This will hurt (and perhaps offend) some people, but I’ll get right to the point: I hate the word “theology.” It’s a super churchy word that probably keeps more people from God rather than drawing them closer to him. The very moment I hear the word, I get visions of old, white-guy, academics selfishly digging through the Bible and old books looking for ideas that can bring them acclaim within their holy huddles.
I’m not saying it’s an accurate assessment. I’m just being honest about what I think. However, I’m betting it’s a similar perception for anyone who isn’t an old, white-guy, academic when they hear it.
Go ahead. Say out loud, nice and slow: THEE-OLO-GY.
Sounds like: stodgy.
All that said, let’s not not dismiss the point. Jonathan Edwards had a very real reason – and a crucial one at that – for making the 11th resolution.
Jonathan Edwards Resolution 11
As you read and consider, keep in mind that the distinguished Mr. Edwards was not even into his 20’s when he developed these resolutions. Clearly he was no old, white-guy, academic at that point. He wasn’t even close to the “Jonathan Edwards” we know and are inspired by today.
He was a mere kid, trying to learn about God.
Aren’t we all? Edwards’ Resolution #11 (in my modernized language)
When I have questions about God, I’ll seek to find answers.
Intentionally Seeking Theology
I used to have a very cynical way of looking at things like “the enormity of God.” Knowing how inferior my brain and ability to comprehend that enormity is (Job 36:26), I thought, why even bother? A big part of me believed God would just tell it all to me when I get to heaven. Besides, I can quickly point to many instances where theological differences have divided God’s people.
And that sucks. Why is it, the studying and relationship of God, the very thing that should bring us together, often divides us? I set out, instead, to finding my own understanding in how I could better develop as a child of God. I was asking questions and seeking answers. In so doing, I grew closer to God. I understood him more and I understood myself better.
And then, gosh darn it, I realized something. I am a theologian.
My hair didn’t turn gray and I didn’t become a stodgy (stodgier?) curmudgeon. But I did admit, I am learning about God: AKA, studying theology.
Now, I’m not going to try tricking you into a deep discussion of what theology is. Here’s a sound introduction to theology you can view at your pleasure. Instead, here’s some suggestions to help you learn about God and your relationship with him.
Learning About God in Studying the Word
Several years ago, upon realizing we had never personally read all of the Bible, my wife and I decided to do so. After stumbling onto a Zondervan site encouraging people to read the Bible in 90 Days, we set out on a New Year’s day to do just that.
Admittedly, we got overwhelmed and it took closer to 180 days, but we did it. Did we then possess all the Biblical knowledge, gain an ability to quote passages, or even understand the context of all we read?
Heck no! But, we did gain a lot. The goal was to read the text. Not get deep into footnotes, get lost in rabbit trails or even fret over correct pronunciations. It was to create a new baseline for knowing the landscape of God’s word.
Since then, apps have been developed, similar programs have come to market, and audio versions are widely accessible. There’s really no excuse to be had to not get some exposure to God’s word each and every day.
Learning About God by Teaching Others
One of the most productive ways I have learned about God is leading Bible study. Even if you were to deploy a “stock” program or curriculum, leading others through Bible study leads to personal learning. By praying over it and setting aside time dedicated to preparing, you can’t help but grow in your awareness and understanding.
There are dozens of videos, sermons, and other resources widely available online. Also, Warren Wiersbe has an awesome series of Bible Study guides and a commentary series (the Be Series). Both cover all the books of the Bible and are wonderful resources for building a good curriculum. I’ve personally used them to do studies on Ecclesiastes, II Corinthians, Ephesians, James, and more.
Theology is one of those church words that scares people off. It implies things that are both true and perceived. But the bottom line, it’s about knowing more about God. And, even though you may not realize it, you’re a theologian.
Learning About God in Regular Devotions
I used to avoid devotionals. I simply didn’t make the time. As a young Christian, I read through J. Sidlow Baxter’s Awake my heart, but refused to pick up another devotional for many years after. I have since come to understand a lot of growth can come from taking just a few minutes off the top of each day.
Two good devotionals I can personally suggest are A Minute of Vision for Men by Roger Patterson and The One Year Impact for Living Men’s Devotional by Nathan Whitaker & Scott Whitaker.
Learning About God In Book, Film and Music
I’ve always been drawn to movies, books and music. Maybe it’s because I worked at On-Cue, the one-time Musicland retailer offshoot dedicated to selling them before the Internet changed the entire nature of those mediums. Or maybe it’s just a product of the time in which I came of age.
Either way, I’ve always consumed products on those platforms with a bit of a critical eye, seeking to learn beyond idle entertainment. Here are some examples from my personal experiences.
- Book: Street Smarts from Proverbs: How to Navigate Through Conflict to Community by Mitch Kruse
- Book: The Character Builder’s Bible by Agnes de Bezenac and Salem de Bezenac
- Music: I Am by Crowder
- Music: I Hope You Dance by Tia Sillers
- Film: War Room
Learning About God by Journaling & Doodling
To help me rationalize my understanding of what God is teaching me day in and day out, I blog. That’s not the original intent of why 1Glories was established, but it’s one of the wonderful byproducts. In a lot of ways, it’s my form of journaling my thoughts with God and making known my personal theology (cringe) – even if only to myself.
Another emerging concept I am seeing more often in churches and as an extension of journaling is doodling the scriptures. I don’t do this as often as I like, but I usually will find one phrase from a sermon that stands out as inspiring, and I jot it in large lettering on a notepad before adding some other artistic flair. One example is on the YLU18 page.
If doodling interests you, Stone Soup for Five is one of the best possible resources. Hop over and look at their Bible studies, download free doodle sheets, and more.
The Theology of Everyday Events
I’ve learned a lot about God when I was least expecting it. So, I have come to always be expecting God to reveal himself in some context no matter the circumstance. It helps me feel as though I am making myself more available to him. Because, let’s face it, there have been so many times when we’ve been racing through life with blinders on and it’s only in hindsight that we realize how God had been speaking to us.
I’ve found that I am often learning about God while in conversation with others. I’m not talking about getting belly deep in some theological context. People sometimes share with me a way in which God is working in their lives. Other times, they may share a story about something that connects with an issue I myself have been pondering.
Another way I find myself learning about God is in the mundane aspects of life. Even in those moments where we may be bored or tied to a monotonous task, God is never doing nothing. Sometimes, the monotony is exactly what we need to hear God.
Learning About God through Theology of Prayer
Every moment of every day and night, God is available to you. We don’t need to send a text message to ask if he’s up or able to chat. Nor do we have to call and hope he picks up. He’s already on the line and expecting us to reach out.
I’ve never considered myself to be a good prayer. In fact, I would not even pray aloud for the longest time. But the good news is, it doesn’t matter. So long as you are communing with God, you are in prayer. It does not have to be on your knees, and it doesn’t have to be with your eyes closed. I’ve often prayed as I have been on walks or driving to work.
Speak your heart to God. Tell him your troubles. Let him know about your cares.
And then listen. It may not come in the moment. Heck, it may not even be that day.
But, when you actively seek to learn about God, he takes great delight in helping you to know.