Welcome to Theology
I remember when I first became aware of theology. I was a kid and we had just read this verse at church (maybe it was Sunday school or something like that):
“You search the Scriptures because you think you have eternal life in them. They testify about me.” John 5:39
I was confused. I had always been taught that the Word of God (the Bible) does give us eternal life! So, why was Jesus implying that such wasn’t the case…”You think you have” …? Weren’t they searching the same scriptures I had? Wasn’t I looking for the same thing….in the same place?
And then it hit me: they were using the Bible wrong. They treated it like a good-luck charm or a rule book to earn their way into heaven.
They were reading the Bible, but missing Christ.
That’s when I realized: the Bible isn’t a magic book that works automatically – it’s a book that leads us to a person.
So how does the Bible work? How do you interpret it? How do you know you’re using it the right way? How do I know what God is saying and what he wants?
Well…welcome to theology. Let’s dive in and see what God has to say about that (and lots of other things).
What is Theology?
Theology is the study of God.
Literally, the word comes from the Greek:
Theos = God
Logos = Word or Study
So, theology is “God-words” – words about who God is, what he has done, and how he reveals himself.
Thankfully, we don’t have to guess when it comes to theology. Our understanding isn’t built on speculation but on certainty – because it’s based on God’s own words about himself.
How do We Study Theology?
Since theology is the study of God, how do we organize all this information? Traditionally, theology is divided into four main branches:
Biblical Theology – The study of Scripture itself (Exegesis, Isagogics, Hermeneutics).
Historical Theology – The study of Church History and Confessions (Symbolics).
Practical Theology – The study of ministry, preaching, and teaching (Homiletics, Catechetics, Pastoral Theology).
Systematic Theology – The study of doctrine and Christian ethics (Dogmatics, Ethics).
Each of these branches could fill a lifetime of study. In fact, that’s the life’s work of a pastor!
Think about it this way:
When I prepare for Sunday, I study God’s Word (Biblical Theology).
I consider how the Church has taught it (Historical Theology).
I put it together into a sermon (Practical Theology).
I make sure it aligns with Christian doctrine (Systematic Theology).
That’s why theology isn’t just academic—it’s deeply practical.
Why Theology Matters for Real Life
Maybe you’re thinking, “That’s nice, but do I really need theology?”
Absolutely. Theology isn’t just for pastors, seminary students, or guys who read old books while sipping coffee (though I wouldn’t complain if my office smelled like mahogany and leather-bound books).
The whole point of theology is practical—it’s meant to do some good.
Theology shapes how we read the Bible—so we don’t miss Christ.
Theology helps us understand salvation—so we trust in Jesus, not our own works.
Theology equips us to share the Gospel—so we can give clear answers when people ask about our faith.
This isn’t just head knowledge. It’s about life, faith, and salvation.
So… What’s Next?
Theology isn’t just for bookshelves and scholars—it’s for real life.
Next time, we’ll explore how theology shapes our everyday faith.
Until then, here’s a question for you:
What’s one thing about theology you’ve always wondered about? Drop a comment below, and let’s talk about it.
Oh, and if you stick around long enough… you just might become Lutheran. Maybe even Twice the Lutheran.
Stay tuned!