Theology and the Bible Study

1. How has your view of theology changed over the past 8 modules/weeks?
It is true that the term “theology” seems too academic for the ordinary person. I believed that ordinary people like me studied the Bible but not theology. Over the past eight weeks, I have learned that every time we do study the Bible, we are doing theology. Theology is not “stuffy, distant ideas that have nothing to do with you, with your practical, everyday life,” (Etzel & Small, 2016, p. 2). Rather, theology is a deeper understanding of the word of God.
I was impressed to see how much theology I had already learned just in my Bible studies. However, I soon learned that theology was not just about Biblical theology. There was also philosophical theology, systematic theology, and historical theology. Throughout these eight modules, I learned to engage on each of these different theological levels of understanding. While I still have a lot to learn, my view of theology has already expanded and deepened.
One of the most important things I learned is that we are all capable of theological research. Yes, theology is more systematic and rigorous than Bible study alone, but with just a nominal degree of effort, we can gain greater understanding of Biblical truths. Studying theology has a lot of different real world applications too, even beyond the pulpit. After studying over these past few weeks, I realized that I can apply what I have learned and the reasoning process used in the study of theology to other areas of my personal and professional life.
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2. How have you been able to put the principles you learned from the course into practice?
I believe all theological principles have some application in the real world. Therefore, throughout this course I have endeavored to apply the principles and processes of theology to my personal and professional life. As Etzel & Small (2016) point out, “each and every day we make decisions and live life based on our understanding of who God is and what he does,” (p. 9). The smallest decisions can be infused with spiritual power when we deepen our understanding of how God works in the world.
One way I have put the principles I have learned in the course into practice is through the art of rhetoric. Before this course, I did not possess the rhetorical tools and strategies with which to engage others in an intelligent and informed theological discourse. Now, I feel much better able to form sensible and logical arguments based on Biblical and theological wisdom. Instead of arguing, I engage in fruitful discursive practices, recognizing that not everyone is going to see God the same way I do, or even interpret the Bible the same way. This has always been challenging, and always will be, but after this course I feel much more confident in my ability to cogently and patiently express my thoughts.
Another way I have put the principles of the course into practice is through envisioning my future career. No matter how I decide to apply my spiritual practice in the professional world, I intend to do so with an attitude of humility and selfless service, in accordance with Biblical principles. Studying the language, truth, and word of God gives me a firm foundation to build my future life. I feel more capable of good leadership in my community, and dedicated to making the world a better place.
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