From Joe Thorn:
I believe even more commonly, theology is neglected. It is found to be unnecessary and irrelevant. Some seem to eschew it because of the its abuse by others, or fear of division in the church, and also because in recent history the local church has not exactly been the model of theological exercise and enrichment. We think of theologians as scholars working in the academy, not preachers in the pulpit. Of course, it was not always this way. Throughout history our brightest theologians have occupied the pulpit and pastored God’s people. Examples like Augustine, Calvin, Owen, Edwards, and Spurgeon should show us a better and more biblical way.
Even among those who say theology is important, it is often likened to the foundation of a building. Theology is the foundation upon which everything else is built. It’s a good illustration, but like the foundation of most houses, once the house is built people live in their homes without ever thinking about the poured cement. There is no practical interaction with the foundation. Experientially, it is an invisible element that is given little to no attention.
I believe a better illustration is that of a sailboat. Our theology is the sail. It is high and lifted up, not to be admired, but to catch the wind and find power outside of itself to move the boat. The sails are always visible and in constant use. The boat is the church. Without the sail all in the boat perish slowly. Without the boat people drown quickly.
“Our theology is the sail… to catch the wind and find power outside of itself to move the boat.” Recently had a heartbreaking conversation with a person where had they understood this their life would be drastically different.
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