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Introduction to Theology: For Ministry
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About this ebook
The word theology comes from the Greek words theos (God)
and logos (word, discourse). Literally, we could define theology as
words about God or the study of God and the things of faith. It is a
reflective process in which we consider the beliefs or teachings (doctrines)
of the Christian faith, how they relate one to another, how
they developed, and how they are applied and practiced in each
generation anew. To study theology is to undertake a journey that
engages our hearts, minds, spirits, and bodies as we grow in understanding
and in accepting the mystery that shrouds the fullness
of God. As finite human beings, we do not possess the capacity to
grasp the fullness of God. Psalm 8, for example, declares, “When I
look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, / the moon and the
stars that you have established; / what are human beings that you
are mindful of them, / mortals that you care for them?” (Ps 8:3–4).
Similarly, Paul writes to the Corinthians that we “see in a mirror,
dimly” (1 Cor 13:12), as our human understanding is limited by our
finitude. Like the universe that surrounds our planet, God is wider
and deeper and vastly more complex than is evident from our small
place on the earth. Theology is like a telescope peering into the farthest
reaches of the cosmos, glimpsing unfathomable wonders, yet
unable to grasp and know the universe fully. Like the astronomer,
we cannot know the full expanse of the subject of our study; but if
we continue to search, study, and learn about God, we will discover
new mysteries and wonders, and we will be better prepared for the
challenges of ministry.
and logos (word, discourse). Literally, we could define theology as
words about God or the study of God and the things of faith. It is a
reflective process in which we consider the beliefs or teachings (doctrines)
of the Christian faith, how they relate one to another, how
they developed, and how they are applied and practiced in each
generation anew. To study theology is to undertake a journey that
engages our hearts, minds, spirits, and bodies as we grow in understanding
and in accepting the mystery that shrouds the fullness
of God. As finite human beings, we do not possess the capacity to
grasp the fullness of God. Psalm 8, for example, declares, “When I
look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, / the moon and the
stars that you have established; / what are human beings that you
are mindful of them, / mortals that you care for them?” (Ps 8:3–4).
Similarly, Paul writes to the Corinthians that we “see in a mirror,
dimly” (1 Cor 13:12), as our human understanding is limited by our
finitude. Like the universe that surrounds our planet, God is wider
and deeper and vastly more complex than is evident from our small
place on the earth. Theology is like a telescope peering into the farthest
reaches of the cosmos, glimpsing unfathomable wonders, yet
unable to grasp and know the universe fully. Like the astronomer,
we cannot know the full expanse of the subject of our study; but if
we continue to search, study, and learn about God, we will discover
new mysteries and wonders, and we will be better prepared for the
challenges of ministry.
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Author
Elaine A. Robinson
Elaine A. Robinson is academic dean and professor of Methodist studies and Christian theology at the Saint Paul School of Theology. She is author of Exploring Theology (Fortress Press, 2014), Race and Theology (2012), and coeditor of Considering the Great Commission (2005).
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