What is a theologian / theologist?
What Is a Theologian or Theologist? A Baptist Theological Perspective
The term theologian originates from two Greek words: theos (God) and logos (reason, word, or discourse). Theologians are those who engage in the disciplined study of God, His nature, His works, and His relationship to creation, particularly as He has revealed Himself in the Bible. The word theologist also refers to someone who studies theology, but this term is less commonly used today.
The study of theology is the highest pursuit of the mind because it concerns God, the Creator and Sustainer of all things. As Psalm 145:3 declares, “Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; and His greatness is unsearchable” (NKJV). The theologian’s goal is to know God more deeply, glorify Him more fully, and communicate His truth effectively.
Professional Theologians
Professional theologians dedicate their lives to the study of God and His revelation, often serving as teachers, authors, or scholars in academic institutions. Their work involves the systematic study and organization of biblical truths into coherent doctrines. Theology is broadly categorized into several disciplines:
Theology Proper: The study of God’s attributes and character.
Christology: The study of the person and work of Jesus Christ.
Pneumatology: The study of the Holy Spirit.
Soteriology: The study of salvation through Jesus Christ.
Ecclesiology: The study of the church.
Anthropology: The study of humanity’s nature, sin, and purpose.
Bibliology: The study of the Bible as the inspired and inerrant Word of God.
Eschatology: The study of last things, including the return of Christ, final judgment, and the eternal state.
Professional theologians also engage in apologetics, defending the Christian faith against heresy and external criticisms, as instructed in 1 Peter 3:15: “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear” (NKJV).
Pastors as Theologians
Historically, pastors were seen as theologians in their own right. They were expected to spend countless hours in the study of God’s Word, prayerfully crafting sermons that expounded deep theological truths in a manner that edified their congregations. Paul instructed Timothy to “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15, NKJV). A pastor’s role is not merely to preach practical advice or motivational speeches but to faithfully teach sound doctrine (Titus 2:1).
Unfortunately, many pastors today shy away from theological depth, favoring sermons that cater to “felt needs” or offer practical steps for personal improvement. While such approaches may attract a broader audience, they often fail to address the foundational truths of Scripture and the believer’s relationship with God. Paul’s warning to Timothy is apt: “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables” (2 Timothy 4:3–4, NKJV).
Theology in Academic Contexts
In earlier centuries, theology was considered the “queen of the sciences,” a discipline that encompassed the ultimate pursuit of truth. Theologians sought to understand God’s revelation in Scripture and His works in creation. Today, however, many academic institutions have replaced their theology departments with departments of religious studies, shifting the focus from studying God to studying human religious beliefs and practices. This transition reflects a broader cultural move away from objective truth and divine revelation toward subjective human experience.
Religious studies often treat the Bible as a purely human document rather than the inspired, inerrant Word of God. In contrast, a biblical theologian approaches Scripture as the very Word of God, given by inspiration of the Holy Spirit. As 2 Peter 1:20–21 teaches, “Knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit” (NKJV).
Every Christian as a Theologian
R. C. Sproul, a renowned theologian, aptly stated in his book Everyone’s a Theologian that every Christian is, by necessity, a theologian. The question is not whether one is a theologian but whether one is a good theologian or a poor theologian. Every believer is called to study God’s Word and grow in the knowledge of Him. The apostle Peter exhorts, “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen” (2 Peter 3:18, NKJV).
Theology is not reserved for scholars or pastors; it is the privilege and responsibility of every Christian. As believers study God’s Word, they grow in faith (Romans 10:17), are transformed by the renewing of their minds (Romans 12:2), and are equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16–17). The pursuit of theology is an act of worship that brings glory to God and joy to the believer.
Conclusion: The Call to Be a Theologian
To be a theologian is to take seriously the command to love the Lord with all one’s heart, soul, and mind (Matthew 22:37). The study of theology is not an abstract intellectual pursuit; it is an act of devotion that draws us closer to God and equips us to serve Him faithfully.
Paul’s prayer for the church in Philippians 1:9–11 encapsulates the purpose of theology: “And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God” (NKJV).
Every Christian should aspire to be a theologian, not for the sake of knowledge itself, but to know, love, and glorify the God who has revealed Himself through His Son, Jesus Christ, and His Word, the Bible.
