A World of Endless Wonder

Published on Updated on Bible, Theology, Wonder

Why do people read the Bible and Theology? There are four main reasons. But all four reasons are limiting. We urge you to be open to more. Much more.

 

 

FOUR REASONS

 

Here are four main reasons why people read the Bible and Theology:

 

Reason 1. To learn more about the Faith

Some people read the Bible and Theology so they can learn. They are on a personal journey where the goal is to grow in their understanding of the faith.

We encourage this. Strongly.

 

Reason 2. To grow as Disciples of the Lord Jesus

Some people read the Bible and Theology to help them grow as a disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ. They want to become better disciples.

We encourage this. Strongly.

 

Reason 3. To be able to Minister to other People

Some people read the Bible and Theology to help them minister to other people. They want their ministry to be more effective.

We encourage this. Strongly.

 

Reason 4. To grow Closer in their Relationship with Jesus Christ

Some people read the Bible and Theology to help them grow closer in their relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. They want to improve their relationship with Christ.

After all, eternal life is knowing God the Father and Jesus Christ (see John 17:3).

We encourage this. Strongly.

 

TOO LIMITING

 

Those are four great reasons for reading the Bible and Theology.

But as great as they are, all four reasons are limiting. They treat the text as having Instrumental value instead of Intrinsic value.

 

Instrumental value

When we treat something as an Instrumental value, we treat it as a means to an end.

  • We only use a hammer only because we want to pound in a nail.
  • We only use a washing machine because we want to wash our clothes.

That’s how those four reasons treat the Bible and Theology. People read the Bible and Theology, not for its own sake, but as a way to get something else.

 

Intrinsic value

When we treat something as an Intrinsic value, we treat it as being desirable for its own sake, regardless of any instrumental value.

Happiness and pleasure are have Intrinsic value. They are desirable for their own sake, regardless of any instrumental value.

Reading the Bible and Theology for their own sake is to treat them as an Intrinsic value.

 

SEEK MORE

 

If we read the Bible and Theology for any of those four reasons, we will eventually miss out on so much.

We will miss out on portions the size of continents.

But if we treat the Bible and Theology as having Intrinsic value, we will open ourselves to more.

Much more.

As you read the Bible and Theology, I invite you to be open to the entire text. Let the text wow you.

Let yourself be swept up into A World of Endless Wonder.

And wonder is there, in abundance. It is eager to be found.