Student of Theology

Recently Joe Missionary had someone say that he was Joe Missionary, not Tom Theologian. Joe took issue with that. I have to say that I want all our missionaries to be theologians at some level. Joe pointed out that all Christians need to be theologicans at some level. Not to take issue with Joe at all, but just to talk about the phrase "doing theology". Not to be the language police but I think "doing theology" somewhat implies that theology is something that originates with us. We do it. In reality, Christian theology is the study of the Bible and then ensuring that we are consistent in how we interprets it. The way that is done is to ensure our definitions are clear and accurate. Then we make sure we are consistent and logical in our teaching of scripture. Revelation in the Bible did not originate with us. Theology is something we study, not something we create.

Comments

Jungle Pop said…
Good point, Terry. The "doing" theology, though, wasn't my argument, it was stating that others think that theology is something that some people "do" while the others merely "receive." I agree with you in principle, though.

There is, though, something that we do "do." What I mean is that like you say, our theology comes from careful study and application of the Scriptures. If we don't "do" that, then we haven't "done" our theology and we get a default, watery theology that doesn't stand up to critical comments like theomorph can dish out.

So while I see what you're saying that we can take too much credit for our theology, there is a human element in working out what we do believe (with the help of the Holy Spirit, of course).

Sorry if this comment is a little ramble-y! Good post.
6:31 AM
pruittcommunications said…
Joe,

I agree with you 100% that wrestling with theologicial issues is a good meaning to the phrase "doing theology". I had been thinking about this on some other levels before I read your fine post on the subject of "Tom Theologian". So yes I took issue with a minor point and yes there is a good sense of the phrase and a not so good sense of the phrase "doing theology".
9:30 AM
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