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Tired of hearing that theology is only for scholars or that doctrine divides people? This illuminating conversation with Dr. Walter Johnson, retired dean of Christian Studies at North Greenville University, makes a compelling case for why theological understanding matters deeply for every believer.

Dr. Johnson brilliantly distinguishes between merely knowing about God and truly knowing Him, explaining that while "you can know a lot about God without knowing him, I don't think you can know him very well without knowing a lot about him." This insight forms the foundation for a discussion about how theological understanding transforms our relationship with God and shapes faithful Christian living.

The hosts tackle practical challenges of teaching theology in local churches, acknowledging that many believers find the subject intimidating. Rather than announcing a "systematic theology" series that might draw only the pastor's spouse, they suggest creative approaches: teaching through a church's doctrinal statement, comparing Christianity with other religions, or working through theologically-rich books of the Bible. The goal isn't academic knowledge but spiritual transformation.

Perhaps most compelling is the protective function of sound doctrine. Just as Secret Service agents study genuine currency so thoroughly they immediately recognize counterfeits, Christians grounded in biblical truth can readily identify false teaching. As Hosea warned, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge"—a sobering reminder of what's at stake when believers neglect theological understanding.

The conversation concludes with each participant sharing books that sparked their theological journeys—from Packer's "Knowing God" to Calvin's "Institutes"—demonstrating how theological reading can transform not just understanding but devotion to God. These personal testimonies reinforce that theology isn't merely academic but deeply practical and spiritually enriching.

Want to deepen your own theological understanding? Subscribe to Courier Conversations on your favorite podcast platform, visit baptistcourier.com for daily content, and consider sharing this episode with someone who might benefit from seeing theology in a new light.

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Doctrinal avoidance has become a disturbing trend in modern churches, exemplified by an Arizona pastor who proudly declared: "I don't do doctrine or theology, it's too divisive. I just love Jesus and love other people."

This episode tackles this theological aversion head-on with Dr. Walter Johnson, retired dean of Christian Studies at North Greenwood University. He expertly dissects why this pastor's statement is fundamentally self-contradictory – the moment someone preaches about Jesus, they're engaging in theology. The question isn't whether you're doing theology, but whether you're doing it well.

We explore the historical roots of anti-intellectualism in American Christianity, tracing how the Second Great Awakening shifted focus from scriptural depth to emotional experience, and how fundamentalism's withdrawal from intellectual engagement created a false association between theological thinking and liberalism. The shift from Jonathan Edwards' substantive preaching to Charles Finney's emotional appeals fundamentally altered how American Christians approach doctrine.

Dr. Johnson offers profound insights: "Truth is divisive – it divides truth from error, right from wrong, and ultimately heaven from hell." Yet this necessary division differs from being divisively argumentative. When Christians lack theological understanding, they remain vulnerable to false teachings, unable to distinguish between the biblical Jesus and counterfeit versions offered by various groups.

The consequences are startling – less than 5% of Christians can articulate the fundamental differences between orthodox Christianity and Mormon theology. Without systematic understanding, believers lack the framework to interpret Scripture coherently or engage with competing worldviews.

Ready to deepen your theological understanding? Join us for part two where we'll explore practical ways to implement systematic theology in your local church. Subscribe now and follow the Baptist Courier for more resources that inform and inspire believers beyond surface-level spirituality.

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The most devastating wildfires in upstate South Carolina history have ravaged more than 13,500 acres, raising profound questions about divine purpose amid suffering. Where exactly is God when natural disasters strike? Why does a good and all-powerful Creator allow earthquakes, hurricanes, and wildfires to devastate communities?

Host Jeff Robinson shares his experience pastoring in Birmingham during America's largest tornado outbreak, when he boldly placed "Where was God?" on the church marquee—drawing hundreds seeking answers to life's most challenging theological question. Co-host Travis Kearns unpacks the philosophical tension articulated by Friedrich Nietzsche: If God is all-good and all-powerful, why does evil exist?

The conversation examines Scripture's anticipation of this question, particularly through Job's experience as the righteous sufferer who lost everything while remaining faithful. We explore how God permits Satan to test Job while maintaining ultimate sovereignty—what Charles Spurgeon called "a lion on a leash." This biblical framework helps us navigate contemporary disasters from recent wildfires to devastating earthquakes.

Romans 8:28 emerges as the theological anchor, promising that "God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God." This doesn't mean disasters themselves are good, but that God mysteriously works through them toward ultimate good for believers. Jesus' response to the Tower of Siloam tragedy further illuminates how we should interpret catastrophic events—not as specific punishment, but as reminders of our mortality and need for repentance.

Rather than questioning God's character when tragedy strikes, this episode invites listeners to recognize divine sovereignty operating beyond human comprehension while finding comfort in God's presence amid life's most challenging storms. The conversation concludes with a powerful call to share the gospel with renewed urgency, knowing tomorrow isn't promised for anyone.

Have you wrestled with God's role in natural disasters? Share your experience or questions with us at conversations@baptistcourier.com.

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