Practical Theology

Recently I began to read a few books on systematic theology. Instead of reading chapters at a time I cover four or five pages a day while taking notes. While reading Lectures in Systematic Theology by Dr. Henry Thiessen I found a statement that really made me think. Dr. Thiessen in chapter one discussed some wrong views concerning theology. One of those beliefs is that theology has a “deadening effect on the spiritual life”.1

This view holds that theology is not really important because it does not help a person grow spiritually. Some who believe this feel that theology is only for pastors or missionaries, and not lay people. Dr. Thiessen agrees that theology can have a deadening effect spiritually. “Merely intellectual acceptance of a set of doctrines is insufficient to produce spiritual results, and unfortunately, and unfortunately many people have nothing but an intellectual loyalty to the truth.”2

Following his confession that merely knowing doctrine can not truly transform a life came the statement that meant so much to me. “That theology has a deadening effect upon the spiritual life is true only if the subject is treated as mere theory. If it is related to life theology will not have a deadening effect upon the spiritual life, it will, instead, be the guide to intelligent thinking about religious problems and a stimulus to holy living (italics added)3”

That sentence was impressed upon my mind as I read it. God has placed upon my heart a burden to help young people choose his own will instead of their own. Specifically this would be done through a teaching ministry. The question was what should I teach to those youth? There are countless Bible studies for small groups and teens today. They cover a huge variety of subjects from purity, leadership, and relationships, to discouragement, courage, and discipleship. I honestly did not what the Lord wanted me to teach until I read that sentence in Lectures in Systematic Theology. And suddenly I knew what kind of lessons God wanted me to develop.

Though I am not sure when God will open the door for me to start teaching young people again I am already beginning to write the lessons. I am doing my best to take what I learn from a classic work of systematic theology and develop it into a lesson that is clear and practical. For it is only after young people see a clear picture and themselves that they will separate from their own will.


1. Thiessen, Lectures on Systematic Theology, pg.5, par.2, line2
2. Thiessen, Lectures on Systematic Theology, pg.5, par.2, line8
3. Thiessen, Lectures on Systematic Theology, pg.6, par.2, line1