Doing Theology is Important. But Watch Out for These Dangers.

Theology is important.  And we all do it (whether we know it or not).  If you're familiar with this site, you'll know I'm an advocate for theology - I want to help others know THAT theology matters, HOW it's important, and WHERE it should lead.

And even while I agree with all of this (and will continue to advocate for these things), I know that certain dangers accompany theology.  Besides outright heresy, there is the danger of theological abstraction - where what we say is disconnected from what matters.  There is the danger of theological over-exaggeration, where we make something that's a debatable issue into a MAJOR deal and turn it into the litmus test for orthodoxy.  There's the danger of "theological bullying."  Here the problem isn't so much with our content but with our tone and approach.

Instead what we need is a strong concern for theology that is evidently connected to a robust Christian life - loving God with our heart, soul, strength, and mind, and loving others as ourselves.  We need a strong concern for theology that is properly-ordered -  where the main things are what we talk about most, and minor things become opportunities for sharpening our biblical and theological acumen and not opportunities for unnecessary division and quarreling.  We need an approach to theology that cares about both truth and tone.  "Doing theology" requires not just a mind full of right stuff, but also "great patience and careful instruction" (cf. 2 Tim 4:2).

So should we keep "doing theology" for the glory of God and the health of the church?  YES.  As we do theology in this way, let's proceed with an eye on transformation, a sense of proportion, and a shepherd's heart.