What is the definition of theology?
The Definition of Theology: A Baptist Theological Perspective
The term theology originates from the Greek words theos (God) and logos (word, study, or discourse), and it is most simply defined as “the study of God.” Theology is the discipline that seeks to understand God as He has revealed Himself in the Holy Scriptures. For the Christian, and especially for Baptists committed to biblical orthodoxy, theology is not an abstract or speculative pursuit; it is the intentional and reverent effort to know the true and living God, to glorify Him, and to live in accordance with His revealed will.
While it is impossible for finite humanity to fully comprehend the infinite nature of God, theology aims to know Him as much as He has chosen to reveal Himself. The apostle Paul exclaims, “Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out! For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has become His counselor? Or who has first given to Him and it shall be repaid to him? For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen” (Romans 11:33–36, NKJV). These verses highlight the limitations of human understanding but also the wonder of what God has graciously made known.
The Nature of Theology
Theology is both an art and a science. It is a science in the sense that it involves a systematic and disciplined study of God’s Word, utilizing tools such as biblical exegesis, hermeneutics, and historical theology. It is an art in the sense that it requires prayerful reflection, spiritual insight, and the illumination of the Holy Spirit to discern the truths of Scripture and apply them to life.
Theology is not just about academic study; it is about knowing God personally and deeply. God has revealed Himself in two primary ways:
General Revelation: God reveals Himself to all people through creation, as seen in Psalm 19:1–4: “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork. Day unto day utters speech, and night unto night reveals knowledge. There is no speech nor language where their voice is not heard. Their line has gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world.” Likewise, Paul writes in Romans 1:20, “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse.”
Special Revelation: God reveals Himself specifically and personally through the Scriptures and ultimately through His Son, Jesus Christ. Hebrews 1:1–3 says, “God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.”
Theology is concerned with this special revelation, particularly as it is contained in the inerrant and sufficient Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16–17; 2 Peter 1:20–21).
The Goal of Theology
The ultimate purpose of theology is not merely intellectual understanding but the glorification of God through love, worship, and obedience. Jesus identified the greatest commandment as this: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind” (Matthew 22:37, NKJV). Theology enables believers to love God with their minds by deepening their knowledge of His character, attributes, and works.
To know God is to love Him, and to love Him is to obey Him. As Jesus said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15, NKJV). Theology therefore leads to sanctification, as it shapes the believer’s thoughts, affections, and actions to align with God’s revealed will.
Theology and the Christian Life
A robust understanding of theology is vital for every Christian. Theology provides the foundation for a biblical worldview, equipping believers to discern truth from error and to live faithfully in a fallen world. It is through the study of theology that believers come to know God as:
Creator: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1, NKJV).
Sustainer: “He is before all things, and in Him all things consist” (Colossians 1:17, NKJV).
Redeemer: “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace” (Ephesians 1:7, NKJV).
Judge: “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad” (2 Corinthians 5:10, NKJV).
Theology also fosters hope and comfort. Knowing God’s sovereignty assures believers that “all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28, NKJV). Understanding God’s faithfulness sustains us in trials, as “He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you’” (Hebrews 13:5, NKJV).
The Danger of Poor Theology
Neglecting theology or embracing poor theology has significant consequences. Misunderstanding God’s character leads to idolatry, as individuals fashion a god in their own image rather than worshiping the true God. False theology can also lead to despair, as it distorts the gospel of grace and undermines the believer’s assurance of salvation.
Paul warned Timothy about the dangers of false teaching: “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 grounded in Scripture safeguards against such errors and strengthens believers in the truth.
Conclusion
Theology, in its simplest form, is the study of God as He has revealed Himself in His Word. It is an essential pursuit for every Christian, enabling us to know, love, and obey our Creator. Theology is not an abstract discipline reserved for scholars but a deeply personal and practical endeavor that enriches our faith and equips us for every good work (2 Timothy 3:17). As Baptists committed to the authority of Scripture and the glory of God, we affirm that theology is vital to the health of the church and the life of every believer.
“Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, let not the mighty man glory in his might, nor let the rich man glory in his riches; but let him who glories glory in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight,” says the Lord (Jeremiah 9:23–24, NKJV).
