Questioning Systematic Theology
Recently I made my Facebook status say, “I believe in Organic Theology.” I kind of did it because of a random deep thought I had that day, but it became quite the discussion under my status. I had this thought. I know a lot of people who give their time to studying systematic theology, and you know what, they should! Becasue, as RC says, “every Christian is a theologian for better or worse and the for worse is no small matter.” Some people dismiss theology as irrelevant and boring but the reality is everyone has a theology. Do you believe Jesus will return one day? Thats a theology. Do you believe the church will be victorious? That is a theology. The only question is: Do you have the right theology. Ok, I get that, and thats why I say systematic theology should be studied, but consider this: Theology is simply a result of either man’s question or heresies through the ages. For Instance, somewhere along the line somebody asked the question, “Did Jesus have ALL of God’s essential attributes when he walked the earth?” or worse, somebody said, “Jesus didn’t possess God’s essential attributes.” From this starting point theologians then go into the Bible (the ultimate standard) to see what it says and then make a theological statement of what is believes based on the authority of scripture. If you are still with me, now please follow… The only problem is this: As good as systematic theology is and needed isn’t it a bit reactionary and defensive. Some may say, “what do you mean?” I mean, If man picks the questions than man chooses what should be emphasized therefore inadvertently creating another Bible. Huh? For example, Lets say the Bible is more concerned with Christians loving their enemies than Christians understanding the Trinity, but systematic theology emphasizes the doctrine of the trinity more than loving your enemies….haven’t we then created another book that then chooses to take this Bible and without changing its truths, divert its emphasis? This seems pretty serious to me. Again, this is not a bash systematic theology post, not at all. I love systematic theology….I’ve read Grudem, Strong, Ericson, and J. Roddam Williams. Great Books. Enlightening. Needed. But in those things lets be careful to not take away from what the Bible would want us to emphasize. I guess what Im saying is this is why some churches can having incredible systematic theological understanding, yet never have an emphasis on evangelism. Huh? Has anyone read the New Testament? Tell me, is Evangelism a major theme in the New Testament? I believe their is an offense and a defense in Theology. The church traditionally I guess is of the opinion a great defense is a great offense, but I wonder if we somehow (not saying its easy) just let the Bible “organically” determine our theological discussions if we would be better off. Thoughts?
James Laws said,
May 11, 2009 at 3:55 pm
I agree with you 100%. It is so important that we focus proportionately on what the Bible is loud about. In other words, as the old adage states, major on the majors and minor on the minors. Not that I would in any way call the doctrine of the Trinity a minor but you get my meaning.
mservello said,
May 12, 2009 at 3:12 am
Exactly.
Steve"The Czar" Patton said,
May 11, 2009 at 7:27 pm
I agree with you Mike. I would consider someone more spiritual for honoring his father and mother but can’t tell me what his eschatology is (pre, mid or post trib) vs someone who can tell me what the notes the trumpet will be playing when the Jesus cracks the sky but still can’t forgive others.
I’m sure that you will stir the pot with this one though Mike. “Organic Theology.” Sounds like a good book title to me!
mservello said,
May 12, 2009 at 2:47 am
Maybe someday….LOL
Renee Pasqualetti said,
May 11, 2009 at 8:39 pm
I totally agree. I know I haven’t graduated from Bible College, but this makes sense to me. (Although I do have a year of interns under my belt )
Its so easy to get sidetracked even with theology. The Bible is pretty clear on what is most important. Getting back to basics- with organic theology. Definatley sounds like you have a book to write!
Sam said,
May 12, 2009 at 12:49 am
Organic theology sounds like you can put your weed in it.
Adam said,
May 12, 2009 at 12:57 am
NT Wright has some good things to say on this topic.
mservello said,
May 12, 2009 at 2:46 am
Really, where? Id like to read about it.
