Theology vs. simple minds, and a word of caution to smarty pants Bible students [Quote]

I sat in the back of the classroom rubbing my forehead and listening to my professor explain Soteriology (which is a fancy term for the study of Jesus' forgiveness of our sins). He explained the surprisingly vast views of Catholics, Lutherans, Calvinists, Armenians, and a few other sects of Jesus' followers.

Photo courtesy of SMB College at Flickr.com

At some point during his lecture, after my eyes glazed over from the complexity of the issue, a question popped into my head. I thought, Wait a minute! If the gospel is for everyone, doesn't it need to be simple enough for even the simplest of people to understand it?

Theology VS. Simple Minds

It's a question I've wrestled with ever since that day. Ultimately, theology (the study of the nature of God) is incredibly complex. Every issue, it seems, is made up of at least two sides of an argument. And there are lots of issues. It's a lot of work to understand the issues, let alone decide what you believe. But what about people who don't have the mental faculties to process such complexities? 

What about my friends who have Downs Syndrome, or other people who's mental acuity is hindered? Once when I was in Cambodia, I met a woman who's face had been burned off. She had no eyes, no ears, no tongue, and she lives in a country where women are not educated. What about her? What about remote tribes around the world for whom no part of the Bible is translated into their language? Is salvation and reward available for them?

I've carried this question with me ever since that class, and a few things have become apparent. First, God wants all men to be saved (1 Tim 2:4). And Jesus' death and resurrection are, at the very least, sufficient for the sins of every person who has lived (1 John 2:2). But those still don't provide an answer for the issue of the complexity of God's truth, and the simplicity of mankind. 

Then yesterday, I was reading an awesome book by a guy called Brother Lawrence. The book is titled The Practice of The Presence of God. It's a stellar read, and there's one bit that I read yesterday which nails this issue. Brother Lawrence says:

"Neither skill nor knowledge is needed to go to God... All that is necessary is a heart dedicated entirely and solely to Him out of love for Him above all others."

A careful and complete theology is good, but ultimately not necessary for coming to know God intimately. His presence isn't accessed by knowledge or wisdom. We can only get to Him by humbly and authentically positioning our own hearts. 

A word of caution to the wise

I don't want to imply that theology isn't important, because it is. It's very important. It's how God's people continue grow closer to Him once they know the basics of their faith. It's the meat that comes after the milk (1 Cor 3:2). And it's the complicated process by which we understand God's exceedingly simple love for us. But there's also a danger associated with gaining theological knowledge. 

I attended a Christian college, where I had to take 30 hours of Bible classes to complete my degree. And during those classes, I learned why they say, "A little bit of knowledge is a dangerous thing." As my classmates and I learned just the very basics of some theological arguments, we quickly began using them to argue and even verbally tear each other down. In those instances, the study of God's nature became something other than loving. It became nasty, backhanded, and evil.

The knowledge and wisdom that theology provides is powerful. But if our pursuit of theology doesn't lead us to a deeper love of God, it isn't worth anything. The Bible was never intended to be used to simply argue that we're right and others are wrong, as some scholars do. God's word is the story of His boundless love for all men. 

Whether you're simple or smart

While giving me some advice, one of my favorite mentors once said, "Tim, I could complicate taking a Sh*t. But I find life works a lot better when I keep it simple." And, to a large degree, that principle rings true with regards to our faith as well. 

While the truth about God is incredibly complex, His love is exceedingly simple. The fullness of His love is available to everyone (even the woman with no face).  We, who are able, should pursue knowledge of Him, but only inasmuch as it leads us toward a closer connection with that simple love. 

Now I'm curious to hear from you. Did this hit the nail on the head for you, or do you think I'm the simple minded one, I'm always looking for some good constructive criticism. Please leave your thoughts in the comment section below. 

Warmly,

Tim