For some, theology is a daunting word, evoking images of mahogany bookcases and thick volumes of archaic books filled with unfamiliar terms which bear no meaning to the situations faced by modern people. Others embrace theology, not in a loving embrace, but more like a Viking gripping a broadsword. These individuals view theology as a weapon slaying the evil in this world along with anyone who would dare challenge their views on certain biblical or cultural topics. I admit I have encountered both and have made my home in both camps. In my early days of ministry, I viewed theology as a by-product of irrelevant people, focused more on their knowledge of a subject instead of the issue itself. I viewed theology as a “take it or leave it” part of my faith and as unneeded or non-essential to my growth and the growth of others. My opinion changed in my seminary years. I gladly grabbed my theological broadsword and started hacking away at the world as well as the belief systems of others, probably causing more confusion and hurt along the way. Maybe you have been in one, or both, of these camps with similar experiences.
Continue readingDoes Theology Matter?