Angel Figueroa said,
May 12, 2009 at 2:18 am
Let me start by stating ‘ I love theology”. I love digging into His Word(s) with what resources I may have available to me. I have noticed however that sometimes an air of superiority may come across some because they may be able to parse or “exegete” a particular verse or passage . Using said knowledge almost to pound a wedge between people instead of reconciling people back to the Father. Certain words or statements are triggers for people ;they constantly want to prove people wrong just because they may have stated something incorrectly or inocently. Where is the love in that? Or where is the patience in that? This is dangerous, at least from my vantage point. Theology has it’s place, whether it’s in the seminaries or even better, the local family tring to” rightfully divide the Word of Truth”
I believe, it’s not what you know, but what you do with that knowledge that defines you.
Hope it wasn’t to much of a ramble Mike.
mservello said,
May 12, 2009 at 2:46 am
Angel, Thats exactly what I mean. I have witnessed the same thing. If in the end, we are more judgmental, exclusive, unapproachable and unloving as before…Im not sure if we got the point. Plus, there are certain subjects that are key themes that i never see discussed in these books..like how about care for strangers?
Faling First said,
May 12, 2009 at 1:53 pm
Wouldn’t Organic Theology simply turn into systematic theology?
I also don’t think they are writing the theology books to steer people away from loving people. I think they are going through the foundational topics in Christianity and writing what they believe that it means to us. They do spend time one Loving God and Loving People….but they are also going to write about the confusing aspects of eschatology and the Kingdom of God.
I like what your saying, I think your right in that more people need to get back to the basics of what Jesus taught.
mservello said,
May 12, 2009 at 2:15 pm
Maybe, again there’s nothing wrong with systematic theology. as far as theologians loving God, I never said they didnt. Some of these guys i respect immensely! For instance, i think JI packer who is an example of a great man of God!
Faling First said,
May 12, 2009 at 3:40 pm
So you would just like to see more emphasis put on the things that should make Christians tick.
Also, I did not mean to challenge you saying they did not love God. I miss worded that statement.
mservello said,
May 12, 2009 at 3:49 pm
II didnt take it as a challenge, but i thought id clarify.
Id like to see more emphasis on what the Bible emphasizes…. For instance, I teach doctrine… I always find it amazing how weak the doctrine of the Holy Spirit is in some of these books in light of all of what the New Testament says.
Gabriel Finochio said,
May 17, 2009 at 4:13 am
mike!! how you doing?!!
i noticed your update
i’m diggin it.
i find it difficult, however, to believe that Systematic Theology is “a bit reactionary and defensive”. i find that tantamount to saying that the Ten Commandments are reactionary and defensive, simply because they address sin in our lives. And i’m sure that’s not what you believe or meant by saying that…but i do see incredible value in systematizing Scripture.
I’d compare it to using paint-by-numbers as a kid. Although this is an elemental approach to art, it still does help to assist the person in painting the picture. Theology is our picture of God. Now, those artists that opt for a more ORGANIC approach, may hastily scoff at the very thought of reverting to some pre-planned approach towards painting. But the true beauty of paint-by-numbers is that it helps/teaches us to stay within the lines. And yes, unfortunately for some, there are theological lines of restriction.
When it comes to the Trinity, i would hope that a person, by virtue of understanding the dynamics of who, what, why, where, and how God is, would then comprehend how they should relate to their fellow man (who has been created in God’s image). And what is Love apart from knowing God’s Love? God’s identiy(His Tri-Unity) defines virtually everything that we know about Theology, so why put the cart before the horse?
I find the enemy of Systematic Theology is Sympathetic Theology. This happens when we become so individualized in our thinking that our Theology turns into whatever we warp it to be. I’d rather prefer a systemic rod to restrict and restrain the growth of a young tree, than to have it crooked and mis-shapen in the name of being ORGANIC.
love you mike
mservello said,
May 17, 2009 at 11:07 am
Hey Gabe,
Good to hear from you.
I agree with what you’re saying, obviously. Again the point of this post was not a put down on systematic theology so I m not sure if you are understanding what im saying. Every Christian, Ignorant or not, has a theology – its just a matter if they have the right one. The question however leads next to not only are we correct in the details but also in the priorities God has for us.
