Reformed Christians are famous (some would say “infamous”) for our emphasis upon theology; especially biblical theology, systematic theology, historical theology, and exegetical theology.

Just look at our creaking bookshelves and impressive libraries!

Critics, though, often ask, “Where’s your practical theology?”

And they sometimes have a point. At times we do struggle to translate the knowledge our heads are bursting with into our vocations, our families, our evangelism, our ethics, and other areas of the Christian life.

Practical Opposition
Indeed, some Reformed believers are practically opposed to practical theology. Any hint of “ought” or “should” or “don’t” raises cries of “Legalism!”

Others think practical theology a kind of second division theology; a little brother to the BIG BOYS; something for smaller minds.

However, without practical theology, we will never make any real lasting progress in any of the other theologies – biblical, systematic, historical, etc.

How so?

Doing and Knowing
Jesus said, “If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself” (John 7:17).

Did you see that? Doing leads to knowing! If we do, we shall know. Action leads to knowledge.

I can’t fully explain that connection, but Jesus established and emphasized it. The verse teaches that if we don’t do what we know, we will not know for long, we will not know for sure, and we will not know in a way that leads to praise and glory for Christ.

Unsustainable Theology
We are right to be concerned about a Christianity that only does, does, does, and never knows – that’s unsustainable.

But Jesus says we should be equally concerned with a Christianity that only knows, knows, knows, and never does – that too is unsustainable.

So, if you are struggling to learn, retain, or enjoy biblical theology, systematic theology, or historical theology, the answer for you may be to do more practical theology.

PS: If you want to know where to start, have a look at these free books full of practical theology for leaders, families, students, and churches. 

  • Al

    Thank you for that helpful distinction. In the FRC we hear a lot of sermons with doctrine, doctrine, doctrine (biblical theology, systematic theology, historical theology, and exegetical theology) and I know it’s good. But it leaves me wanting. I’m hungry for practical theology! I need help connecting the finer points of doctrine to my life. The sermons I hear that connect the dots are the ones that motivate me to Love God and Love my Neighbour!

  • Phil Pockras

    The Shorter Catechism asks, “What do the Scriptures principally teach?” It answers, “The Scriptures principally teach what man is to believe concerning God and what duty God requires of man.” (Q 3). The first half of that question encompasses Dogmatic/Systematic Theology, Biblical Theology, and, to some extent, Historical Theology and Exegetical Theology. Left all to itself in the second half is the Practical Theology. There’s an old Latin phrase that’s apt: ora et labora (pray and work). The Westminster Divines had their proportions down pretty well.

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