Does Theology Matter?

Let's be honest. Many people, Christian or non, cringe at the thought of theology. It's a word that many people probably don't understand but based on what they understand about it or rather the people they know who are passionate about theology, they simply have no desire to spend any time with something they view as rigid and dry.

But is this assessment of theology truly fair? Can a Christian truly fulfill the greatest commandment, to love God, if they don't rightly understand who He is? Maybe this question will help, can a husband truly love his wife, if he doesn't first spend time getting to know her?

Richard Baxter, author of the book, The Reformed Pastor, said the following in regards to theology:

"Nothing can be rightly known, if God be not known; nor is any study well managed, nor to any great purpose, if God is not studied. We know little of the creature, till we know it as it stands related to the Creator: single letters, and syllables uncomposed, are no better than nonsense. He who overlooks Him who is the “Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending,” and sees not Him in all who is the All of all, doth see nothing at all." | Richard Baxter - The Reformed Pastor 

If his assertion is true, then Christian's longstanding reluctance to dig deeper into the study of God may be causing more harm to the church then they are aware. If we don't rightly know God then how can we rightly love him, serve him, and live obedient lives as his ambassadors? The scriptures tell us that God is making his appeal to the world through Christians (2 Corinthians 5:20). But in our efforts to know God, will the world really get the message? Like a good tour guide, we must know who God is in order to give an accurate description of his beauty and glory. Are we being faithful in our efforts to truly know God?

This blog will be a turnoff to many, but for those who are interested in knowing God more deeply and fully I pray it will be an encouragement to you. Join me in digging deeper. Don't succumb to temptation to be spiritually lazy. God has given us his Word as our primary method to know him more passionately and accurately. I am living proof that you don't have to be highly intelligent in order to study God. Those who know me best know that I am far from a stellar student. I'm not an intellectual, but I am a Christian. I don't love to read, but I do love Jesus Christ...and therefore I want to know him as best as I can.

Let's dig deep together to study the treasures found in God's word!


For His Glory,

Jason