Do you have a theology?

This topic may title may seem a bit ‘heavy’, but this is something that is important to think about.  I often make two assertions about personal theology, so this BLOG post is in two parts.

### Part One

My first assertion is that everyone has a theology, yes, even those who aren’t Christians.  The atheist asserts that there is no God, or at least none that they recognise as such.  You could say that their belief is negative, but it is a theological position nonetheless.

The agnostic is unsure as to whether there is a God, and certainly whether such a deity can be known.  Many people claim to be agnostic about the Christian faith.  They embrace uncertainty as their theological tenet – there might be a God who can be known, but they don’t see the evidence to convince them.

As Christians, we certainly do have a theology.  For some, this may be rudimentary, but even something embryonic is still a reality.  Many of us will assert that we have a clear theology, but whether that is something that we have weighed and embraced on a personal level is another matter. 

Allignment

Many Christians espouse a formal set of beliefs as outlined or defined by the Christian tradition to which they are aligned, or as taught by their particular local church.  This may be a genuine, considered position on their part, or it could amount to little more than acquiescence or even a blank-cheque alignment, a position that effectively serves as a mechanism for disregarding alternative views.

The important point here is that we need to genuinely own our beliefs, not just accept what others proclaim, or what is taught by our particular church ‘tribe’.  We may assert that we believe something, but if we can’t also argue for that position, then I suggest that we haven’t actually owned it, but rather have embraced it without due consideration. 

Dogma

Some people have the idea that to question is bad, but it is in challenging that we can expect to get understanding, and understanding is essential to true belief.  Now, someone will suggest that when it comes to matters concerning God, we can’t all be expected to figure things out for ourselves; to question, to challenge and to weigh theological points.  Such an assertion clearly has merit; we can’t all be theologians.  However, we can all demand that if we are to embrace truth, then it must be clearly explained, obviously biblically based and must be framed in a way to appear reasonable.  Anything less than that is pure dogma.  We need help to come to a place where we can be convinced.  My old Bible College principal had many sayings, one of which was that “a man convinced against his will is of the same opinion still”.  We need to be shown that truth is true; otherwise, whilst we may acknowledge it, we will not actually embrace it, and will certainly be in no place to argue for it. See 1 Peter 3:15.

Another criterion

We have touched on the need for our theology to be biblical, but there is yet another criterion for accepting tenets of belief.  We need the guidance and witness of the Holy Spirit.  Academic theologians may examine, debate, and come to apparently logical conclusions, but this process has very little value if not guided by the Spirit of God.  It is the Holy Spirit who will lead us into all truth (John 16:13,14).  Without our own active engagement with him, we will be unable to determine what is of God and what is not; what is truth and what is error, what is from God and what comes from elsewhere. 

I trained at Bible College for three years and was introduced to theology and theological writers.  I make no claim to be an academic, but do consider myself to be a Biblical theologian.  I am guided by what I find written in the Word of God, and at least as importantly, am led by his Spirit who dwells within me (John 14:16,17; 2 Timothy 1:14).  Someone might discuss and debate without the Holy Spirit, but truth comes from his revelation to our hearts.

To conclude Part One, let me re-affirm that we each have a theology – only you know what yours is based upon and, thereby, how sound this is.

### Part Two

My second assertion about our theology is that this isn’t so much about what we claim to believe, but rather what we put into practice – what we do.  We can determine someone’s theology by their actions and not necessarily by listening to what they say.

I have reached that time of life when, whilst my weight has remained constant, my body shape hasn’t.  My limbs are noticeably less fleshy than they used to be, and weight has appeared elsewhere, causing me to expand around the stomach region.  Whilst I am quite content to accept that ageing brings about such changes, I know that significant spread in that particular area is not healthy, at least not if it remains unchecked.  Consequently, I have made the decision to eat less for a while, with the intention of bringing my body shape under control. 

Convictions

This decision is based upon two beliefs.  The first, as already alluded to, concerns health, and the second is a theological belief that God expects me to look after my body, as entrusted to me by him.  We read in 1 Corinthians 6, verses 19 & 20:

“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God?  You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”

We shouldn’t take this out of context, which we can determine from the previous verse that refers to sexual sin.  However, if my body is God’s temple, then surely I am compelled to look after it; to manage it appropriately.  Think about how much care people give to church buildings, seeking to honour God through how they are presented.  Should we not also glorify God with our own bodies?  See also Romans 12:1; 1 Corinthians 10:31.

Consistency

It is inconsistent to say one thing and yet do another.  What we truly believe needs to be put into practice; otherwise, how can we really claim to believe this?  Someone might argue that this is all very well for me to say, suggesting that perhaps I am strong-willed, whereas maybe they aren’t.  This is a fair comment, but one that I suggest leaves God out of the equation.  If our Christian faith is about anything, then surely it entails reliance upon God for those things that we are unable to do for ourselves.  Initially, this is our salvation; however, that marks only the start of our walk of faith.

If consistency is our problem, then let’s ask God to give us a deep conviction about taking his Word seriously.  If self-discipline is our vulnerability, then let’s ask him to constrain us.  If temptation is our Achilles heel, then let’s ask God to give us a deeper sense of his holiness and our own calling to live to honour him in every aspect of our lives. 

God is there for us, whatever area of need that we have (Hebrews 4:16).  Doing nothing isn’t an option – we need to cry out to our holy God in our weakness, asking him to enable us to live the way that he has called us to – in accordance with his Word and the theology that his Spirit has led us to embrace. See Philippians 4:19

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