Learning & Study of Theology with Aprile Sweers
Aprile Sweers is the executive director, founder, and host of Her God Speaks podcast. In addition to hosting the podcast, Aprile is a wife, a boy mom, and a Bible teacher. She has made it her goal to help women behold God in the pages of their Bibles.
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Show Notes
It is no secret that you believe study of God’s Word and study of theology are important. Why should women prioritize these disciplines?
In your own words, how would you define, “Christian Theology?”
How is a study of theology distinct from a study of God’s Word? How are they similar?
Why is it important that women not only study God’s Word but seek to understand theology as well?
How have you seen your own study of theology enhance your study of God’s Word or reading of Scripture?
Do the Scriptures speak about theology and if so, where?
As you are quite aware, there are several branches of or disciplines that fall under the overarching title, “Christian Theology.” These being: (1) Biblical Theology, (2) Historical Theology, (3) Philosophical Theology, (4) Practical Theology, and (5) Systematic Theology. Would you define each branch? What would a study of these various aspects of theology add to the everyday lives of women?
Why is it important that we begin with the Word of God as we seek to grow in our knowledge of God?
A term often referenced in this discussion is, “Divine Revelation.” For listeners who may not be familiar with this term, how would you describe “Divine Revelation” and why is it significant?
Where else might we look to understand theology?
At the end of the day, why do we study theology?
At the end of the day, why do we NOT study theology?
What are some of your favorite theological tools for study?
How do you personally study theology?
Not every woman will study theology at a formal academic institution or seminary and that is absolutely ok! What encouragement would you have for the woman who doubts that theological study is for her, or doubts her own ability to do it?
Why is it that people disagree about theology? What should we think about this?
How can women steward their study of theology well?
Noteworthy Quotations
“If we don’t know Him, we can’t really know ourselves to any significant degree.”
“God has given me a deep passion to help women treasure Christ through the study of the Bible.”
“Theology looks like a scary word but it just literally means, ‘The study of God.’”
“Christian or not, everyone has their own concept of God.”
“Christian theology is the study of God that is informed by God’s own revelation of Himself, both in His Word and, ultimately, in His Son Jesus Christ. The source of our information is God himself.”
“Keeping theology in view helps us keep heart and head in balance.”
“Theology keeps us mindful of who and what the Bible is about.”
“There are so many verses that call us to worship, praise, honor, adore, and revere God, and I would say every one of those verses is a verse about theology. How can we worship, praise, adore, and love a God that we don’t know?”
“The study of theology is essential to worship.”
“When we are defining God, we need to be sure that we are using His definition of Himself, not the world’s or our own.”
“We are all theologians in the sense that we are all continuously collecting data about God.”
“What we believe about God is so formative. It shapes who we are, how we think and act, and what we love and hate more than anything else.”
“Do not study theology to get smarter, do not study theology to impress others, and do not study theology to build a tribe.”
“If worship isn’t front and center in your study of theology, then your study is probably going to do more damage than good.”
“Study theology to stir your affections for God and align your allegiances to Him.”
“Theology is the means by which we get head and heart aligned.”
“Don’t worry so much about the quantity of knowledge being gained, but rather the quality of knowledge being gained.”
Recommended Resources
Fix Your Eyes by Amy Gannett
Evangelical Theology by Michael F. Bird
Verity Podcast with Phylicia Masonheimer
Live No Lies by John Mark Comer
Finding the Right Hills to Die On by Gavin Ortlund
Scripture References
Isaiah 43:10
Acts 17:28
Podcast Sponsors
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