Theological Knowledge vs. Faith

[GreenMunchkin]

Have always sort of felt that the more knowledgable you are theologically/historically, the less child-like faith you retain.

Think that's true?

 

[~*Lady Trekki*~]

Have always sort of felt that the more knowledgable you are theologically/historically, the less child-like faith you retain.

Think that's true?

Good question!

Not sure really. Our faith is oftentimes built on what other people tell you instead of you going to get those nuggets out of the Word yourself.

I went to one semester of Bible College, and to be quite honest, I didn't get much out of the classes. What I learned from the most in that experience was when I went to the prayer attic in my dorm to pray. In those times of prayer and bible study I had some Holy Ghost revelations that I've never forgotten and that I would consider more valuable than any class I went to.

 

[MrJim]

Have always sort of felt that the more knowledgable you are theologically/historically, the less child-like faith you retain.

Think that's true?

When approached scholastically it sure can have that effect...

 

[Hentenza]

I think it depends on how you use the knowledge. If you use it to bring souls to the Lord then you are serving the Lord. However, if you use the knowledge as a source of pride, then it doesn't matter how much you know because is worthless.
I consider Theological knowledge to be progressive revelation by the Holy Spirit and therefore, to be used to do God's will.

 

[free2be]

I think you'd still have that child-like faith in the way that you believe what you learn...you trust that it's Truth.

 

[GreenMunchkin]

When approached scholastically it sure can have that effect...

Yah, that's sort of what am asking. Cos, for example, it sort of seems like career theologians aren't necessarily Spirit-filled, on-fire-for-God Christians... unless am just meeting the wrong professional theologians. (Have only met 2 )

I think it depends on how you use the knowledge. If you use it to bring souls to the Lord then you are serving the Lord. However, if you use the knowledge as a source of pride, then it doesn't matter how much you know because is worthless.
I consider Theological knowledge to be progressive revelation by the Holy Spirit and therefore, to be used to do God's will.

[bible]1 Corinthians 8:1-3[/bible]
Precisely. Knowledge puffs up... in that verse, it's about food sacrificed for idols, and am just wondering whether that doesn't also refer to sacrificing spiritual food - faith - for the idol of intellectualism. There's an awful lot of pride that comes with being a member of the intelligentsia (theological or otherwise) - it can almost become an idol no?

Incidentally, am asking this, cos I want to learn lots about Christianity's history and etymology, but not at the expense of my faith.

 

[drstevej]

Have always sort of felt that the more knowledgable you are theologically/historically, the less child-like faith you retain.

Think that's true?

Faith is focused on an object. A child trusts his father because he knows who he is and what he has done. Theology focuses on Who God is and What He has done.

Sound theology I believe strengthens faith not the reverse.

 

[MrJim]

Yah, that's sort of what am asking. Cos, for example, it sort of seems like career theologians aren't necessarily Spirit-filled, on-fire-for-God Christians... unless am just meeting the wrong professional theologians. (Have only met 2 )



[bible]1 Corinthians 8:1-3[/bible]
Precisely. Knowledge puffs up... in that verse, it's about food sacrificed for idols, and am just wondering whether that doesn't also refer to sacrificing spiritual food - faith - for the idol of intellectualism. There's an awful lot of pride that comes with being a member of the intelligentsia (theological or otherwise) - it can almost become an idol no?

Incidentally, am asking this, cos I want to learn lots about Christianity's history and etymology, but not at the expense of my faith.

I think maybe as long as you don't go "professional" you'll be ok

There are exceptional spiritual "theologians" out there~I would consider Haddon Robinson one for example.

But there is an element within the church that almost worships "theology" and "scholasticism" as though perfect doctrine is the end all and be all of Christianity.

 

[drstevej]

Haddon Robinson is a good example. He was my homiletics prof in seminary.

 

[Simon_Templar]

Have always sort of felt that the more knowledgable you are theologically/historically, the less child-like faith you retain.

Think that's true?

no.

J.I. Packer (I think) said that true theology always leads to doxology.

true study of God always results in praise of God.

He talks about this in the beginning of his book "Knowing God" which I highly recommend (even though I don't completely agree with everything he says).
Those who seek theology for its own sake frequently end up proud, and puffed up by how much they know etc.
Those who seek theology because they desire to know God, always end up humbled by how much they don't know, and by the sheer majesty and magnitude of God.

Now, theology is not required to know God. Simple people with no theological training can and do, know God very intimately. Also, people who have a great deal of theological training can not know God at all.

However, theology is important and it can be very helpful in the quest to know God.

