What is theology? A simple definition is: “the study of the nature of God and religious belief.” From this, many would approach theology simply as an exercise in amassing knowledge about God. It is an intellectual activity that seeks to master what can be known about God.
My personal interest in theology is the kind that is distinctly Christian and biblical. In other words, there is concern to develop an understanding of God that is grounded in the Christian Bible. Even more, it becomes more than just a matter of doctrine but also a matter of personal faith. As such, theology must somehow make a difference in how I see the world and how I conduct myself in the world. Specifically, true Christian theology must always lead to the humble worship of God—both in my words and in my conduct.
I recently came across a short review of a book by Josh Harris entitled Humble Orthodoxy. What Harris writes about is worth serious consideration of anyone engaged in Christian theologizing. Among other things, he emphasizes that our passion for right doctrine is “not to prove ourselves more right or better than someone else but to better worship the holy God, the one who forgives and accepts us for Christ’s sake alone … if we make a good thing like correct theology the ultimate end—if being right becomes more important to us than worshiping God—then our theology is not really about God anymore. It’s about us. It becomes the source of our sense of worth and identity. And if theology becomes about us, then we’ll despise and demonize those who oppose us.”
Indeed, the true goal of Christian theology is not simply the mastery of information about God (which can lead to pride) but the appreciation of the mystery that is God, who is much “bigger” than our minds can ever conceive. Such embrace of mystery will most naturally lead to reverent wonder and to humble worship. A prime example is the theologian we know as Paul who, after an extended reflection on the God of the gospel, bursts forth with praise:
“Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! ‘Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?’ ‘Who has ever given to God, that God should repay them?’ For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.” (Romans 11.33–36 NIV)
—Keith Y. Jainga