#191: Spiritual Health: The benefits of studying theology with Jen Wilkin

INSIDE: What are the benefits of studying theology? Isn’t theology for those in seminary or pastors? How does theology impact your spiritual health? You are a theologian. Listen to Jen Wilkin.

If you’re like me, you’re like, “Am I a theologian? I’m pretty sure theologians went to seminary and read ancient texts and write papers about abstract attributes of God. I’m pretty sure I’m not one.”

Through this conversation, Jen Wilkin will convince you of how you really, truly are a theologian in your right-now life and why that’s important for today’s world and generations to come. (Y’all, some of the stats Jen shares about what current evangelicals believe about basic Christian doctrine are shocking.)

If you’ve ever doubted that you’re a theologian, that it’s above your pay grade, that it’s all head-knowledge and no experience, or that it’s too academic for your liking, please listen to Jen’s wisdom on why theology matters in your everyday, busy and full life. Theology may feel like a big topic, so I’m thankful Jen is here to walk us through the importance of it.

In today’s episode, you’ll receive practical strategies and anchoring truths as you learn how to honor God. You’ll learn:

What theology is,
What are first-tier theological issues,
What to do (and not do!) when you disagree with someone on a theological point,
And the value of having theological conversations with our brothers in Christ.

Benefits of studying theology

“Theology gives us the lenses. Doctrine gives us the lenses through which we read scripture. And scripture gives us the undergirding by which we can identify which doctrines are true and good.” – Jen Wilkin
“We can’t possibly teach what we ourselves don’t already know.” – Jen Wilkin
“Theology leads to doxology.” – Jen Wilkin
“Christians should be good at thinking about the things of God.” – Jen Wilkin
“The Great Commission is telling men and women who are followers of Christ that they are to go and make more image bearers.”- Jen Wilkin

Spiritual health

“Christians are never gaining knowledge for the sole purpose of being knowledgeable. We are heart, soul, mind, and strength all at once.” – Jen Wilkin
“We think that Christianity is an invitation into a new way of living, and what it really is is an invitation into living the way we are built to live; it’s what we’re made for.” – Jen Wilkin
“The calling of a disciple is to be a learner who helps others learn as well.” – Jen Wilkin
“We are saved in an instant, and we are sanctified over a lifetime.” – Jen Wilkin
“We need the shock absorbers of other people’s belief when we hit a major impact point in life.” – Jen Wilkin

Two reasons you might find theology dry and dull

Lack of translation from seminary to the local church
Church leadership telling congregation what to think instead of how to think

The value of practicing theology in community

Need others’ belief when struggling
Others speak truth into your life

Mentioned in the podcast

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