Struggles of a Theologian

"Watch your doctrine closely!" - The Apostle Paul (1 Timothy 4:16)

I've heard it said that theology and spiritual Christianity are on two separate ends of Biblical living. If one studies the backgrounds of theology and the origin of theory - they are accused of being nothing more than critics of everyday Christian living. If one relies only on the guidance and revelation of the Holy Spirit without verification through academics, they are accused of being ignorant in their doctrine with nothing more than a folk theology faith - only accepting what is spoon-fed to them from behind the pulpit.

So which is true? Is it an insult to God if we do not only rely on what the Holy Spirit reveals to us without doing study of our own? Is it an intelligence depravity that we force ourselves to live in if we do not study the academics, but rather only chose to be guided by His Spirit?

Such extremes are what I've grappled with a lot lately. I count myself blessed to be able to grow both spiritually and intellectually since I have started my time at Bible school, don't get me wrong. But at the same time, I realize that there is a growing urge to be critical of those who are not lined up in accordance to what true Biblical interpretation is - and thus they profess false doctrine eisogetically from behind the sacred desk.

But the question arises to my conscience - is such a criticism even criticism at all? If my whole intention is only a reaction to the challenge presented to Timothy from Paul to combat false doctrine - are my actions or thoughts bad? Does it mean that I do not have faith in the Holy Spirit if I desire to research, uncover and diligently pursue an academic explanation to countless presented doctrines?

I submit that such a passionate pursuit of truth is what God would desire. All truth is God's truth. So then is it possible that someone can be deep in academic study while at the same time submitting to the Holy Spirit's revelation? I believe so. For it is during these moments of study that God's character is more revealed to the heart of the studier. Should we draw the line at reading the Bible and praying for revelation? I would say no. I believe it is vital to fully understand the time and context in which passages were written. Without full knowledge of the author's intention or the background of a passage, how could one honestly call themselves teachers of truth?

Does this mean that every time a minister of God's Word gets up to preach that we should look blatantly for false doctrine? Absolutely not. My challenge to you, as well as Paul's challenge to a growing mind in Christ, is to know your doctrine correctly - sound doctrine - and know it well enough to recognize when there is something out of line with God's Word. Does this mean you sacrifice community with the Holy Spirit and reliance on His revelation for academic study of previous theologian's findings? Absolutely not. Paul instructed Timothy to study to show himself approved (2 Timothy 2:15). Study. Research. Learn. Grow. By doing so, you not only grow in the foundation of what God has rooted to be the truth - but you also learn so much more about His identity and who He is - beyond the pages of Scripture. And I believe that such study requires even more dependency on the Holy Spirit's guidance to find ultimate truth.

So why must we be forced to choose between the anointing of the Holy Spirit and the academics of Scriptural context? I submit that to be a true minister of God’s Word, we must be able to have both. Choosing one over the other will only cheapen the call God has placed on our lives.

Academics. Spirituality. -- Opposing ideologies? On the contrary. I believe they go hand in hand - and as the first grows, the latter will flourish.

Challenge yourself. Challenge your mind. Challenge what you've been taught.

And remember - "... watch your doctrine closely."