Worship & Theology

I am preparing to teach my first course in Systematic Theology this fall. One of the charges against such a study is that it is "too heady, too theoretical, and simply impractical." Certainly, the subject of theology can be pursued in such a way that it is all of these things. However, it need not be; in fact, it must not be if the church is to maintain her worship and witness within the world.

I found the following quote helpful for considering the proper relationship between theology and worship:

Worship is ritualized theology; theology is reflective worship. The quality of our worship is therefore an index of the quality of our theology (and vice versa). . . . Dogmatics [the formal study of theology] both begins in and leads to doxology (Vanhoozer, Drama of Doctrine, 410).

What do you think about when you worship God? When the songs are being sung, does the truth of their content evoke emotions of sorrow, joy, repentance, etc.? Theology aids worshipers by connecting the truths/themes of Scripture, bringing them into sharper focus, drawing out their implications for daily living, and much more. At its most basic level theology is the study of God's person and works. How can one look into these things and not be inspired to worship this God? If we find ourselves doing "theology" and not worshiping God more deeply and loving others more fervently than before, we are not doing theology well. At the same time, if we find ourselves "worshiping" and not reflecting upon the person and works of God deeply, we are not worshiping well either. May God grant us grace to worship Him in Spirit and truth with our entire being: heart, soul, mind, and strength.

J