When I took my first Philosophy class in graduate school, the first exam had a question that basically asked us to explain the theory of "Occam's Razor." I left that answer blank. At that time, I was thoroughly overwhelmed by the amount of theology and historic philosophy that we had to study and my mind just went - as my test answer - blank. It was like drinking from a fire hose. Occam's Razor basically states that when there are two possible answers to a question, the best answer is usually the simplest.
This has had me thinking about the dangers of "bad theology." So, you may be thinking, "Theology is what's wrong with churches!" Well, to quote Billy Joel, you may be right. The truth is, bad theology is what's wrong with churches today - that, and jerks who can't seem to live out their "good theology."
What's "Theology"? It's literally, "the study of God's word;" a compound of the two Greek words for God (Theos) and Word (Logos). Good theology is simply an accurate recounting of that which God has already written. Bad theology is a man-centered approach to twisting the Word of God in order to win friends and influence people.
The Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy that there will come a time when people would rather hear more pleasant forms of theology than that which is from the Bible (II Timothy 3:14 - 4:5).
Paul wrote to his friend, colleague and trainee that he should never abandon the diligent preaching and teaching of God's Word just because folks don't want to hear it. Stick to it. Don't give up. Persevere. Endure hardships. Why? Not only was this Paul's example, good theology is the only real food for the souls of God's people. It is profitable (good, blessing, encouraging) for "teaching, reproof, correction and training in righteousness" (3:16-17). In simple terms, God's Word is the only way to know God's will. When we need good instruction, only good theology will suffice. The flip-side is that bad theology will not teach, reproof, correct or train in righteousness. It will "suit our passions, turn us away, cause us to wander off into myths," and ultimately destroy (4:3-4).
Recently, my Medical-Student wife was explaining to me how drinks like Gatorade work from a physiological perspective. Sports drinks contain potassium (K) and sodium (Na). When ingested, the sodium causes the cells to open in order to receive water (salt makes your cells thirsty). The water rushes in and the potassium aides in proper absorption. It's really amazing. This is why salt water may appear to have the ability to satisfy our thirst but will not. Salt water to a dying man will (a) make him more thirsty because he's got open cells that need hydrating and the salt keeps opening without replenishing, (b) salt water will disturb our molecular structure to the point of affecting our minds and driving us crazy, right before (c) it kills.
We are made in the image of God. Due to sin, we thirst for His knowledge and fulfillment. But, to drink from a bad fountain will never satisfy. Bad theology is a bad fountain that is man-centered and man-aimed. It may sound good and look good, but - like salt water - if it doesn't kill you, it will certainly leave you more thirsty and going mad as it kills.
Only good theology - theology pointing only to Christ Alone, through Grace Alone, by Faith Alone, According to the Scriptures Alone, for God's Glory Alone - will satisfy and fulfill our souls. Jesus said, "Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty forever. The water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life" (John 4:13-14). In simple terms - good theology leads to great results.
So, what does Occam's Razor have to do with this? In my years of studying the Word of God it has become ever apparent that bad theology is always needlessly complex. In addition it is woven in such a way as to steer toward predetermined man-centered, unBiblical positions that ultimately deny Christ and destroy our souls - not satisfying our thirst - but, making ever more thirsty.
We can continue to drink bad water from bad fountains or we can be like adulterous woman who understood that she was continually thirsty because she was drinking from bad fountains. But, when she heard the Good Word of God, she responded as we should, "Sir, give me this water so that I will not be thirsty!"
Note - (A) I bet my philosophy prof will be glad that I actually learned something. (B) Why the Judas Priest picture? It looks cool.
