I have been reading through a quite lengthy single-volume systematic theology titled Understanding Christian Theology. It was edited by Chuck Swindoll and Roy Zuck. It would appear from all the contributors that this book is the systematic theology that represents Dallas Theological Seminary.
I have been enjoying this 1,500 page book. I don’t always agree with every theological conclusion that has come out of DTS (e.g., their non-Lordship position, integrationist approach to counseling), but I have deeply appreciated their regular attempt to bring theology and doxology together. Much like I said yesterday morning at the end of the sermon, to acquire theology for the sake of mere knowledge is not enough. Theology should lead us somewhere.
One example of this is the Hebrew word shema (referenced 1,403x in the O.T). It is often translated in the O.T. as “hear” (Deut 6:4), but the word means more than literally listening. Hebrew linguists have concluded that the word implies 3 things:
1. Active listening
2. Meditating
3. Reacting
In other words, to hear God’s Word is to listen to what He said, think and understand what He has said and then do something about it. So, doctrine leads to practice.
Should we study theology? Yes, we should to help us get to the right applications. Remember this is Paul’s paradigm in many of his writings. He begins a book with theology and then ends it with answering the “so, what” question (e.g., Romans 1-11 and then 12-26 or Ephesians 1-3 and then 4-6).
Friends, pick and up and read some theology. Start with a shorter book of theology that covers all of theology in the Bible. Maybe the Moody Handbook of Theology or Basic Doctrine by Grudem.
We are all theologians on some level. Let’s be good ones.
Worldly Saints 