'Theology is what's wrong with the world,' my friend commented as we amicably discussed a complex theological question.If we carefully listen and observe, we can note a number of frightful views some people hold regarding the role and significance of theology.

At times we can discern a simplistic viewpoint that assumes the only qualification for teaching theology is to be 'saved,' or 'born again.' This stance assumes that to arrive at sound theological positions, a person only needs to have a right relationship with God. This reasoning is similar to assuming that a person born in a barn instinctively knows how to build a barn.

We can also find people who fear either theology or fear those trained in theology. According to them, the safest action is to avoid anyone who may mislead you. People with this perspective tend to believe nothing good can arise from theological study. Some people perceive theology as boring, unnecessary, or only for the clergy.

In reality, we cannot escape theology. Every person, specifically a Christian believer, is a 'theologian' of some kind by virtue of being human-no matter how elementary the level of understanding. When we face fundamental issues of life, meaning, and the significance of our existence, we automatically encounter theological questions.

The issue is whether our responses to such questions are informed or lack substance. A person does not have to be a trained theologian to have theological issues, but being trained should at least help someone arrive at more thoughtful answers. If a person needed a brain tumor removed, he or she would be unwise to have a plumber perform the surgery. The better choice would be a brain surgeon who is board certified and knows about the latest medicines and procedures.

Likewise, a certified theologian who is a practicing believer can better deal with the questions of faith than an uninformed believer can. This is not to say that such a specialist can never be wrong, but his or her study of the subject can help the degree of accuracy.Sometimes we encounter people who consider theological and seminary training as detrimental to the Christian ministry.

For instance, recently I viewed a television broadcast in which a church honored its pastor for completing his term of service. In reviewing the pastor's preparation and experience, the speaker said the minister had never received a seminary education. Later, the pastor's mother announced: 'I thank God my son was never subjected to the dangers of a theological education.' That's not a God-honoring statement!

One recent seminary graduate greeted his new congregation with the shameless declaration: 'I have a seminary degree, but I'm happy to say nothing I was taught has had any effect on me.' Hopefully, some in the congregation questioned the wisdom of calling him to be their pastor.

Theology should not be feared, but should be studied, mastered, and embraced.

Theology involves words about man in relation to God. Neither God nor man can be known except in relation to the other. This means that one who is not a believer cannot claim to make accurate statements about God or his relation to man. Every religion-Muslim, Jewish, or whatever-has its theology.

Our concern is with Christian theology, which affirms that only one God exists. Christian theology is a study of the God whose character has been revealed in Jesus Christ through His life, death, and resurrection. He is the God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. No theological position is Christian that is inconsistent with the revelation in Christ. Faith is the commitment of our entire selves to Christ. Theology is our careful, orderly thought about the revelation in Scripture of the God in whom we have faith. True faith seeks to understand its theological implications for right relationships with God and man. So theology must reveal what the eyes of faith see.

Theology must conscientiously endeavor to set forth the meaning of Christian truth.Theology must adhere to the biblical teachings and to the historical perspectives of the Church that conform to Scriptural affirmations. That is, theology must not become the private confession of a theologian or group of theologians.

Theology, to be strictly biblical, must not confine itself to a narrow confessionalism, or set of beliefs. No doctrine can be accepted as truly Christian simply on the basis of its confessional relations, for instance, its relation to Luther, Calvin, or Wesley. Nazarenes do not refer to John Wesley as a final arbiter of truth, but believe his findings help us to more clearly see the soul of Christianity.

The role of theology must be to liberate the Christian message from all that obscures its fresh colors. This allows the message of Christ to appear in all its original power. The trustworthy theologian knows that the ultimate aim of theological reflection is to aid the church's task of bringing about 'obedience to the faith among all the nations' (Romans 1:5, KJV). Christian theology is a task-oriented reflection upon scripture, in light of the practical needs of ministry and mission. Its task is to serve the Church as it extends God's kingdom in the world and in believers' hearts. And that is a blessing!

John A. Knight is a general superintendent emeritus in the Church of the Nazarene.

Please note: All facts, figures, and titles were accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of original publication but may have since changed.