I recently stumbled across a post on instagram that stated “it’s time to teach theology, not methodology” which put words to something I have been walking through the past couple of weeks. There is a need for biblical truths and sound theology in the church, preaching, Christian literature, and other elements alike instead of methodology.
Methodology: the analysis of the principles or procedures of inquiry in a particular field
Theology: the study of religious faith, practice, and experience, especially the study of God and of God’s relation to the world
During my first two weeks in Nicaragua, I read a book with my squad. The premise of the book is a guide to seek sonship with the Father over slavery to an ‘orphan mindset’. While I was reading, I noticed a theme which I now realize was methodology instead of theology. Rather than diving deep into what the Word says about the topic, the author would often number methodologies of how we are oppressed or how our relationship with our parents effect how we view God. One thing he listed was the 7 P’s of ‘counterfeit affections’. I noticed a lack of connection to the Word and little reference to our need for a Savior in these lists. Rather, I saw the author’s desire to make things relatable supplant his vision of truth.
Now, the point of this blog is not to judge this book, because there were enjoyable parts that I took away. Rather, I wanted to show an example of a bigger issue I have seen in the Church. Today’s teachings tend to include loosely analyzed methodology without scriptural backing for the sake of relatability, when in reality, it is essential for teachings to be filled with biblical truth and sound theology.
When I read Acts, and see how the early Church preached, it is backed up by the scripture the apostles had at the time. For example, in Acts 2, Peter quotes Joel 2, Psalm 16, and retells God’s promise to David in 2 Samuel 7 while he shared the gospel with those in front of him. Oh how simple is the authorship of the Holy Spirit! His Word brought forth three thousand salvations. Nothing was needed but the Word of God, and that has not changed, but we as the Church act like it has. Preaching with methodology instead of biblical truths and sound theology lays out ways to live as a Christian while attempting to fit into todays culture. This looks like using human knowledge to make conclusions that grab the attention of listeners. Things I have seen are; “5 steps to end a sinful pattern in your life!” “How to reset your heart”. These are sermons with methodologies that do not lead back to scripture but still hold the name of the Lord with the purpose of easier understanding. In reality, this can be quite damaging because the Lord does not need us to simplify His Word, for it is only made clear through Him. In Romans 10:17 Paul states “Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.” Paul is saying that coming to faith and continuing in faith relies on the messages that come from the Word of God. To come to faith, non-believers need to hear the simple gospel of Christ through the scriptures. To continue well in their faith, believers need to be reminded through the scriptures of how the gospel is intentionally necessary for their every breath. Every person, non-believer and believer alike, needs to hear sermons that include scripture intentionally interpreted with sound theology, and the recognition that all scripture gives glory back to God and the gospel of Christ. We do not need to hear a list of pretty alliterations, for His Word is sufficient.
Furthermore, the Church does not need to stress itself on making the Word relatable. His Word does not always need to hold relatability to today’s culture because the Word of God is not based on culture. 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 talks about how the Word and the crucifixion may seem foolish to some people. Romans 9:18 says “Therefore God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy, and he hardens whom he wants to harden.” The Church is not responsible for how people understand the Word of God, but they are responsible for speaking truth based on biblical doctrine. The pure and true Word of God will be made known to those whom God ordains it to be made known to. How silly to think that the Word of God needs more than what it has already offered.
So Church, I invite you. It’s time to teach theology, not methodology.
