WHY DOCTRINE AND THEOLOGY ARE IMPORTANT

 

Okay, I know I've touched on this subject matter on numerous occasions, whether on this blog or on Facebook, but it still boggles the mind when a professing Christian says, "I don't see the importance of studying doctrine and theology."

WHAT?!?!

First of all, the reason doctrine and theology are important is because we are COMMANDED by God in 2 Timothy 2:15 to be diligent to present ourselves as one who rightly handles the word of truth -

In the King James Version it reads, "STUDY to show thyself approved unto God, a workman who needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth," (All Caps mine for emphasis).

How are we to know what God says in His Word if we don't take the opportunity to study it and learn the proper context?

                                                                                                              

Second, the reason why the study of doctrine and theology is so important is so that we don't fall into false doctrine.

You see, not all false religions are outright blatant in their false teaching.  Many cults and denominations tweak the doctrine of Scripture in the most minute ways as to make their teachings seem true, but they aren't.  It's like being handed a glass of clear, cold sparkling water that has a drop or two of poison in it.  It looks harmless.  There's nothing that seems out of sorts, but if you were told, "Here, drink this water.  Oh, and by the way, it's poisoned," would you drink it??  No, you wouldn't.

                                

If we don't study Scripture, we could become susceptible to false teachings that lead us astray and many times it's hard to convince someone they're victims of false doctrine when their favorite "Bible" teacher sounds so convincing in their teachings.

I hear/read a lot of people who say that many of us are splitting hairs on certain things (for example, watching the "Christian" series "The Chosen").  But many times, it's that sliver of false teaching that sends someone down the wrong path to believing doctrines and teachings Scripture never teaches.  As far as "The Chosen" goes, the fact they collaborated with a known cult and many of those who work on the production belonging to the LGBTQ+ community or affirm the LGBTQ+ lifestyle should've been enough to keep Christians from watching it.  It was shocking at how many just seemed to sweep it under the rug as if it was no big deal.

God is serious about His Word.  His truth is the ONLY truth.  He expects His followers to KNOW His Word and to be discerning of what's true and what's false and that's where doctrine and theology come in.  

                                                                                                              

I know that maybe some are leery of theology because they think it's too hard.  That's one of the reasons why God gave us the Holy Spirit, so that He can teach us and give us understanding.

But sometimes, I wonder if the reason people refuse to study theology more in-depth is because they're afraid of finding out what they've believed for so long is wrong.  In their pride, they refuse to dive deep for fear of finding out they were mistaken; or they realized their favorite Bible teacher led them astray. 

It's human nature to not want to be wrong, but would you rather live in willful ignorance, or would you rather get God's Word right?