Did you say theology?

You hear the word theology, and for a lot of people, that’s an automatic pass. It sounds too academic, too removed from everyday life. Something for pastors, maybe. For scholars. For the ones with the big books and the long words.

But here’s the thing: theology isn’t optional. You’re already doing it.

Everyone is a theologian, whether you like it or not.

Every time you pray, every time you sing a worship song, every time you think about who God is, what He does, what He expects - you’re engaging in theology. The only question is whether you’re doing it well or just picking up ideas from here and there, and by so doing, piecing together a God of your own making.

theology is more than just information

There’s a reason Proverbs 1:7 says, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction."

Theology isn’t just about knowing facts - it’s about knowing God. About standing in awe of Him, learning His ways, understanding what He requires. It’s about seeing the world through His eyes and filtering life through His truth.

But let’s be honest: we don’t always want to do that. Sometimes, we want a theology that bends to our feelings, our opinions, our culture, our ideas. We want a God who always agrees with us, who never challenges us, who conveniently hates all the same things we hate and is fine with all the things we tolerate.

That’s why good theology matters. Because if we don’t actively seek truth, we’ll settle for a version of God that’s just a reflection of ourselves. True theology is not a thing to be toyed with. It is not a wax nose to be shaped according to our moods. It is divine, unyielding, definite, and piercing as a two-edged sword.

the myths we tell ourselves

People have all sorts of reasons for avoiding theology. Let’s look at a few:

1. "Theology is just for pastors."

   
   

   No, friend. Theology is for every believer.

   2 Peter 3:18 tells us to "grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ."  That’s a call for all of us, not just church leaders.

   
   

   A faith that is fed only on feelings will collapse when trials come. Only a faith grounded in truth will stand.

   
   
   
   

2. "Theology is impractical."

   
   

   Theology is the most practical thing in the world. What you believe about God will dictate how you live, how you pray, how you sing, how you love, and how you die.

   
   

   Charles Spurgeon once said, "The proper study of the Christian is the Godhead. The highest science, the loftiest speculation, the mightiest philosophy which can ever engage the attention of the child of God, is the name, the nature, the person, the work, the doings, and the existence of the great God whom he calls his Father."

   
   

3. "Theology causes division."

   
   

   No, pride causes division. Error causes division. But sound theology, rightly handled, unites the saints in the knowledge of the truth.

   
   

   Ephesians 4:13 tells us that sound doctrine leads to "the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ."

   
   
   
   

let's get systematic

Some people get nervous around the term "systematic theology." Sounds complicated. Some have never heard about the term.

But all it means is studying what the Bible teaches about different topics - who God is, what salvation means, how the Holy Spirit works, what happens in the end times.

Instead of treating Scripture like scattered puzzle pieces, systematic theology puts the whole picture together.

Paul gets it. That’s why he writes in 2 Timothy 3:16, "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness."

The Bible wasn’t given so we could pick the parts we like and ignore the rest. It was given to shape us, correct us, train us - to make us complete. But if we’re only engaging with Scripture on a surface level, we miss the full weight of what God is saying.

theology shapes how you live

At its core, theology is about knowing God, not just knowing about Him.

Philippians 3:10 puts it perfectly: "That I may know Him, and the power of his resurrection."

Knowing God changes everything.

• It changes how you respond to hardship. Instead of seeing trials as punishment, you recognise them as refining tools in God’s hands.

• It changes how you worship. Instead of basing your praise on how you feel, you root it in who God is.

• It changes how you see yourself. Instead of defining your worth by achievements, relationships, or approval, you rest in your identity in Christ.

what are you feeding your faith?

Here’s the real question: where is your theology coming from? Because you’re definitely getting it from somewhere.

Social media? Motivational speakers? Snippets of Scripture taken out of context?

Cultural Christianity that’s more about personal comfort than biblical truth?

Or are you letting the Word of God shape your understanding? Are you studying Scripture with depth, wrestling with its truths? Are you seeking wisdom beyond the surface?

Theology isn’t just for the theologians. It’s for the worshippers. For the ones who want to know Him deeply. For the ones who refuse to settle for a shallow faith.

challenge yourself

1. Identify a belief you hold about God or Christianity. Where did it come from? Is it rooted in Scripture, or is it something you’ve just always assumed?

   
   

2. Pick a theological topic you don’t fully understand. Salvation? The Trinity? The role of the Holy Spirit? Take time to study it and let the Bible be your primary source.

   
   

3. Find someone to discuss theology with. A mentor, a friend, a Bible study group. Sharpen each other. Grow together.