How would you explain “the gospel”? Can you articulate the good news of our salvation cohesively, not only to share with an unbeliever but also to describe it accurately to yourself? Many of us have a vague idea of the gospel formed through preachers and teachers, Bible reading, and informed heavily by worldly sources. What would you put down on paper? Does your explanation of “the gospel” stir your affections for Jesus?
Doctrine is a term that refers to statements of our basic beliefs. These beliefs have formed over time as the Church has wrestled with the words of scripture and the challenges of the world. The study of doctrine is the work of theologians and all believers. Theology has been left to the seminary for too long. Some think, “I don’t do theology; just give me Jesus. I just want to love Jesus.” Well, who is Jesus? You are doing theology as soon as you begin articulating who Jesus is.
This spring, our faculty is reading You Are a Theologian by J.T. English and Jen Wilkin. This accessible book succinctly outlines 8 primary doctrines of the Christian faith and makes a case that theology is for everyone. “Theology” simply means “words about God.” We all express words about God, but are your words about God accurate? Does your theology align with the revealed God in the Bible, or have you crafted your idea of God based on other influences? Who is it that you say you love? We must know the God of the Bible, so our words about him are correct. Your beliefs affect how you live your life and teach your children about God and the Christian faith.
In an earlier work, Women of the Word, author and Bible teacher Jen Wilkin states, “the heart cannot love what the mind does not know.” Ultimately, we concern ourselves with theology so we will better love the one true God who first loved us.
Parent, pick up a copy of You Are a Theologian by J.T. English and Jen Wilkin, and read with us this semester. Read it with your older kids, allowing them to see that truth is beautiful and moves the regenerated heart to worship. Let’s go on this journey together and be moved that a perfect God has given us his own righteousness and will one day live with humanity again on a new earth. For those of us who are in Christ, this is our future and hope. Join me in praising His excellent name!
Penny Hayes M.Ed.
Head of School
Ovilla Christian School
