Theology for the heart, not entertainment

Posted by Joe Thorn - 13/02/08

That theology is neglected is easy enough to establish. But that it is abused by those who claim to love it is perhaps a more necessary point to make in my circles. All who love theology, please take note:

[Theology] ought not to be laid on the shelf, as an object of speculation; but it should be deposited deep in the heart, where its sanctifying power ought to be felt. To study theology, for the purpose of gratifying curiosity, or preparing for a profession, is an abuse and profanation of what ought to be regarded as most holy. To learn things pertaining to God, merely for the sake of amusement, or secular advantage, or to gratify the mere love of knowledge, is to treat the Most High with contempt.

John Dagg, Manual of Theology

The proper attitude in theological study

Posted by Joe Thorn - 13/02/08

James P. Boyce wrote that all who engage in theological study should do so with the proper “spirit.”

1. With reverence for truth, and especially for the truth taught in the Word of God.

2. With earnest prayer for Divine help.

3. With careful searching of heart against prejudice.

4. With timidity, as to the reception and propagation of new doctrine.

5. But with a spirit willing and anxious to examine, and to accept whatever we may be convinced is true.

6. With teachable humility, which, knowing that God has not taught us in his word all the truth that exists, not even all the truth on many a single point, accepts with implicit faith all that he has taught, and awaits his own time for that more full revelation which shall remove all our present perplexities.
Abstract of Systematic Theology

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