When I say, Systematic Theology is defensive and reactionary – Im trying to say that by us initiating the conversation we determine the outcome of the conversation. Which isnt necessarily bad by the way. Its only when we think our conversation is more important than God’s. So i agree with you, we need the “rod” of past answers to questions t be there, but as I said that is the defense. The offense is letting the Bible have the emphasis God intended for it to have.
Best
Gabriel Finochio said,
May 19, 2009 at 12:55 am
Mike,
I apologize if what I’ve said came off as a rebuke or chastisement, I merely meant it to communicate a pointed and passionate opinion. Looking back on my Bible College days, i’d have to admit that Systematic Theology saved my life. You’re approach to the topic gave me the impression that ST wasn’t getting a fair shake. I’m probably more on your side than you may realize as well. I do have a couple questions for you though…would you legitimize Historical and Biblical Theology as a part of the family? And if so, how would you inclusively frame Systematic, Historical and Biblical Theology along with Organic Theology?
Brian said,
May 27, 2009 at 3:25 pm
Hey Mike,
I’m good friends with Matt Molt and some of the other MFI guys who were at the Apostiolic Leadership Team Retreat last week. Just wondering what your reflections are from the retreat for us younger guys (ha – younger…I’m 33), looking to carry the torch.
LarryK said,
June 21, 2009 at 11:28 am
If we’re going to be a good witness for our Lord we really need to
have our theology straight, systematic and organic.
Like it or not anyone that has a consistent Christian walk winds
up being the “Go to Guy” at work for any questions about religion
and The Bible.
Allot of people in the world suffer from “Drive by Theology.” They snag
bits and pieces from reading The Bible and watching preachers on
TV. Sometimes their ideas get a bit distorted.
Whats cool though is when someone asks a question and The Holy Spirit
gives me an answer right away.
It’s like “WOW!” I learn something along with them.
Now that’s what I call Living Theology!
Denise said,
July 18, 2009 at 12:48 pm
WE attend Cornerstone. My 18 year old son has several questions that we can not answer,that are holding up his committment to God. They are good questions but he is so analytical that some things he need to take on faith he just won’t or can’t. He accepted Christ at 5, and was baptized at eight. I know God has not let go of him. I know his Dad has had visions of him returning to God so I hold on to that but he needs the answers or some good discussion to get towards those answers. We work in Christian camping, so he has seen all kids of “Christians”. would you be willing to talk ,converse with him next time you are in our area. HE has computer access to. thanks
stephy said,
July 23, 2009 at 5:09 pm
Nice.
Dennis Hoover said,
August 4, 2009 at 8:05 pm
I totally agree with this. Over and over again in the New Testament, Paul wrote in his letters to the church that he wished that they would grow in wisdom and understanding about God. He wrote that at the beginning of most of the epistles. Of course the resounding theme of the entire rest each letter was about Loving God (the first most important comandment), and about loving each other (the second most important comandment). As I began my journey into my calling in ministry, I found myself in college classes that were detailed in picking peices of the Word and doctrine apart to understand theology and I found myself never actually doing any ministry. It seemed to me that the best way to pursue a life of Christ was to actually do it and learn more as I go.
As important as it is to be trained and to gain appropriate understanding to prepare for any task, great or small, I believe it is equally important to do. I have known Christian leaders that have been great at discussing the Word and the nature of God, but I always wondered if they had ever taken the time to speak to unbelievers; to practice what they spoke and to love on those who don’t know love. As I look to the Word, the Ultimate Authority. Jesus called the disciples while they were fishing and mending nets. They hadn’t even recieved the Holy Spirit on Pentacost before they were already sent out to do miracles and cast out demons. They learned as they went. And as it says in 1 John 2:27
“But you have received the Holy Spirit, and he lives within you, so you don’t need anyone to teach you what is true. For the Spirit teaches you everything you need to know, and what he teaches is true—it is not a lie. So just as he has taught you, remain in fellowship with Christ.”
We learn as we go and the Holy Spirit get’s the rest. Sorry for the long comment!!
Dennis Hoover said,
August 4, 2009 at 8:06 pm
Good Stuff though! Organic…