Grace Institute: Systematic Theology: Introduction: Need for Theology

Introduction to Systematic Theology Grace Institute for Biblical Leadership Winter 2006

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III. Need for Theology

A. Disadvantages to Theology [1]

So what is the practical need for systematic theology? Why should we study and research this stuff? Isn't just loving Jesus enough?

Indeed, the study of theology does have certain disadvantages:

1. Theology can complicate the Christian message, making it difficult for people to understand the simple gospel.
2. Theology has been used to divide the church rather than unite it. Most denominations have arisen out of disagreements over even the most minor points of theology.
3. Theology can breed arrogance and elitism within the church (1 Corinthians 8:1-3). Those who study theology often incorrectly see themselves as more spiritual because they have greater knowledge about God.

Nonetheless, in spite of these disadvantages, theology is a crucial area of study for the church.

B. Importance of Theology

1. Theology is Essential for Salvation [2]

Correct doctrine is essential to our salvation. Jesus, in Mark 16, asked the disciples, “who do you say that I am?” The answer to this question was not an academic, theological one. It cut to the very core of what it means to be a Christian. All people must answer this basic theological question. It is the very crux of salvation.

If theology is the expression of our beliefs about God, then one must have theology in order to be saved. According to Romans 10:9, one must confess with their mouth Jesus as Lord in order to be saved. To put this in technical theological terms, salvation requires that one must articulate their Christology.

2. Clarifies our Beliefs

While we all have a view of God and how he relates to us, very few have laid out their beliefs in a clear manner. Studying systematic theology helps us to understand what we believe and helps us to communicate those beliefs. It helps us to take our bible study and put some systematic framework to our understanding about God and his relationship to us.

3. Defends our Beliefs

We live in an increasingly relativistic world where the only test for truth is based on experience. This is a trend not only in the world, but increasingly so in the evangelical church. The evangelical church has a long tradition of emphasizing the need for a personal, experiential relationship with God. The danger behind this comes when we make experience the proof of a belief rather than the result of belief [3].

Systematic theology helps us defend our beliefs by providing an objective singular source that provides a common ground to discuss our beliefs. It also gives us a litmus test for alternate teachings to test their validity. Without this, we are left open to deception.

4. Protects Against False Teaching

The church is constantly being bombarded with false teaching. The secular world's naturalism and humanism has made great inroads into the church. Other world religions, such as Islam and Buddhism, are growing at an increasing rate. Other groups claim to be Christian, but don't hold on to orthodox Christian teaching. The scripture tells us to watch out for false teaching and to test those teachings against right doctrine (1 John 4:1-3).

The correct way to fight against false teaching is not to study the beliefs of all the alternative viewpoints, but to gain a greater understanding of Christian beliefs. The more we understand what the bible teaches, the easier it is for us to discover counterfeits [4].

5 . Provides a Basis for Maturity

While knowledge of theology does not guarantee that one will grow spiritually, it is hard to grow in our relationship with God without a fundamental understanding of God and his primary revelation (i.e. the Bible). A good understanding of the Bible is crucial to Christian maturity. However, maturity is more than just knowledge. It is allowing the Holy Spirit to change your life based on this knowledge. Systematic theology provides a starting point for this maturity to happen.

Footnotes

1. Erickson, 29-30.
2. Erickson, 30.
3. Peter J. Leithart, “What's Wrong with Evangelical Theology?” [article on-line]. First Things , August/September 1996, 19-21, accessed April 4, 2006; available from http://www.leaderu.com/ftissues/ft9608/leithart.html ; Internet.
4. Erickson, 31.

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