Theology is the science about God. Studying and presenting
a subject scientifically is helpful to have a comprehensive
idea of that subject. It is possible to study and analyze
theology just as Physics is studied. The word Thoelogia is
formed by the combination of two Greek words Theo and Logos.
Theos mean God and Logos means science. The word Theologia
means the science about God. When the Greek word Theologia
appeared in English language through Latin it became Theology.
The famous European Theological study centers later became
universities teaching all the branches of science. The Luwaine
University in Belgium is an example. Theology is taught
here just like any other branch of science. It is incorrect
to consider that science is against theology. Science neither
denies nor questions theology. Similarly Theology does not
deny other sciences. Theology and Physics are two separate
branches of knowledge.
The scientific discoveries made in the world as yet are
not questioning the legitimacy of God. The scientific discoveries
are revealing the glory of God more and more.
The knowledge about God available for men may not be comprehensive
and complete. Man, who has limitations about God, has only
a little understanding about God. As apostle Paul points
out in Romans 1:19, it is necessary to reveal about God
by God Himself. Revelation is the means to understand God
beyond our senses. That means we cannot comprehend God fully
by the five senses.
Therefore, the visionaries are telling a sixth sense is
necessary to comprehend God. The relevance of God’s
Revelation is realized here. Theology is fundamentally based
on God’s Revelation.
Reason and Faith are the two mediums that to comprehend
God’s Revelation. The convincing of faith through
wisdom or logic is the completeness of the revelation of
God.
Man is able to comprehend ideas through logic. The Holy
Bible is the most fundamental text book of theology. This
is because Bible is the inspired word of God and the revelation
of God. The fullness of God’s Revelation is Christ
(Hebrews 1:1). Therefore, theology based on the word of
God should be centralized in Christ.
In order to study theology authoritatively, Bible should
be learned scientifically. The deserving importance of Christology
also should be reckoned. A structured and disciplined study
is most essential than an independent study.
Knowledge of theology is a strong defense against heresies.
Only the true knowledge of the word of God strengthens a
person. Theology is the weapon of Christians against all
arguments. A systematic study of theology is necessary for
the modern man who gives importance to logical thinking.
Higher knowledge can be acquired through theological study.
Theology is absolutely essential for the proclamation of
word of God in clear and righteous doctrines. Theology is
necessary to identify a man’s fundamental beliefs.
The study of theology is absolutely essential for the strong
enhancement of a church. Then only, church will be able
to present a healthy Christian society before the world.
The inevitability of the study of theology is realized because
of that. To conclude, let me
quote the words of William Adams Brown, “Christian
theology is the scientific study
created with an aim to the fundamental facts of Christian
belief’.
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