The need for theology
Doug McHone at CoffeeSwirls offers a simple defense of the need for theology in the church, despite an aversion to doctrinal matters in some quarters.
Far too much theology divides rather than builds up the body of Christ. But some doctrines--the holiness and love of God, the sinfulness of humanity, the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ---are essential for every Christian to understand. That's why we preach to the saints as well as the lost.
If you take the teachings about God, His expectations, His glory and other factors out of the church and make it into a weekly affair of the emotions only, you begin to have shallow Christianity that cannot be taken seriously enough for any culture to be changed. Suppressing theology from the church is akin to suppressing the use of words in English 101. If the church does not teach the congregation, who will?
Far too much theology divides rather than builds up the body of Christ. But some doctrines--the holiness and love of God, the sinfulness of humanity, the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ---are essential for every Christian to understand. That's why we preach to the saints as well as the lost.
posted by Milton Stanley at 7:28 AM
8 Comments:
I agree! Much of today's sermons are topical sugar sticks rather than expository (verse by verse) doctrinal messages preached for the transformation of the people by the power of the Word!
We need men of God, men of passion, men of holiness, and men of righteousness to stand in the pulpit like prophets of old and declare the true and perfect message of God to the people!
God Bless,
Josh Buice
1 John 2:1-2
Practical Theology Discussions
http://www.joshbuice.blogspot.com
Milton,
If we take out preaching to the saints, then we would have a pre-Luther church all over again. Dumb. I think there is room for both topical and expository teachings. I don't know of anyone who can grasp the whole of a subject in one session, it may take hearing the same message over and over until it's obsorbed to any extent.
Be Blessed,
Pete
Amen, Josh, and thanks for turning me on to your blog. I look forward to reading it. Peace.
I agree, Pete. Thanks for adding to the conversation. Peace.
I am in total agreement with you Milton, isn't this why we have Sunday School for adults and midweek bible studies, to teach doctrine?
GBYAY
Leaders in the UCC are currently debating whether or not to sign a resolution stating "Jesus is Lord." There are some pastors in the UCC that refuse to sign it, saying they don't want to exclude anybody. They acknowledge they have pastors who don't even believe in the existence of God.
Yes, I'd say theology is important. Without it, what the heck are we saying and which God (or god?) are we serving?
I think it is, John.
Good point, Matt; I agree.
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