In this thread I will dive into why it is so important to be a theologically
informed Christian. We as believers must know the bible and truth well for
multiple reasons. It is sad that some churches and minsters/ministries do
not believe this is of the upmost importance. One of the books and
chapters that stood out in this week’s reading was in “The Pastor
Theologian as Biblical Theologian”. In the reading Peter J. Leithart
“expresses a vision for an ecclesial biblical theology, a biblical theology
produced by pastors who serve local congregations for the edification of
fellow believers in their own and other churches (Leithart 2016).” I feel it
is extremely important to teach our churches deep theology, philosophy,
and church history. As Leithart mentioned, there is a biblical and
theological literacy problem within the church and we have to develop
ways to help our churches study the bible and history better. I know it is
super popular in today’s culture for pastors to only use 1-2 verses and
then just share personal stories and make people laugh for the remaining
30 minutes of the message. But our people need more than that. We also
need to teach them how to study God’s word during the week. Another
line that I thought was interesting in Leithart’s book with regards to
talking how biblical authority in culture has lost some impact, “Scripture
was demoted from sacred text to culture artifact as it was subjected to
the probing of new analytical tools (Leithart 2016).”It appears that we are
not (if we ever were) one nation under God. I live in Dallas, Texas where it
feels like there’s a mega-church on every street corner. Which sadly part
of the culture is that the bible is just a cool book to most people that has
some important life quotes. The bible has lost it’s sting to most of culture
and in response to that we need to dive deeper into theology, philosophy,
and history not shallower with our churches. 2nd7Peter 3:18 says that
believers need to, “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord
Savior Jesus Christ.” Church leaders need to do a better job at helping
church members grow in the knowledge aspect. This is so important
because a more theologically informed Christian and Church can better
reach, evangelize, and disciple the world. If you yourself do not have good
theology then how will you answer any tough questions those around you
who don’t know Jesus will have? We must be prepared for any kind of
question or opposition.
7
Leithart, Peter. Becoming a Pastor Theologian. IVP. 2016.
