GOD-TALK.com Topic #6: Why Theology ? Dr. Andy and Doug A ROCKET SCIENTIST & ER DOCTOR/MINISTER DISCUSS SCIENCE & RELIGION

Why talk about theology? Every person has a theology - regardless if they realize it or not o Set of ‘presuppositions’ or underlying principles about the world, its creation, human-nature, darkness & light o An understanding about God: Atheist or Fundamentalist Informs & shapes your decisions, the way you think and the way you live

Studying & knowing about God: o More than an academic exercise o More than fulfilling curiosity o Thinking patterns o Relationships: spouse, children, co-workers o Relationship to God (your creator) o Way you see yourself & others o Life & death importance: eternity o The only “permanent” and “timeless” topic

How can you ‘know’ God? o You can never really completely ‘know’ God on this earth o God is an ‘archetype’- and original that only He within the Trinity has full knowledge of He has ‘revealed’ information about who He is to us if we are willing to seek & look for it 2 Ways He reveals Himself: o Nature: ‘natural’ theology- within creation o Scripture: ‘special revelation’- from His Word thru prophets

All that we know about God- 2 Book Theory o Based on creation, science, math, physics, beauty, & design in nature (book 1) o Based on interpretation of God’s Word: OT & NT contain God’s revelation to His people (book 2) o From these 2 sources: Develop a ‘theology’- a map about God & how we should relate to Him Informs our decisions about life (regardless of if we realize it) 2 Book theory: science/ nature & holy writ It is never exact: we can only construct a map- it is a copy or “ectype” not an “archetype”

4 directions to guide: Story of God, told thru scripture: unfolding drama Principles of ‘faith’- doctrine: every belief system has guidelines & principles (philosophy) Praise & worship of God: emotional output Mentorship & guidance from wise folks who know Him & will humbly show the way: discipleship