An everyday theologian makes it to our list of top five blog posts! In this post, the reader looks at what defines an everyday theologian. The truth is that we are all theologians. The question becomes, Are you a good one? I share excerpts from My Story and further convictions. I hope you’ve enjoyed our countdown of my top five posts of all time, determined by my stats provided by WordPress.

You can find two hundred posts at debbieswindell.com and locate them by topic or title through the search bar. And by the way, sharing a post on social media lets me know you found something worthwhile in my writing.

Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! ‘For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor? Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?’ For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen. – Romans 11:33-36

I’m a professed theology nerd who is confronted daily with the belief that the more I learn, the less I feel I know. Most days, alongside my coffee mug and laptop, you will find an array of systematic theologies accompanied by Dr. Gregg Allison’s Historical Theology.

In addition, I enjoy reading books by old theologians and seminary professors where I learn about church history and doctrine, as well as critical philosophical and theological explorations from men like Aquinas and Augustine.

They call me a Bible teacher, a counselor, a mentor, and a disciple-maker. The truth is, I’m just an everyday theologian. To better understand, you will want to read my story.

My Story

At age 56, I sat in a classroom for an advanced theology track in Ft. Worth, Texas. With much younger men and women (pastors and would-be counselors) to my right and left, I gripped my pen and fixed my mind on every word coming from the front of the room.

Despite decades of Bible study and faithful church attendance, it wasn’t until learning these ancient truths that theological gaps emerged. But there was something in those particular moments that I was sure of, maybe even convicted of: I needed to carry learning further. And, by the grace of God, I did just that through Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.

I had known Jesus since childhood, but it wasn’t until poring over these doctrines that I began to know and understand what Christianity is. In this season of formal education, I understood how theological views affect all aspects of life. It was a busy time, but it was the best of times, and with the filling of those theological gaps, my life’s focus changed. God’s purposes in me and with me became clear. 

I recall these age-old truths as I mentor, counsel, and teach women to think theologically so they might better study the Bible. Through the sufficiency of Scripture, we can best learn how to work through the challenges of daily living. The truth is that all of us live our theology as we engage with Christian faith and life. The more we know about what God has revealed, the more we want to live for his glory above our own.

Why We Need Theology

As Christians, we come to the Bible primarily to learn about God, and in the process, we learn about ourselves and our world. Since our source of knowledge about God is from his word, the Bible, systematic theology is about how the parts of God’s word and his truth relate to the whole message of the Bible. Correctly understanding how great and unsearchable God is and the wonders of what He has done humbles us, exalts Him, and should lead to more excellent worship.

With the wisdom of the ages, nearly 2000 years of church history have culminated in sound theology based on Scripture. In the study of Christian theology, those who call themselves Christian can know what they believe and why they believe.  

Whenever we think or speak about God, His will, or His works, we do theology. All of Scripture is for us, and it is God’s word that maintains a foundation of truth worthy of passing on.

The study of theology helps us understand Scripture and to think and speak genuinely about what God has revealed in the Bible. If we are to leave a legacy of Christian faith, we must gain, retain, and share theological truths for the benefit of those individuals we know and love. 

Christian women of every age are to use their gifts and training to help other women and children. In addition, the older women (that’s me) have a unique mandate to teach and admonish the younger women, Titus 2:3-5. I hope you understand our proper relation to an almighty, all-holy God.

I’m an Arkansas woman serving her family, church, and small-town community. I am not so foolish to think that God would need my help to fulfill his perfect plan, so it is with humility that I thank you for joining me. Be sure to subscribe to the blog.

Grant me, O Lord my God, a mind to know you, a heart to seek you, wisdom to find you, conduct pleasing to you, faithful perseverance in waiting for you, and a hope of finally embracing you. Amen. 

– Thomas Aquinas