Theology…An Idol?

A few years ago, I bought the big, thick, heavy book. I read bits and pieces, as it said it needn’t be read in order. I’d chew for days on what I’d read. I wanted the right answers, and this book was supposed to have them.

I’m talking about Systematic Theology.

Eventually, it ended up in my book closet along with other books that were supposed to have all the right answers. From time to time, I’d pull it out to look up some topic of which I was unsure. However, it’s been quite a while since it’s seen the light of day.

Quite frankly, I’m a little frustrated right now with what the study of theology does to Christians. We end up over-analyzing Scripture, ripping it {and people} apart to prove that ours is the right theology.

Is the Gospel not simple? Did Jesus not say, Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you shall not enter the kingdom of heaven? Last time I checked, most children weren’t studying theology.

I think we’re complicating the Gospel. I wonder if non-Christians give a big ol’ eye roll when they see Christians buried so deep in theology, arguing over which one is correct, each arrogantly claiming to be right.

I’ll be quick to say that I can get easily fired up when grace is dismissed as easy or cheap. I can easily slip into an argumentative attitude.

There’s this: when I asked God to give me a better understanding of grace two years ago, He didn’t mess around. He’s still teaching me. He’s been very persistent and consistent in His teaching. And you know what?…My theology has been shot to hell and back! God, through His Word and His Spirit, has invalidated a lot of those theological beliefs I held.

It boils down to this: grace, mercy and love. I’m exhausted from having spent so much time trying to make sure I had the right theology when really this Christian life is as simple as Jesus loves me…and you…unconditionally! That’s what changes lives!

If we’re keeping our heads buried in theology books inside the church walls, we’re more than likely not fulfilling The Great Commission. The endless pursuit of obtaining the correct theology is paralyzing us!

Is our theology so important to us that we’d allow it to cause others to question, doubt, or even stumble? If so, theology is an idol. It was mine.