Who Needs Theology
Is theology disconnected to authentic faith in Christ? Or better yet, are theologians simply confusing Christians and missing Jesus? These themes and questions are thoroughly unpacked and dissected in Stanley Grenz and Roger Olson book Who Needs Theology. In fact, they point out that every person is indeed a theologian by stating, “No one who reflects on life's ultimate questions can escape theology. And anyone who reflects on life's ultimate questions-including questions about God and our relationship with God-is a theologian.”1
By stating and proving this point completely, Grenz and Olson move to building an excellent definition of theology and its constructive task. What is more, they point out the overwhelming benefits of theological engagement; …show more content…
They point out several reason for this; such as, grounding for life,4 thinking rightly about God, self and the world,5 and the ability to articulate the Gospel’s truths.6 Juxtaposed to this aim, is what they call folk theology which is, “unreflective belief that revels in subjective feelings brought on by slogans or legends and that resists examination.”7 Therefore, every follow of Jesus needs to press pass non-reflective ideas about God and instead pursue good theology for the benefit of themselves and the lost world around them. In essence they point out that theology is good when it “moves from the head to the heart and finally to the hand.”8 This is the second great theme of their book; good theology is meant not to be simply understood, but to be lived out in the life of every believer. Grenz and Olson state, theology’s goal “goes beyond merely stating truth. We engage in theology for the purpose pose of living truth-that is, for the purpose of living in the truth.”9
In other words, believers should not be obsessed with amassing information about God without the process of transformation in their life and community.10 Also, they undergird this insight by pointing out the Devil and what he knows about God and yet how lost he is.11 All in all, good theology should lead believers to love Jesus more and the people around
By stating and proving this point completely, Grenz and Olson move to building an excellent definition of theology and its constructive task. What is more, they point out the overwhelming benefits of theological engagement; …show more content…
They point out several reason for this; such as, grounding for life,4 thinking rightly about God, self and the world,5 and the ability to articulate the Gospel’s truths.6 Juxtaposed to this aim, is what they call folk theology which is, “unreflective belief that revels in subjective feelings brought on by slogans or legends and that resists examination.”7 Therefore, every follow of Jesus needs to press pass non-reflective ideas about God and instead pursue good theology for the benefit of themselves and the lost world around them. In essence they point out that theology is good when it “moves from the head to the heart and finally to the hand.”8 This is the second great theme of their book; good theology is meant not to be simply understood, but to be lived out in the life of every believer. Grenz and Olson state, theology’s goal “goes beyond merely stating truth. We engage in theology for the purpose pose of living truth-that is, for the purpose of living in the truth.”9
In other words, believers should not be obsessed with amassing information about God without the process of transformation in their life and community.10 Also, they undergird this insight by pointing out the Devil and what he knows about God and yet how lost he is.11 All in all, good theology should lead believers to love Jesus more and the people around