Why is Studying Theology Important for Christians?
Several people have asked this question, but also, many of my brothers and sisters have a very negative view concerning the study of theology…. so why should a Christian study theology?
There are several reasons why the study of theology is important for Christians but it seems that in today’s times, it is more important than ever so that Christians do not fall into false teaching, and propagate misinformation as truth.
One giant reason for studying Theology is to develop the skill of discernment. Discernment is a skill expected of mature Christians (1 John 4:1); but without at least a basic understanding of Theology, testing and discerning is highly unlikely.
There are literally hundreds of Christian books, podcasts, blog posts, and groups – all claiming to be speaking from a Christian worldview. Without a solid foundation of Theology, it will be very very difficult for the faithful Christian to sort through this massive amount of Christian targeted information, and be able to take what’s profitable and discard the rest.
Daniel Akin, president of Southeastern Baptist Seminary states, “Christians in the 21st century, as never before, must know what they believe and why they believe. They must be able to define and defend the faith.” In essence, defending the faith is the subject of apologetics, and defining the faith is the essential idea behind the study of Theology. For the reason of discernment, Christians must be able to define and defend the faith.
Also, there is a gap in the corporate Church’s understanding of basic doctrine and the gospel message. This can have devastating consequences for the spread of the gospel message, and we should know better as Christians. Jude admonished early Christians in a letter stating
“although I was eager to write you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write and exhort you to contend for the faith that was delivered to the saints once for all.” (Jude 1:3-4).
He then describes the false teachers invading the church as “ungodly people” and equates them with Sodom and Gomorrah, and that they will suffer punishment in the same way. This is very dangerous because if a Christian doesn’t understand what it is that they believe, they are liable to fall for anything- including false teaching.
Without a firm grasp of basic Theology, false teaching can, has, and will continue to seep into the church, and souls may be at risk.
Finally, to be a theologian is to be a worshipper of God…. Good theology leads to good doxology.
“What a man thinks when he thinks of God is the most important fact about him.”— A. W. Tozer
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