"In the words of Thomas Aquinas, Theology 'is taught by God, teaches God, leads us to God.' After suffering much from the anti-intellectual and anti-doctrinal temper of our times, Theology is perhaps in somewhat better repute now than in [recent history]. This change of attitude is to be welcomed, even though it must be confessed that even in conservative Protestant circles Theology is still far from receiving the attention and respect which, as the knowledge of God, it ought to have."Now I readily confess that this is not true in Christianity in general. But I do see an element of this coming to light in the Reformed church. More and more people are leaving their blissful ignorance behind and seeking a deeper understanding of God and what He has revealed to us in His word. Undoubtedly it will be clear that we may only be in the infant stage of such an appreciation for theology, but we are seeing evidence that among Reformed men there is a push to return to our theological roots. Vos goes on to speak as to what theology is and in his description also provides us with proper motivation to study Theology.
"According to its etymology, Theology is the science concerning God. Other definitions are either misleading, or, when closely examined, are found to lead to the same result. As a frequent instance, the definition of Theology as the 'science of religion' may be examined. If in this definition 'religion' be understood subjectively, as meaning the sum-total of religious phenomena or experiences in man, then it is already included in that part of the science of anthropology which deals with the physical life of man. It deals with man, not with God. If, on the other hand, religion be understood objectively, as the religion which is normal and of obligation for man because prescribed by God, then the further question must arise, why God demands precisely this and no other religion; and the answer to this can be found only in the nature and will of God; therefore ultimately, in thus dealing with religion, we shall find ourselves dealing with God.
From the definition of Theology as the science concerning God follows the necessity of its being based on revelation... All spiritual life is by its very nature a hidden life, a life shut up in itself. Such a life we can only know through revelation... The inward hidden content of God's mind can become the possession of man only through a voluntary disclosure on God's part. God must come to us before we can go to Him... He is a Being infinitely exalted above our highest conception... This emphasizes the necessity of God's opening up to us the mystery of His nature before we can acquire any knowledge concerning Him.
Still a further reason for the necessity of revelation preceding all satisfactory acquaintance with God is drawn from the abnormal state in which man exists through sin. Sin has deranged the original relation between God and man. It has produced a separation where previously perfect communion prevailed. From the nature of the case every step towards rectifying this abnormality must spring from God's sovereign initiative. This particular aspect, therefore, of the indispensableness of revelation stands or falls with the recognition of the fact of sin."So then, Theology is God's revealing Himself to us and our studying of that revelation is a result of a merciful God condescending to the elect that we may know who He is, what He requires and, where possible, why that is. Theology, which has been so criticized in shallow Christian circles as too complex and cumbersome, is actually an act of divine love and a part of His redemptive plan for mankind that we may return to the harmonious communion we had with Him before sin had created a chasm between us. With that understanding, may an appreciation for Theology, and the study of it, be ever more prevalent in the Church today.
Pr. 29:18, "Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; but happy is he who keeps the law."
No comments:
Post a Comment