Theology may sound like a scary word to some who think it’s reserved for people in Bible college or seminary. However, it is quite simply a study of God.
“theos” (theo-) = God
“logos” (-ology) = word
Theology, then, would be words about God, or a study of God. Where do we find words about God? — in His Word, the Bible. Hence, we can learn about God simply by opening the Bible and determining what it tells us about God. We don’t have to go to college or seminary for a basic understanding but rather read and study the Bible.
Questions to Help Your Understanding of Theology
When reading a Scripture passage, ask yourself these questions:
- What do these Bible verses teach me about the character of God?
- What names are used for God in this passage and what might that tell me about God?
- What did God do in these Bible stories, or what does the passage promise He will do, so I can learn more about His ways?
But, let’s not stop at merely knowing about God. Also ask these questions:
- How does this understanding about God make me feel?
- How should I respond to this kind of God?
See! You don’t have to be a scholar. You don’t have to be ordained or a church leader to be a theologian. You merely have to ask some questions about the words you are reading in the Bible that help you learn about God and His ways. Sure, you may not be a professional without the formal training but you still can get to know God.
For help learning about God: Theology Resources
Thought I need to use commentaries, concordances, bible dictionaries, doctrine books to learn theology?
Commentaries concordances, and Bible dictionaries can be quite useful in our study, Sammy, but they aren’t absolutely essential. If we have put our trust in Jesus as our Savior, the Holy Spirit now lives within us and He will help us understand God’s Word (1 Cor. 2:9-16; Jn. 14:26; 15:26). Though not mentioned in this post, it should be noted that prayer should be a part of this process, asking that His Spirit helps us learn as we study His Word. I actually recommend first studying a Scripture passage without the study tools you mentioned and then using the tools for increased understanding after we have gleaned what we can from the passage. You’ll find a list of study tools at: Bible Study Resources
all good