1. THEOLOGY: THE STUDY OF THE WORD OF GOD

A. The word ‘theology’ comes from two Greek words:
1. theos, meaning ‘God’.
2. logos, meaning ‘word’.

B. Theology is not a bad word!
1. Theology was once regarded as the ‘queen of the sciences’.
(a) Just two or three centuries ago the greatest minds aspired to be theologians or clerics.
(b) Today the better minds aspire to be scientists or computer experts.
p 10 2. On the Oxford University coat of arms are the words ‘Dominus illuminatio mea’—‘the Lord is my light’ (Psalm 27:1).
(a) Since these words were written theology has passed behind a cloud.
(b) We want to help restore the honor of God’s name by a return to theological-mindedness.
3. Uninteresting preachers, dull theologians and less able men have moved in where spiritual giants once held sway.
(a) Correcting this trend will not be easy.
(b) Learning theology may not come naturally.
(1) It will take effort.
(2) When Jesus said ‘strive to enter in’ the Greek is ‘agonize’.
2. SOUND THEOLOGY COMBINES BOTH THE MIND AND HEART

A. One without the other will lead to a defect.
1. Emphasis on the intellect alone is dangerous.
(a) ‘Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up’ (1 Corinthians 8:1).
(b) The intellect is only one part of our personality.
(c) Intellectual stimulus alone breeds pride and leads to dulness and self-righteousness.
2. Emphasis on the heart alone is dangerous.
(a) ‘The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure’ (Jeremiah 17:9).
(b) The heart emphasis can lead to an over-emphasis on the emotions.
(c) Ignoring the intellectual side of personality can lead to false pride and self-righteousness.

B. THE BEST THEOLOGY WILL BE SHAPED ON OUR KNEES.
1. Prayer is the antidote to dulness and intellectual pride.
2. Prayer is the vehicle by which our hearts remain sensitive to the Holy Spirit.
3. What the Holy Spirit does not reveal is not worth knowing.
Kendall, R. T. (1996). Understanding Theology, Volume One (pp. 9–10). Ross-shire, Great Britain: Christian Focus.