Reflection Essay Assignment
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Feb 20, 2024
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Reflection Essay Assignment
Nathan J Smith
Liberty University
THEO104: Introduction to Theology Survey (D37)
Professor Richard McGee
May 12, 2023
My View of Theology: Evolution Throughout the Course
During this course, I have taken a much broader approach to the study of theology. Having spent time in the course readings, viewing the course videos and understanding the true definition of theology, I see that a degree or a field of study is not needed to be a theologian. Theology defined is, “The study of religious faith, practice, and experience” (Merriam-Webster. 2023). Christ calls each of us know Him so that we can grow in knowledge. The Bible tells us in 1 Peter 2:2-3, “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:
If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious” (Holy Bible). Our ability to know Him
and what He truly wants and desires of us only comes through study. In this vein, my perception
of what theology is has truly changed. I believe that there are certain aspects in theological study
that take a much deeper look into the Word of God such as reading manuscripts in their original Greek or Hebrew, but truly anyone who studies God’s Word is, by definition, a theologian.
Theological Principles in Practice
The discussion assignments throughout this course offered me the opportunity to take a deeper look into Christianity and what it means to truly be a Christian. Having grown up in church, I felt that I had a deep understanding of Christ; however, this course has allowed me to look past what I believed that I knew and take a deeper look into the attributes of salvation and living for Christ. Looking through the prism of my worldview and dissecting it against how Dr. Etzel presented it in week five has given me a different perspective on how to apply the fundamentals of faith-based living in my daily life. It has offered me a different and refreshed perspective on living for Christ. I believe that most people become wrapped up in daily living,
and they often forget who should be at the center of their daily life and conversation. The Bible reminds me in Ephesians 4:22-24:
That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. (Holy Bible)
Theological Principles in Action
The lessons learned throughout this course on studying the Bible are incredibly tangible. The principles of theological study that have been taught are easy to convey, and I believe that the biggest hurdle to overcome is the term, “Theology.” As I indicated in my opening essay, the term is often seen as a scary term. Once a person understands that it is merely the study of Christ, the church and doctrine of salvation, these principles are easy to teach. I believe taking the biblical worldview, making it personal through application and living it daily is the best possible witness that we can be to those around us. James 1:22-24 reminds us:
But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any
be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in
a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. (Holy Bible)
Christ demands of us that we live for Him and bear fruit of our salvation. Dr. Etzel referred to the seven words that help frame how the gospel affects what we do, and within that lesson, many
were a call to action. Being active in the church and using our talents for Christ. Engaging people and sharing the gospel every moment we can.
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References Bullinger, E. W. (1999). Ephesians 4:22-24. In
The companion bible: The authorized version of 1611 with the structures and critical, explanatory, and suggestive notes and with 198 appendixes
. essay, Kregel Publications
Bullinger, E. W. (1999). 1 Peter 2:2-3. In
The companion bible: The authorized version of 1611 with the structures and critical, explanatory, and suggestive notes and with 198 appendixes
. essay, Kregel Publications
Bullinger, E. W. (1999). James 1:22-24. In
The companion bible: The authorized version of 1611 with the structures and critical, explanatory, and suggestive notes and with 198 appendixes
. essay, Kregel Publications
Definition of theology. (2023). In
Merriam-Webster Dictionary
. https://www.merriam- webster.com/dictionary/theology