Over ten years ago, sociologist Christian Smith conducted a study on the religious beliefs of American teenagers. What he found was surprising—and a little alarming. Across thousands of interviews, Smith discovered that most teens, whether they identified as Christian or not, shared a similar belief system. He called it Moralistic Therapeutic Deism (MTD): people are basically good, and that God’s main role is to reward good behavior with heaven or punish bad behavior with hell; the goal of life is to feel happy and good about yourself; and God created the world but doesn’t really get involved in everyday life.
Here’s the kicker: these beliefs weren’t just common among teens who didn’t go to church. Smith found that many self-identified Christian teens held the same views. It’s a sign that a lot of people, even in the church, have drifted from what the Bible actually teaches. As one writer put it, "The theology of the Bible is running on fumes."
This raises an important question: Why should Christians care about theology?
What Is Theology and Why Is It Important?
Theology isn’t just a fancy word for academic study. At its core, theology is about understanding who God is, what He’s done, and how that shapes our lives. It’s not just for pastors or scholars—it’s for anyone who wants to follow Jesus.
The Bible itself shows us the importance of theology. Take the book of Romans, for example. It’s packed with deep truths about God’s love, justice, forgiveness, and grace. These aren’t abstract ideas; they help us understand the heart of God and how we’re called to live in response. A rich understanding of theology can help us “comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God” (Eph. 3:18–19).
Theology also helps us grow spiritually. To love God fully, we need to know Him—not just on a surface level, but deeply. That’s why Deuteronomy 6:5 tells us to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind. Thinking about God and what he’s revealed in Scripture is a central part of growing spiritually as disciples of Christ.
What is more, without a solid understanding of theology, it’s easy for our faith to drift. We see this in the rise of MTD, where the culture’s emphasis on happiness and self-help has replaced key biblical truths. Theology anchors us in what’s true about God and the world and keeps us from being “tossed to and fro by the waves and carried away by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes” (Eph. 4:14).
Isn’t Theology Too Complicated?
A common objection to studying theology is that theology is too academic or complicated. But that’s not true. Is it challenging? Yes! But, when Paul wrote his letters to early Christians, like the ones in Rome and Corinth, he wasn’t writing to seminary students. He was writing to regular people—farmers, merchants, parents—helping them understand who God is and how to live out their faith.
Another misconception is that theology gets in the way of a personal relationship with Jesus. In reality, the opposite is true. Think about any close relationship in your life. Whether it’s with a spouse, a friend, or a family member—knowing them well is what makes the relationship meaningful. The same is true with God. Theology helps us know who he is—his character, his promises, and his love. In addition, our knowledge of God demonstrates our relationship with him. As an avid fan of the Colorado Avalanche, I can tell you all the things I know about this hockey team. I can tell you their starting lineup, the years they won the Stanley Cup, and who their highest-paid player is currently. My knowledge of the Avalanche demonstrates and feeds more deeply my love for them!
Does Theology Matter To Me?
One thing that must be said is that studying theology isn’t about impressing people or winning debates. It’s about growing in your faith and building a stronger relationship with God. It helps you understand his story and your place in it.
If you’re still unsure, consider this: the Bible shows us that God cares deeply about theology. He inspired entire books, like Romans and Hebrews, to teach us about his character and plan for the world. By studying theology, we’re not just learning about God—we’re growing closer to him.
In a world where beliefs like MTD have become the norm, theology gives us clarity. It’s a tool to help us navigate life with confidence, grounded in truth. So why study theology? Because it matters—for your faith, your growth, and your walk with God.
