“Theologians are called to be the churches water engineers and sewage officers; it is their job to see that God’s pure truth flows abundantly where it is needed, and to filter out any intrusive pollution that might damage health. The sociological remoteness of theological colleges, seminaries, and university faculties of theology from the true life of the church makes it easy to forget this, and the track record of professional teachers in these units has in my time been distinctly spotty so far as concerns their responsibility to the church and to the world.” — J.I Packer from A Quest for Godliness: The Puritan Vision for the Christian Life.
What do you think of when you hear the word “theologian?” When I hear this word I picture a man in his sixties, with gray disheveled hair, thick black frame glasses, clothes that do not match, who sits in a windowless office all day reading large dusty books. When they do emerge from their cravat, they are about 30 years behind the times and cannot relate to the world or the church around them.
I appreciate what Dr. Packer says in this quote because he gets at the heart of what a true theologian should do. Theologians are those who are able to accurately divide the Word of truth and press it upon the churches heart. This comes by giving the Living Truth of God’s Word and by warning of snares laid on the path of life. Theologians deal with real Truth and put it into people’s real life. There cannot be a disconnect between these two aspects. When such a separation happens ineffectiveness, stagnation, and fruitlessness occur.
Those who have taken on the responsibility of training the next generation of theologians (i.e. seminaries, Bible colleges, etc.) must guard themselves from such “sociological remoteness.” The study of theology is not complete without knowledge and experience of the true life of the church. It must contain an appropriate application of the Truth to people’s real life. How else are we seen to be set apart if not in the way we live? The knowledge of theology is not what sets us apart. The how to of ministry is not what sets us apart. But rather, the work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers is what shines forth so others may see the glory of Christ in us.
True theologians cannot shy away from the real problems people deal with in the church. Unfortunately, the church is not immune to such problems as drunkenness, sexual immorality, abortion, people with suicidal thoughts, anorexia, rape, depression, etc. There must be biblically based solutions theologians can give to people with these problems. Solutions which will set these people apart from the rest of the world. Solutions which will encourage people to come to Christ and become Christlike. This is the duty of all true theologians. May the Holy Spirit rise up such theologians who are ready to pour their lives into the Church and reach out to the world.
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