of fulfilled prophecy the spiritual truth of the bible is validated through scripture. Another course of action has been taken by contemplative theologians, who have focused efforts on the experiential. Contemplatives seek spiritual experiences in order to study God, often to the point of eschewing the natural world.

Approach and Priority for the Christian

Fortunately for us, one need not choose one or the other. The Christian has the benefit of being able to enjoy the fruits of study from both contemplative monks and knowledge seeking logicians. Properly and accurately traversed, both paths take pilgrims to the same place. Both paths are scriptural. Man is constituted with both intellect and intuition. The Christian receives the promise of a new spirit and the mind of Christ. God provides man nourishment, provision and protection to develop to maturity through the Holy Spirit. The bible doesn’t assume that one must choose only a single discipline of development. God in His wisdom created individuals, each with strengths in various areas. The Holy Spirit knows well each person’s constitution and how to best reach and develop an individual. Scripture applicable in the broad spectrum of God making Himself known to mankind includes the following truths:

“All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness;” (2 Timothy 3:16, NASB95)

“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15, NASB95)

“The sum of Your word is truth, And every one of Your righteous ordinances is everlasting.” (Psalm 119:160, NASB95)

“But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.” (2 Peter 1:20–21, NASB95)

““If he called them gods, to whom the word of God came (and the Scripture cannot be broken),” (John 10:35, NASB95)

““Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill. “For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished.” (Matthew 5:17–18, NASB95)

“And the Holy Spirit also testifies to us; for after saying, “This is the covenant that I will make with them After those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws upon their heart, And on their mind I will write them,” He then says, “And their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.”” (Hebrews 10:15–17, NASB95)

“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” (James 4:8, NASB95)

““My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me;” (John 10:27, NASB95)

“I will hear what God the Lord will say; For He will speak peace to His people, to His godly ones; But let them not turn back to folly.” (Psalm 85:8, NASB95)

Whether the focus of theological effort is on reasoning of the mind or spiritual experience, the desired goal of both is the same, clear thought about God. A theological work consists essentially of elucidation. Even for the “professional” theologian, the result of original theological effort may not be new doctrine, but to make existing doctrine and ideas clear. Effective theology can aid in making thoughts clear that are otherwise paradoxical, blurred, or opaque. In all cases however, theology is only truly effective when it aids one in relationship to — and with — one’s Creator, Lord and Savior.

The specific meaning behind the term theology is not important compared to the importance of correct understanding of God. This understanding is extremely important — one’s eternal destination can be determined by incorrect understanding if it prevents one from knowing God. Salvation comes from knowing God and entering into a relationship with Him. Salvation does not come from simply knowing about Him or from having studied Him, no matter how well that is accomplished.

 ““Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’ “And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.’” (Matthew 7:22–23, NASB95)

An analogy that might be helpful at this point is that of a cup. A vessel may be constructed and prepared to hold precious content. It may be made of the finest materials, crafted by artisans, cleaned and polished constantly, and kept at the ready for use when called upon. One may have the best cup in the world, the most beautiful, most pure, clean and highly polished, but if it is never used there is no utility, no usefulness. It serves no practical function. Theology, like religion, religiousness, or church affiliation, can promote, encourage, facilitate, nurture, and further spirituality, but man’s efforts are not required prerequisites and do not accomplish salvation. All man’s works to reach God fall short. The distance in that direction is too great. Relationship with the Creator is the only means of one’s salvation. This requires knowledge that is operative in the whole of man — body, soul, mind and spirit. The distance from God to man was great, but Christ spanned that distance, at immeasurable cost. He did this for all that choose Him. He did this for the world, for me and for you, but His plan requires that we choose His way. One can seek, prepare and take steps towards understanding, but one cannot order up or otherwise accomplish salvation through individual effort. While we should consider our lives as a vessel for God to use, we must not confuse our preparations with work of God who fills our cup.

 ““Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” And He said to him, “ ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ “This is the great and foremost commandment. “The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ “On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.”” (Matthew 22:36–40, NASB95)