Theology at its worst is a dead frog splayed on the table, surrounded by instruments and diagrams, hovered over by students poking and prodding and feeling like they have a pretty good handle on what’s happening inside. 

Taken to its literal roots, the word theology—theo logos—means talking about God.

Bonhoeffer noted that the first recorded conversation about God (not with God) was between the serpent and Eve. Until that moment, God’s goodness was not up for debate; now it was. Practiced apart from the Source, theology can lead down dismal roads.

Given the pitfalls, someone serious about knowing God—versus only knowing about God—might be tempted to bypass the thought-work of theology in favor of ​“direct contact” through contemplative practices. It’s said that Thomas Aquinas, the great philosopher and systematic theologian, never finished his masterful Summa Theologica because of a mystical encounter with Christ. ​“I can write no more. I have seen things which make all my writings like straw.”

Yet, true simplicity often lies on the far side of complexity. Perhaps Aquinas’s immense efforts to know God and make God known through language — by attempting to express the Inexpressible — made way for his transcendent experience. 

In fact, a few months prior Aquinas had a different mystical meeting, in which Christ said, ​“You have written well of me, Thomas. What reward would you have for your labor?” Thomas responded, ​“Nothing but you, Lord.” Jesus seemed pleased to answer that request.

So, then, how do we write and think well about God? What makes for good theology?

Good theology doesn’t shrink God down or box God in. 

It names but doesn’t contain. 

It enlarges our picture of God — ​“O magnify the Lord with me” (Ps. 34:3). 

It studies and sits under the story of God; it seeks to see things as God sees them. 

It takes seriously the words of Christ and the unceasing Life from which those words flow. It asks how his words and life map onto every area of our lives. 

It interfaces with and informs questions big and small… How does being made in the image of God relate to artificial intelligence? What does ​“love your enemies” mean in times of war? Can we store up treasures in heaven while still enjoying yardsaling on Saturday morning? 

Good theology, Chris Hall says, leads to doxology — it makes you want to stand up and sing and bow down in silent reverence.

If we ever find ourselves in a room talking about God, impressed with our own insights, dissecting Scripture and saints while Jesus stands outside knocking — for heaven’s sake, let’s invite him in. 

Theology at its best is a conversation around the table — attempting with humility to articulate and live into the beauty of God and God’s Kingdom — as if Jesus is alive and well and sitting there with us. Because, in fact, he is.