Is Theology Science?

     A trend has developed since the scientific revolution which has redefined the meaning of science. Rationalism has confined the entire scope of knowledge which can not be experienced to the realm of human reason. Empiricism has further confined knowledge to the realm of nature by demanding truth to be a verifiable observable experience. Add to this a dash of existentialism wherein defining authenticity of existence is an exercise in of itself and you have the the golem of Postmodernism, today's most prevalent worldview. All of these philosophies have been created by men as a reaction to or a rejection of another. Their principles have been affirmed or denied through general consensus. Theology stands as a stark contrast anchored to moorings long ago relegated to the realm of fantasy and mystique. Is theology really science?  

     I define theology as the intentional pursuit of knowledge about the God who has made himself known through his works and his relationship with his creation for the purpose of knowing him personally and learning to serve, honor, and worship him through the grace he provides.

How can theology be considered science if you can't prove God exists?

A person asking this question misses the point. Theology is a science based on the conviction that God does exist. It is just as scientific for someone to research what is revealed about God as it is for another to research what is revealed about geometry or physics. It is also equally as valid to have the integrity to submit to the moral implications of theological truth as it is to take advantage of medical advances to preserve life and human dignity.

How can theology be scientific if its main source of knowledge is unreliable?

The person asking this question rejects propositional truth as well as the historical, archaeological, and critical evidence available today supporting the veracity of Scripture. The evidence is clear that we have God's word preserved and available to us. Rejecting the evidence that exists supporting this fact is embarrassingly unscientific and demonstrates a denial of objectivity. Most skeptics will often redefine the meaning of what truly is God's word to substantiate their belief. (That is another post for another time!)  

 What does the Bible say about its scientific reliability?

 The Bible teaches that what may be known about God has been clearly revealed to all men through what has been generally revealed through creation (Romans 1:19-20). God has also revealed knowledge about himself through special revelation specifically given to certain men throughout history (1Samuel 3:21; Isaiah 22:14; John 21:1).  The truths communicated in Scripture are propositional in nature and derive their authority based on the nature and character of God. True theology is found in the acceptance, study, and application of these propositional truths (1Corinthians 2:14; 2Timothy 2:15; Romans 12:2). Theology is science having; 

1. A subject to study (God)
2. A way and means of studying that subject (historical-grammatical hermaneutics) 
3. An expression of discerned truths not influenced by personal feelings (doctrine) 
4. A way of ascertaining the correctness and truth of its propositions (analogy of faith) 
5. An overall sense of logical unity or understandability (systematization)

Scripture is revelation of truth about God, through a reliable record of his character, nature, and works, which touches on every aspect of human reality and should be normative to all human experience. Theology is science that can only be practiced by those who have committed their allegiance to God by fearing him and by being born spiritually by means of salvation through Jesus Christ (Proverbs 1:7, 9:10; John 3:11-15; 1Corinthians 2:13-16). 

Isn't theology then unscientific seeing that it is highly subjective?

The fact that a good theologian must declare his allegiance to God first does not automatically make him subjective in his quest for knowledge about God. On the contrary, a good theologian will act on the conviction that God exists by desiring to know truth about God and will do everything in his power to avoid fabricating a false God. A good theologian will start with two equally valid convictions. One being that God does exist. The second being that he has faithfully communicated truth about himself through Scripture.

What do you say about all of the different religions and denominations in the world?

The fact that many religions exist and even many denominations in religions only proves that there is a large amount of information in the world about what people perceive to be God. I am convinced that there is only one true God whose character and nature far surpass all other so-called Gods. The God who provided what is known today as the Holy Bible who is known as the God of Israel who demonstrated his sacrificial love through Jesus Christ who is one of the three persons of the Godhead, this is the only God.  He alone deserves our allegiance. He alone is worthy of our love and worship. He is the only one who has given mankind assurance of salvation through the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Who should be a theologian?


All men should be theologians! All men have been created in his image and were meant to have an intimate relationship with their creator. You can begin the quest of knowledge about God today if you will surrender your heart to him and dedicate yourself to learning of him through the means that he provides. Read the Bible asking God to help you to understand. Go to a church that teaches the truth agreeing with the Bible's teaching and honors God with its style of worship.  Pray for wisdom and discernment and God will protect you from those who will attempt to deceive others with religion. Theology is science. That is why you can be sure that you can know God and experience him personally through faith in Jesus Christ.