Note: I always cringe a little when I hear preachers say “I’m no theologian, but….” It makes me wonder to myself why they’re even up there. Didn’t the congregation call/license/hire you to be their theologian-in-residence and interpret the Word of God in their midst?

What they are generally trying to do, I think, is to distance themselves from academic theology which can sometimes be dry, boring, and even quite wrong in its attempt to be innovative. That ploy, however, can make theology as a whole an object of contempt and even ridicule among the congregation.

Rest assured that there’s still a place for theology in today’s world. All Christians need at least some theological knowledge so that they can work with the heart wisdom gleaned from Scripture through the spiritual disciplines. Every one of us is a theologian. Some of us are just better trained and more skilled at it than others of us.

Quote:
“Theology is the main requisite for entering into and embodying Christian wisdom. We read the Scriptures, but without theology, we understand only the letter and do not enter into the spirit of the gospel of Jesus Christ. We read the mystics, but without theology, we do not understand the profundity of their spiritual insights and enter into mystical experience. We have authentic moments of silence, meditation and prayer, but without theological exercise, our life will not become doxological, permeated by prayer and thanksgiving. Theology is the way to enter into God’s mystery.”

Source: Barban, Alessandro. “Lectio Divina and Monastic Theology in Camaldolese Life” in Belisle, Peter-Damian, editor. The Privilege of Love: Camaldolese Benedictine Spirituality. Collegeville, Minn.: Liturgical Press, 2002, pg. 50.