I simply want to reflect on why all of this is important; I mean theology, biblical studies, and working at thinking Christianly. At points, I don’t know if you’re like this, I can only read so much; it seems like simply reading theology books (and even the Bible, which is my favorite thing to do) isn’t enough. It seems like there must be more, and there is! Knowing God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in all his plenitude (as far as we can by his grace) is the point. And participating in the communion of his divine life, through union with the Son by the Spirit is what it is about. And the consequence of this is that this kind of union ends up spreading out into relationships with others; whether they be Christian or non-Christian, of course fellowship with other believers is where the communion is at. I really don’t know why I am writing this, other than the fact that I feel reflective; and I simply want to voice my thoughts on why I think theology and biblical studies are important. It is important because as priests unto God we have been charged with doing our priestly duty; that is, to love God and to love our neighbors through talking about Jesus; or proclaiming the good news of Jesus. Indeed, the overflow of our relationship with Christ—cultivated through the hard work of theology and biblical studies—ends up pointed vertically and horizontally (in that order). It results in fellowshipping deeper with the saints, and proclaiming louder with the un-saints. Theology and biblical studies is important because it provides hooks and hangers for the Holy Spirit to place the life of Christ on our lives. It is through the depths ofΒ theological reflection that we cultivate a deep abiding well spring in the eternal life of Christ; one that springs up the living waters that Jesus alone offers to all.
Ultimately, I think what I simply want to say with this stream of consciousness post; is that theology and biblical studies is important because it is a fundamental part of fulfilling ‘The Great Commandment.’ We need to love God, and love our neighbors as ourselves. We need to participate in the triune life of God through the vicarious humanity of Christ brought to fruition in our lives by the Holy Spirit’s intercession. We need to be growing in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ, and spur each other on to love and good works as we see the day approaching! Theology and biblical studies is not an end itself; instead it serves to open us up to the end, Jesus Christ!