3 models of theology

All Christians are called to be theologians. I am not talking about a monk who reads, writes and studies 20 hours a day, by candlelight. Although there is nothing really problematic with that lifestyle, if you are called to it, that is. It is just that few are. Most believe that theology is best left to academicians or ivory tower gurus who wear blazers and think really deep thoughts. Nothing could be further from the truth. A theologian, as defined by M. James Sawyer, is someone who knows about or speaks about God. Dr. Chris Bounds defines a theologian more along the lines of a practitioner. That is to say, a theologian is one who takes gospel truths and applies them to life in order to care for the souls of others. This really encompasses all Christians who wish to make a difference for Jesus Christ in society.
Since that makes every committed Christian a theologian, I think that it is important to outline what makes theology so beneficial and important. A quick note about the following work. It is not mine, exclusively. In fact, far from it. Herein lays one of the beauties of theology. You are not a complete original. You are standing on the shoulders of the giants who have come before you or alongside of those who are serving with you. If you believe that you are completely original, it would perhaps be best for you to research just a bit more where your theology is coming from. If you are interpreting scripture in a way that no one else in the past 2000 years has, chances are GREAT that you are not an original. You are more than likely a heretic. That is, you are wrong. The writer, in Ecclesiastes, laments that there is nothing new under the sun. With that in mind, here are the three useful models of theology. Another good word for model might be the word view or aim. These models have been organized into a table format in Sawyer's excellent book, The Survivor's Guide to Theology.
1. Theology as SAPIENTIA. This is Latin for "wisdom". By the way, theologians can use a lot of Latin. This is due to the fact that so many scholars for well over 1000 years have used the language. Therefore, some it has stuck around. Besides, it can sound really cool - but only if you know what the word means!
This viewpoint centers around the belief that theology, at its heart, should be wise enough to direct a person "toward a relationship with God based on personal trust", to quote Sawyer, once again. This means that all of the theological statements about God, Christ, the Holy Spirit, salvation, sin, etc. should direct a person towards actually wanting a relationship with God. It should be wise and engage the heart as well as the mind.
2. Theology as SCIENTIA. Once again - Latin - here it is used for "science". This is the classic definition of theology. The fathers of the church called theology "the queen of the sciences". This is because, by their estimation, everything else flowed out of theology. Isn't that interesting? Today, many scientists claim that faith has no part in science. Yet, the pioneers of scientific research clearly thought otherwise. By the way, practice organic chemistry and tell me that you don't need faith. Yes, everything is calculated and measured, but exact chemical reactions can differ when using organic compounds. One false move and POOF!!
3. Theology as ORTHOPRAXIS. Orthopraxis means "right action". This differs from the Greek word, orthodoxy, which means "right doctrine". Yes, theologians have also used Greek, as the New Testament of the Bible was written in Greek. Orthopraxy, put into practical terms, means that you practice what you preach. You can call yourself a Christian, but do you live it, according to the Bible? To me, this view makes so much sense. I can preach and study and learn about theology. But, if I am not willing to put into practice what I have studied, then I have really just wasted my time.
This is just a little overview of what theology, at its heart, is aiming for. It doesn't have to be scary. It doesn't have to be overly intellectual. It does require thought, study and most of all, prayer. I encourage everyone to begin to study theology. One problem that can occur is that many texts, provided that you find one, can be over the head of most people. This is why I would really encourage beginners to find the book, A Survivor's Guide to Theology. This can be found at most Christian bookstores and will not break your bank or back. Once you have moved from there, something like Wayne Grudem's "Systematic Theology" or Thomas C. Oden's 3 part systematic theology would be excellent for full immersion.
I do not consider myself to be an expert theologian. I am still learning and plan on doing so for the rest of my life. I am doing so in order to grow in wisdom in order to strengthen my walk with Jesus and in order to help educate others whenever possible. Don't be afraid of reading and study. Take a few pages at a time, if you are new to it. Pray to the Lord that you will receive "spiritual wisdom and understanding." If you do this, the Lord WILL open the "eyes of your heart" to the vast treasure that is a relationship with him!