Theology: Awakening the Mind to the Wonder of God

"Worshiping and Serving Theologians": This phrase communicates the all-encompassing nature of the work of the gospel in the life of the Christian. The gospel empowers right thinking (the head), right affections (the heart), and right actions (the hands).

The overemphasis of right thinking leads to intellectualism, the overemphasis of right affections leads to emotionalism, and the overemphasis of right actions leads to legalism. Thus, in all that we do as a church, we want to emphasize what it means to have a mind, heart, and will that are used to enjoy making much of God.

 

What We Do and Don't Mean

 

When we throw out the term theology, we don't mean the following: We are called to sit in a proverbial ivory tower all day long reading systematic theology books and turning into theological bobble heads who have no affection for God and no desire to actually put hands and feet to what we believe.

 

When we throw out the term theology, this is what we do mean: Christianity is a thinking faith. It is through the mind's right understanding of the excellencies of Christ that one's affections are stirred and one is moved toward right behavior. In other words, right thinking leads to right feeling and right doing. Therefore, the church must be concerned with communicating the excellencies of Christ in such a way that the mind is awakened to the wonder of God.

 

Let's be honest for a moment. Many people cringe at the very word theology. It's perceived by many to be a fierce opponent of faith, a practice reserved for intellectuals and academics alone. To those who hold this position, consider the following.

 

Everyone is a Theologian

 

The word theology comes from the root words theos (meaning "God") and logos (meaning "a word" or "something said"). So, at its most basic level, the word theology means "a word about God" or "something said about God".

 

In this sense, everyone is a theologian. Everyone is a theologian because everyone has something to say about God. And, everyone has something to say about God because what can be known about God is plain to all because He has shown it to all (Romans 1:19). Even the atheist is a theologian because he/she has something to say about God, namely that He doesn't exist. So, the question is not whether one is a theologian or not. The question is whether one practices good theology or bad theology.

 

Scripture as Evidence

 

The Bible is filled with numerous passages that give attention to the importance of thinking to the glory of God. These are just a few examples (emphasis and additional possible meanings added):

 

And he said to him, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind (understanding, thought). This is the great and first commandment." (Matthew 22:37-38)

 

Set your minds on (think about, have your mind controlled by) things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. (Colossians 3:2-3)

 

Brothers, do not be children in your thinking (understanding). Be infants in evil, but in your thinking (understanding) be mature. (1 Corinthians 14:20)

 

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about (consider, reflect upon, think on) these things. (Philippians 4:8)

 

God actually cares about our thinking. As Christians, we are to stir one another toward good theological thinking to the glory of God. God made us with a mind, and we are to love Him with the fullness of our mind's capacity.

 

Diagnostic Questions

 

In what areas could you stand to grow theologically?

 

the doctrines of Scripture

the attributes of God

the Trinity

creation

prayer

angels, Satan, and demons

man

sin

Jesus

the resurrection

salvation

death

the church

heaven and hell



What is it that practically awakens your mind to the things of God? Perhaps, it's sitting with the Scriptures and a good cup of coffee in that living room chair that you love. Each of us is different. The point is simply this: Whatever it is that practically stirs you toward good theological thinking to the glory of God (illegal drugs not included)...do those things! Be intentional. Get your head in the game. God hasn't left you unarmed. You have His Word.

 

A Word of Caution

 

As you think to the glory of God, keep one thing in mind. The devil has better theology than you. The devil and his army of darkness know more about Jesus than you do (James 2:19). Right theology doesn't mean that you know Jesus, love Jesus, and worship Jesus. You can have "God knowledge" and not know and be known by God personally and intimately. Even an atheist can get a seminary degree. So, I'll leave you with the following questions: Do you know Jesus? Do you love Jesus? Do you worship Jesus?

 

Jamey Vizzini

Lead Pastor/Planter

CrossPointe Winter Springs