From my previous courses at Liberty I know theo means god, and the suffix ology refers to a field of study. Therefore, when I hear the word theology I know that it suggests the study of God. I believe this “study of God” is the structure or support of Christianity. Growing up in a two parent home where only one was Christian (my mom), I have had Jesus as my friend and savior for as long as I can remember but did not receive traditional Christian “training” so to speak. Yes, I took Bible classes and such for a few years when I would attend church as a child, but nothing as big and official as Theology. However, at this point in my life growing in my faith means growing my knowledge of what I believe. Thinking about taking a theology class is quite exciting. Although the word “Theology” conjures up pictures of old men who have dedicated their lives to nothing other than studying Almighty God, I know my imagination tends to be a little overboard. I also think of it to be intimidating because I think of complicated terminology which seems to go with the suffix ology. Thankfully, what I have seen of the course so far is promising. It seems like the material is put in terms that are easy to understand and apply. I look forward to deepening my knowledge and knowing how to incorporate it into my life.
I have never officially studied theology. The only outside teaching I have received about who God is and what He is like has come from pastors and my mom. Liberty had me study the Bible and Apologetics in my first semester, but nothing completely focusing on God Himself. The Bible classes did in fact grew my familiarity with God’s Word though. This foundation has been expounded upon throughout my time taking classes with the University and has informed the way I live my life. I believe my previous ingrained knowledge of God’s Word will help me better grasp the concepts we will be exploring through this course. Now, apologetics focused more on the religion of Christianity, holding it up to other world religions. Focusing on the Christian worldview compared to others has an “outside-looking-in” focus, while I feel Theology is more an “inside-looking-up” view. Theology is not giving the rational reasons for Christianity, it is solely focusing on God, who He is, and how He reveals Himself to us. The most influential theological conversations I have had, have been with my mom and on occasion, my grandmother. Those living room or kitchen conversations have done the most to inform my view of God.
I am excited to get this course underway and obtain a better understanding of faithful theology, discovering theology has a place in my everyday life, growing my faith in the process. I look forward to diving in and removing the stigma of stuffiness and complication. Our textbooks seem to be striving to that end as well, Theology Applied: A Living Faith especially. It explains the theological terminology and implications, the proceeds to give practical examples and exercises to incorporate the theological topics into everyday life. This brings theology to a graspable level. These exercises help in two ways. First, they give you tangible behaviors that you can implement. Second, these practical examples give a clear idea of what the theological terms “look like.” I am glad to explore a new aspect of my faith and learn new things I never imagined. Throughout this course I hope to increase my understanding of God and the Christian faith. I believe an in-depth look provided by such a prestigious field of study will surely enhance my knowledge of my God and my faith. With this greater, more solid knowledge, my walk with Jesus can grow and mature, so as to not grow out of it.