Introduction
In this essay, I will be discussing the value of theology widely based on the article “Introduction to Theology” by Kevin Smith. I will focus on Smith’s view on the nature, goal, task, and methods of theology. Through interactions from the articles; “Sceptics on the Value of Theology” also by Kevin Smith and “You Cannot Serve Both God and Theology” by Marshall Segal. I will review the visions and implications of Smith’s view on the value of theology and on how his vision differs from popular perceptions. I will also briefly discuss what these views could mean for my church.
Smith’s vision of theology
The nature of theology
The word “theology” means the study of God (Smith: 2013:17)
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We can, however, only study God indirectly (Smith:2013:17). Therefore, to study theology, we would have to do so through the things that teach us about God’s nature and purposes. These two things as Smith believes are; God’s revelation and human faith. Hence Smith’s final definition for theology is a “systematic study of divine revelation and human faith” (p.18).
To truly understand what theology is, based on Smith’s definition, we would have to understand the two main concepts of that definition first; divine revelation and human faith (Smith: 2013:18).
Divine revelation is simply explained as knowledge revealed to man by a divine agency – God (Abraham: 1985:8). For who could be a greater teacher about God, than God himself? (1 Cor 2:11). On this premise, I completely understand why Smith uses divine revelation as his primary locus of theological inquiry (2013:20). God divinely reveals himself through scripture, the words and works of Jesus Christ and the spirit (p.18). However, to experience a divine revelation from God, we would have to believe in, desire and love God first (p.20). We cannot truly know God unless we truly believe in God.
Studying God’s people holistically by researching their beliefs, practices, and experiences, both in the past and present, is Smith’s secondary locus of theological inquiry (2013:20). This is referred to by Smith as 'human faith'. Through this source, we can better interpret God's will for us in our context (p.19).
The goal and task of theology
The goal of Theology is to know God and understand His will for us through divine revelation and people's faith (Smith: 2013:21), and to use that divinely gifted and actively sought out knowledge within our context to therefore live within God's will. Fundamentally we seek to truly know God and live a life that is a reflection of that true knowledge of God.
Our theology according to Smith should be God-focused, Bible-based, Christ-centred, Spirit-led, mission-minded, historically informed, contextually relevant, practically-oriented and scientifically plausible (2013:22-35).
The three most vital concepts being
Bible-based as the scriptures are the “authoritative source of God’s revelation” (Smith: 2013:18), therefore it is the primary locus along with divine revelation for information about God (p.20; Joh 1:1)
Spirit-led as guidance from the Holy Spirit is imperative and essentially non-negotiable (p.29). If our study is guided by the spirit, we would have the ability to better discern and interpret scripture and as a result, we would have more depth in understanding and knowledge. (1 Cor 2:13)
Lastly – Christ-centred, God’s nature, will and purpose for us is all revealed through, who and what Jesus Christ said and did for humanity (Smith: 2013:25). Smith affirms that “God revealed himself most clearly and completely in Christ” therefore Christ should be our main source of interpretation (p.25; 1 Joh 5:20).
Through approaching our task of theology, fully equipped, we would be people who love God, seeking to know and understand God, through the authoritative and truthful words of God (Smith: 2013:21). We would turn to the words and works of Jesus Christ as our main reference for interpretation, as Christ is the clear and complete revelation of God (p.28). This all guided by our helper the holy spirit. (John 14:26)
The methods of theology
The methods of theology are summarized in four important words. These being; hermeneutical, critical, correlational, and dialogical (Smith: 2013:39).
Hermeneutics is in short, the study of interpretation (Zimmermann: 2015:1). To study theology, we need to interpret (Smith: 2013:40). Smith, however, states that hermeneutical is a word not directly referring to the study of interpretation. Rather it refers to the fact that all knowledge and understanding depend on human interpretations, and as a result, the interpretations may be inaccurate or unreliable (p.40). Therefore, even when relying on the Holy spirit's guidance to the truth about God, our infallible and sinful nature makes it possible for imperfect interpretations (p.40). Humility and a clear understanding of our brokenness are important.
Secondly, we have the world 'critical'. Smith ties this with the word 'evaluate'(2013:39). He states that we need to examine and then re-examine our interpretations as well as the interpretations of others and that we should do so critically (p.41). Although when critically examining all kinds of interpretations he states that it should not be done with a posture of fault seeking but rather with a posture of humility and open-mindedness. Understanding that we evaluate critically because our interpretations have an inherent potential to be flawed (pp.41-42).
