In this blog, I want to share some comments by L.S. Chafer (written in 1947).
Systematic Theology, the greatest of sciences, has fallen upon evil days. Between the rejection and ridicule of it by the so-called progressives and the neglect and abridgment of it by the (evangelicals), it, as a potent influence, is approaching the point of extinction. It is a significant fact that of the upward of two score accredited and notable works on Systematic Theology which have been produced in this and other countries, an exceedingly small portion is now in print and the demand for these works is negligible. The unchanging emphasis in the Scriptures upon doctrine, which subject is referred to in the New Testament more than forty times and is that to which a Christian is to “take heed” (1 Tim. 1:3; 4:6, 16; 2 Tim. 3;10; 16; 4:2,3), stands as a silent rebuke, whether heeded or not, to all modern notions which belittle the importance of Dogmatic Theology, and also stands as a corrective to those who neglect any portion of it.
It is no secret that the average minister is not now reading or teaching Systematic Theology, nor will such writings be found to occupy a prominent place in his library. Shocking indeed this condition would have been to ministers of two generations ago – men whose position was respected in their day because of their deep knowledge of the doctrinal portions of the Bible and whose spoken ministries and writings have gone far toward the upbuilding of the Church of Christ.
The present situation is not one of passing moment. As well might a medical doctor discard his books on anatomy and therapeutics as for the preacher to discard his books on Systematic Theology; and since doctrine is the bone structure of the body of revealed truth, the neglect of it must result in a message characterized by uncertainties, inaccuracies, and immaturity. What is the specific field of learning that distinguishes the ministerial profession if it is not the knowledge of the Bible and its doctrines? To the preacher is committed a responsibility of surpassing import. Men of other professions are tireless in their attempts to discover the truths and to perfect themselves in the use of the forces belonging to their various callings, though these be in the restricted field of material things. The preacher is called upon to deal with the things of God, the supernatural and eternal. His service is different from all others – different as to aims; different as to available forces and, of necessity, different as to adequate preparation, (yet) modern thinking tends to treat all matters of doctrine with contempt or indifference.
No substitute will ever be found for the knowledge of the Word of God. That Word alone deals with things eternal and infinite, and it alone has power to convert the soul and to develop a God-honoring spiritual life. . . To this every study (of the Scriptures) should be focused. Studies in theology, original languages and history should contribute to the one ideal, namely, the knowledge of Scripture. There are relational and pastoral problems concerning which a preacher should be instructed, but these are secondary compared to his call to minister the truth of God in fullness . . . It is not enough to enjoin Christians to be good. In the light of the superhuman manner of life belonging to their high calling, their own limitations, and the threefold conflict which they wage, their problem is one of “how to perform that which is good” (Rom. 7:18), and until the Apostle learned the precise features which govern the spiritual life, he knew only defeat (Rom. 7:15-24).
Patient and tireless study is required. . . Nothing need be said here of the tragedy which is enacted by a student of Systematic Theology who, for one reason or another, has failed to be introduced to the field of his science, and who therefore continues to preach only on the lower plane of human conduct and never, for lack of requisite understanding, expounds the soul-transforming doctrines of Scripture.
Many generations have passed since the pulpit has held lower ideals of doctrinal instruction than it holds today. Nevertheless, the human heart is unchanged and God’s remedy for sin-sick and unspiritual souls is the same, and the servant of God who would minister to these needs with true efficiency will discover the importance of unceasing study that he may himself prove to be unto God a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth (2 Tim. 2:15).
We can’t live what we don’t know (we can barely live what we do know).
The writer to the Hebrews explains the problem with the Hebrew Christians, why they have failed to enter the rest and to fulfill the calling God has given them. There is definite application for all of us in the instruction of Hebrews. This problem can be summed up in chapter 6:1-3,
Therefore, leaving the elementary teachings about the Christ, let us press on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, of instruction about cleansings and laying on of hands, and the resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment. And this we will do if God permits.
There is a foundation of instruction in doctrine (theology) that all young believers are expected to learn. Once that foundation is laid, it is anticipated that they will move on into those doctrines that are beyond the foundational truths. They are to move from the basic doctrines of Christianity to the more advanced doctrines, growing in grace and the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. If they fail to do so, they remain in spiritual stagnation and infancy (Hebrews 5:11-14; 1 Corinthians 3:1-3). They never understand either the truths or experience of mature Christianity and hence fail to fulfill their calling in life – to walk worthy of that calling (Eph. 4:1). In addition, failure to move forward in this way also results in deception and carnality (Ephesians 4:14, James 1:22).
It is my perception that in most of our contemporary churches Sunday morning is dedicated to an ongoing repetition of laying random pieces of the foundation of Christian doctrine. We never fully lay that foundation nor do we move forward from there. As a result, Christian maturity and the understanding of the Systematic Theology (the essential doctrines of our faith) are missing in the majority of our congregations. And since we lack the spiritual comprehension needed to live by the Spirit of God in all things, we sense that something is missing. But instead of doing what is most needed, learning and growing in our knowledge of God’s Word, we do what Martha did – we compensate by getting busy for Jesus (Luke 10:40-42).
When we are busy it gives us a feeling of accomplishment and medicates the absence of the peace and rest that comes with the mature spiritual life within. Mary understood; Martha didn’t.
L.S. Chafer also understood.
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