Think of it like this.. theology is knowledge ABOUT God. Knowing ABOUT someone doesn't mean you know them. However, once you begin to really know them, you almost certainly will want to know more ABOUT them, and as you know more ABOUT them, it will help you to know them better.

in addition to that, theology is often a necessary safeguard because knowledge of God through direct experience is subjective, and people are prone to deception. Theology helps keep people on the right track.


So, it really depends on the motivations, and the faith of the person who is pursuing theology. It can end up puffing them up and becoming a stumbling block to them if they are not seeking the right things to begin with.
However, it can also be a great help, and a great motivation if you have the right motivations and the right heart.

 

[MrJim]

Haddon Robinson is a good example. He was my homiletics prof in seminary.

I like listening to him on Discover the Word~it's on at 5:30 am and that's usually when I'm on my way to work~seems like a genuine guy. It's not often I'd actually like to meet someone I hear on the radio, but it would be neat to sit next to him on a flight somewhere (though I'm sure he'd think differently )

 

[MrJim]

Incidentally, am asking this, cos I want to learn lots about Christianity's history and etymology, but not at the expense of my faith.

I'd recommend this site as one of your resources for studying church history~yeah, it's anabaptist, so you apostolics & calvinists can add your own recommendations too.

 

[drstevej]

I like listening to him on Discover the Word~it's on at 5:30 am and that's usually when I'm on my way to work~seems like a genuine guy. It's not often I'd actually like to meet someone I hear on the radio, but it would be neat to sit next to him on a flight somewhere (though I'm sure he'd think differently )

He really is a nice guy and an outstanding preacher. I hope you will get a seat next to him sometime.

 

[Lady Bug]

I feel that if I were more knowledgeable theologically/historically in my faith (not to say that I am not - but I am to be better at this, definitely), the less intimidated I would get if someone were to make snide remarks at me for my faith, and the less defensive I would feel if someone were to try to impugn the integrity of my faith.

I guess I need to work on not wanting to get angry at people who attempt to denigrate or discredit my faith. It's hard for me unfortunately.

 

[Hentenza]

[bible]1 Corinthians 8:1-3[/bible]
Precisely. Knowledge puffs up... in that verse, it's about food sacrificed for idols, and am just wondering whether that doesn't also refer to sacrificing spiritual food - faith - for the idol of intellectualism. There's an awful lot of pride that comes with being a member of the intelligentsia (theological or otherwise) - it can almost become an idol no?

Incidentally, am asking this, cos I want to learn lots about Christianity's history and etymology, but not at the expense of my faith.

There should be no reason for you to learn different aspects of Theology at the expense of your faith. Your faith is in your heart and the HS is already working within you.

2 Peter 1:5-8
5For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. 8For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

[GreenMunchkin]

I feel that if I were more knowledgeable theologically/historically in my faith (not to say that I am not - but I am to be better at this, definitely), the less intimidated I would get if someone were to make snide remarks at me for my faith, and the less defensive I would feel if someone were to try to impugn the integrity of my faith.

I guess I need to work on not wanting to get angry at people who attempt to denigrate or discredit my faith. It's hard for me unfortunately.

Actually, that's a jolly good point!

Apologetics is a powerful ministry nowadays... can't be an apologeticist without the knowledge

Interesting...

 

[Apollo Celestio]

Dunno, we do become like children with our faith, but can we not grow? Crave the spiritual food? I pursue theological knowledge so that I may better serve. To advise your brothers and sisters..

 

[MrJim]

Actually, that's a jolly good point!

Apologetics is a powerful ministry nowadays... can't be an apologeticist without the knowledge

Interesting...

Apologetics is overrated...

By that (let's see if I can 'splain this clearly) I mean that some believe people can be reasoned into a saving faith in Jesus Christ, as though if enough facts are presented "poof" that will be enough.

 

[JimfromOhio]

It is a life of FAITH, not of intellect and reason. Faith is subjective, but it is sound only when it corresponds with objective reality by the knowing God as "I AM that I AM", with the help from the Holy Spirit, we produce strong faith. Knowledge of the mystery is having the reality of an experience of knowing God personally and consciously. Jesus Christ Himself is the deeper life, and as I plunge on into the knowledge of Christ and His love.

Quotes:
"A man may be theologically knowing and spiritually ignorant" Charnock, Stephen

There is head knowledge, head and heart and just heart knowledge. In knowing God (not just about Him) the heart must be involved. A.W. Tozer

Not until we have become humble and teachable, standing in awe of God's holiness and sovereignty... acknowledging our own littleness, distrusting our own thoughts, and willing to have our minds turned upside down, can divine wisdom become ours. James I (J. I.) Packer

 

[MrJim]

^pretty smart dude for a calvinist from Ohio