Theology or the Bible?

Which is more important — knowing theology or knowing the Bible?

That’s a trick question. Let me explain.

Many of FP’s readers disagreed with one of my recent articles, where I argued that knowledge of theology is essential if one wants to guard against spiritual deception. Read it here. Several of them responded on our discussion board, saying that what Christians need to know is Scripture — not theology.

I certainly agree that knowing Scripture is key. It makes me proud that FP readers hold the Bible in such high regard. But as one of the defenders of theology pointed out on the discussion board (my paraphrase of this person’s words): What’s the difference between knowing Scripture and knowing theology?

That was my point.

Yet because a number of people took issue with my article, I want to address what, I believe, are three misconceptions about theology. My hope is that my readers will give theology another look.

Misconception No. 1: Theology and Scripture Are Totally Different Things

When I’m speaking of theology, I’m speaking specifically of “systematic theology.” Systematic theology is the study of the Bible’s teachings — in a systematic fashion. In other words, all the Bible’s teachings on a given subject — say Christ’s resurrection or His deity — are considered together rather than in isolation. Then, after carefully examining all the Bible’s teachings about that subject, a determination is made as to what the Bible teaches about it.

Roman Catholics add tradition and Church teachings to the mix. But I’m talking about systematic theology as Protestants do it — where only the Bible’s teachings have final authority. Defined in this way, theology is not something separate from Scripture. Quite the contrary. Someone who knows Scripture well will already know theology well.

That’s why my opening question was a trick question. Neither the Bible nor theology are more important than the other — they go hand in hand.

It’s also why I stand behind the statement I made in my original article:

Someone can know theology backward and forward and not have a close walk with God. But it’s also true that someone can’t have a close walk with God if he or she doesn’t know theology.

Knowing God intimately requires knowing His Word intimately. It requires knowing theology.

Misconception No 2: Theology Is Just For Experts

Another big misconception is that theology is just for professional theologians. Nothing could be further from the truth. All Christians are theologians — from seasoned saints to the smallest children who have ever had thoughts about God.

So the question shouldn’t be, “Do you know theology?” It should be, “Do you have good theology or bad theology?” In other words, do your thoughts about God come from the Bible or do they have a less reliable source?

The best way to answer that question is through careful, systematic study of the Bible’s teachings.

Misconception No. 3: Formal Theological Training Has No Value

Some of my readers got the mistaken idea I was saying that all Christians must have formal training in systematic theology. I definitely don’t believe that is true. But I can see how my article could have been taken that way since I ended it by promoting a program in systematic theology.

My purpose in promoting the program was not to imply that such a program is a requirement for all Christians. It was to showcase a valuable resource that has been made available to the body of Christ.

Never before, to my knowledge, has formal training in systematic theology been produced in such a high quality and accessible format. The Theology Program has approximately 75 hours of online video classes, and they’re completely free. The two gentlemen who produced the program are graduates of Dallas Theological Seminary, and their desire is to provide the same training seminaries offer — for people who don’t have the time or money to attend seminary.

You probably won’t agree with all their views. I don’t agree with them on everything. But the videos offer a great opportunity to refine your beliefs and learn from other believers who have thought long and hard about the things of God.

It just makes sense to me that — at the very time when false prophets are multiplying and deception is coming on thick — God would raise up resources to help people navigate the theological fog. We — as students of the end-time prophecies — should avail ourselves of these resources more than anyone.

Formal training isn’t required. But that doesn’t mean it’s not valuable. Why not take advantage of it to sharpen your discernment skills?

See The Theology Program here.

— Holly Pivec
2/26/10