J.I. Packer tells a personal story about his freshman year in college (see Bruce Milne, Know the Truth, IVP, 1998, p. 9). The chaplain at his school took some of the students on “pastoral walks.” Packer was on one of those strolls and said of the chaplain, “He was urging me to read theology, the subject which he himself taught, as a sequel to the classics degree on which I embarked.” Packer explains the exchange that happened next.
I explained to him that I would rather not, since theology was so bad for one’s soul. ‘Nonsense!’ exploded he, with what may have been the loudest snort in history; ‘theology’s the queen of the sciences!’ Then he fell silent, and so did I, and thus we finished our walk.
Packer reflected on this encounter.
I thought him unenlightened. What he thought of me is not on record. But he had every reason to feel miffed. He was right, and knew enough to know that he was right, and I was wrong as an opinionated ignoramus of eighteen could possibly be.
Why is the study of what the Bible teaches about various doctrines so critical? Bruce Milne gives us four reasons.
First, as a matter of plain fact every Christian is a theologian! . . . By virtue of being born again we have all begun to know God and therefore have a certain understanding of his nature and actions. That is, we all have a theology of sorts, whether or not we have ever sat down and pieced it together. So, properly understood, theology is not for a few religious eggheads with a flair for the abstract debate — it is everybody’s business. . . .
Secondly, getting doctrine right is the key to getting everything else right. If we are to know who God is, who we are, and what God wants of us, we need to study Scripture. . . .
Thirdly, the study of doctrine is an expression of loving the Lord with our minds (Matthew 22:37). . . .
Fourthly, doctrine is vital because it is impossible finally to separate Christ from the truths which Scripture reveals concerning him. There is no other Christ than the Christ who is known through the truths and doctrines of the whole Bible. (pp. 17-19).
No Longer an Ignoramus
J.I. Packer went on to become not only a lifelong learner of “the queen of the sciences,” but an author of theological works, including the classic Knowing God. But what about you? Here are some critical practices to help you avoid being a theological ignoramus.
First, always read the best book. Of course, I’m talking about the Bible, our source of sound doctrine. If you are going to learn and uphold truth, Bible intake is critical. To do this, you’ll need a plan. This doesn’t mean you must commit to a “read through the Bible in a year” strategy, though that can be advantageous. If you type “Bible reading plan” into a search engine, you’ll see that your options are seemingly endless! Perhaps you’re approach might be different than those, such as reading one or two books repetitively for a few months for five or six days a week, and then switching to other books of the Bible a few times throughout the year. This is the method of Christian Communicator Worldwide’s president Jim Elliff. Here’s what he says in the introduction of a booklet he wrote titled My Preferred Way to Read the Bible:
I’m recommending immersion or saturation in one or two books of the Bible over several months. . . . Frankly, I have never known Bible reading to be so transformative and interesting as with this method, both for me and for many friends who have tried it at my suggestion. (see booklet here)
Additionally, your plan should include a place — that quiet location that you go to at the same time most days to read. And I strongly recommend reading from a paper Bible instead of on your phone (or other device) which often distracts and tempts.
Second, consistently read good books. The Lord has given his people Bible teachers who write in such a way that we gain doctrinal insight and gain and maintain spiritual health. We live in a remarkable day of reasonably priced (even free) resources readily available. If you need help knowing which book to read, get a recommendation from somebody you trust, and then make it a goal to read just a few pages a day. If you miss a day, no big deal. If you read just 3 pages a day for only 300 days in the year, that’s 900 pages toward not being a theological ignoramus!
Third, eagerly listen to solid teaching.You might think I have in mind those exceptional Bible teachers you can hear at anytime online. Though we can benefit from them, I first of all am thinking about your own Bible teachers in your church. It’s essential that you are in a church led by faithful, qualified men. If not, find one. If so, take advantage of this. Make the church’s meetings a priority, and when you are there, eagerly receive the teaching; listen carefully; pray for understanding; if appropriate, interact during the teaching; stay around afterward and talk with others about the knowledge you have gained; pursue application. Learning, maturing believers are always characterized by this disposition toward faithful Bible teaching.