Theology comes from a combination of two Greek words: theos, which means “God,” and logos, which means “reason,” “wisdom” or “thought.” Literally, then, theology means “God-thought” or “reasoning about God.” Some dictionaries define it more formally and specifically as “the science of God,” but science in this sense simply means “reflection on something.” So at its most basic level theology is any thinking, reflecting or contemplating on the reality of God―even on the question of God.

(Stanley J. Grenz & Roger E. Olson, Who Needs Theology?: An Invitation to the Study of God, Downers Grove, Illinois: IVP Academic, 1996, 14)

Theology

Many Christians today not only are uninformed about basic theology but even seem hostile to it. What has brought about this appalling lack of interest and frequently open hostility to theology among Christian laypeople, students and even pastors?

We are confident that this condition does not result from any inherent flaw in theology itself or in the intellectual or spiritual lives of ordinary Christians. Rather, it results from popular and pervasive misunderstandings of theology…

A 1994 poll… in Christianity Today set out to discover churchgoers’ priorities when seeking a pastor. Both laypeople and pastors rated “theological knowledge” last out of five qualifications most important for a good pastor. At the same time, many professional theologians and ministers have been calling for a renewal of serious theological reflection by and among Christians. We agree that this is a laudable goal and, if attained, would enhance Christianity’s credibility in a world that wants answers to life’s ultimate questions…

We fear that Christianity may be in danger of becoming a mere “folk religion” relegated to realms of sheer subjectivity… We are also concerned that individual Christians who lack theological literacy and acumen will be tossed about by every wind of doctrine that comes sweeping through our media-dominated culture…

(Stanley J. Grenz & Roger E. Olson, Who Needs Theology?: An Invitation to the Study of God, Downers Grove, Illinois: IVP Academic, 1996, 9-10; Excerpt from Introduction)