When Theology is Dangerous

I love studying theology. I teach at Talbot School of Theology, and taught high school Bible, Apologetics, and Systematic Theology for 21 years. Along with philosophy, theology is one of my favorite topics to study and I wholeheartedly believe that learning it is vital for spiritual growth and for defending the faith.

However, theology can also be dangerous.

My concern is not with theology in and of itself, Titus 1:9 describes that good theology is critical for avoiding dangerous doctrines and preventing error. Similarly, 2 Timothy 3:16-17 states that, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” Thus, theology has a negative function (preventing error) and a positive function (being equipped to do good works).

Let me say it clearly to make sure it sinks in: I wish the church would invest more time and resources in teaching good theology. I am convinced many young people deconstruct their faith and abandon the church because of bad theology.

My concerns here are with how we teach—or often fail to teach—theology.

Concern #1: Assuming Good Theology Results in Godly Character

Not long ago, I was reflecting on the life of an influential modern theologian whom I do not want to emulate. He has flawless theology, as far as I can tell, but lacks kindness in his interactions with people. I cannot judge this man’s heart. Only God can.

But it seems eminently clear that good theology does not necessarily translate to living the fruits of the Spirit. One can have godly character while lacking good theology and have good theology while lacking godly character. The two are not synonymous.

Remember, the fruit of the Spirit is not good theology. It is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). If learning theology does not translate into treating people with these virtues, then something is wrong.

My point is not to disparage teaching theology. I teach at Talbot School of Theology, after all! And again, good theology is critical for the health of the church! But let’s be sure to teach theology in a way that shows how it relates to spiritual growth and the cultivation of godly character. Learning theology can be dangerous when we fail to bridge this gap.

*We need to teach theology relationally and in conversation. For a guide on how to discuss the thorniest issues today, check out my new book End the Stalemate.

Concern #2: Associating Learning Theology Itself with Spiritual Growth

Proper theology can help us understand God’s character, so we can relate to Him better. But good theology alone does not mean we are becoming like Jesus. After all, even the demons have perfect theology (James 2:19). During his earthly ministry, people were confused about the identity of Jesus, but demons seemed to always get it right. They had accurate theology but could not have been further away spiritually.

Here is a humbling reality to think about: You can have perfect theology and be separated from God. When teaching high school, I had non-Christian students pass my theology class with an A+. They understood biblical doctrines like they understood math, history, and science. They had the correct answers, but they did not know God personally.

Jesus said that eternal life is to “know you, the one true God” (John 17:3). Eternal life is not based on having correct theology (propositional knowledge) but being in a proper relationship with God (knowing God personally). Theological knowledge and training are vital, but they are not the same as actually knowing God in a personal way. Learning theology can be dangerous when we confuse the two.