When practising theology, we also need to adopt the method of discussion (Smith: 2013:42). We need to dialogue with our fellow theologians through writings as well as with the members of our church. When dialogue is approached with the appropriate posture it allows for a more in-depth understanding of God and his will, as we create a better understanding based on the thinking of others. (pp.43-44).
Lastly, Smith explains that the practice of theology should be one of constant correlation (2013:44). We compare scriptures, practices, traditions, beliefs, theories, actions and so forth. We search for similarities between them, with the intent of finding a more in-depth understanding and a more practical approach to fulfilling God's will within our context. (p.45).
Smith’s vision vs. popular perceptions
Smith believes that theology when done with the correct posture and motivation, has immense practical and spiritual value (2013:16) Theology when approached soundly, can positively impact every aspect of a theologian's life. It can inspire a desire to know and love God in a more profound, more authentic way, while also benefiting the church and society.
Smith also states that every Christian, in some way or another, is practising theology (2013:16). We are all constantly interpreting scriptures and teachings, articulating our own beliefs around those scriptures and teachings and then actively living out those beliefs. We cannot avoid practising theology. Whether we practice “good” or “bad” theology its ultimately up to us.
Unfortunately, many people both Christian and non-Christian have negative views of theology (Smith: 2015). For those who do not know God, this stance is understandable, for why would one want to spend precious time reasoning and discoursing about God if one has no belief in, or love for - God. The world will despise those who dedicate themselves to theology, because ultimately and heartbreakingly the world despises God (Joh: 7:7).
However, the more shocking revelation is that of the church despising the study of theology (Smith: 2015). This perception mostly stems from Christians who have experienced theology that in essence demoralizes faith in God and his word. Theology that focuses mainly on asking abstract and theoretical questions cannot possibly have a practical outcome within the church. This makes sense as to why, when approached with this posture, theology may be seen to have no value. Smith believes that this kind of attitude towards theology is moulded by harmful teachings or “bad theology”.
Personal implications of Smith’s vision
The implications of Smith’s vision on my current and future studies of theology as well as on my heart are nothing but positive if approached with the desire to practice 'good theology'(Smith: 2013:16). With the correct posture and motivation, I will inevitably - but hermeneutically practice “good theology”. My theology would be “true, spirit-filled and fruitful” (Segal: 2015). My desire to know and love God would ultimately overshadow all. I should be drawn into a deeper, humble and more genuine relationship with God (Segal: 2015).
However, I should also approach my study of theology with caution (Segal: 2015), ensuring that my study is motivated by my love and desire for God rather than the obsession of learning about Him. Theology should always have both a heart impact and a head impact. I cannot serve both the study and God (Matt: 6:24). Nevertheless, by practising 'good theology' I can find a harmonious balance between head and heart. I can actively dedicate my time to learning about God without allowing the study to become God (Segal: 2015).
Implications of Smith’s vision for my church
A church following Smith's guidance or vision would be a church under God’s authority and a fellowship full of; humility, accountability, open-minded, bible-based and Christ-centered people (2013:46-47). It would be a church that makes disciples, who make disciples (Matt: 28:19). It would be a place of both growth in relationship with God as well as in knowledge and understanding (Smith: 2013:42-43). Additionally, the church would serve as a safe place for dialogue between those in the community.
I feel extremely blessed to be a member of a church that is, in my opinion, actively functioning by a very similar vision. My church is a bible-based, spirit-led and Christ-centered church (BBC). We strive to build churches and to spread the gospel through mission - all while staying contextually relevant and biblically grounded (BBC). My church is a place where safe and humble dialogue is encouraged and where “the Jesus of the Bible” (Kevin Aldridge) is preached.
As a result, I believe the implications of my church's practice of 'good theology' has resulted in my desire to know God in a more in-depth way (Segal: 2015). Therefore, by experience, I believe the implications of Smith’s vision on a church are all potentially positive and god seeking.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we can only truly practice theology if we have a genuine understanding of what theology truly is (Smith: 2013:46). We study theology through the methodical study of God's revelation as well as 'people's faith' so that we are better equipped to discern God's will for us in our context. We ensure that our study is as holistic as possible and that our foundations of study are built on Christ, the scriptures and the Spirit (p.47). We do this because we believe in Him, have a burning love for Him and desire to know Him.
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