Why every Christian needs to understand basic theology and doctrine—no seminary degree required

In my previous post, we talked about what deconstruction really is and why it’s not something to fear.

If you missed that, deconstruction is simply the process of unpacking your faith and asking: “If my faith is a junk drawer, what stuff actually needs to be in this drawer? How do I make my faith more organized so it makes sense?“

Now that we’ve established that wanting your faith to make more sense is healthy, let’s talk about what you should focus on during this process: theology and doctrine.

The Problem with Modern Church Culture

One of my biggest frustrations with modern church culture (and honestly, this isn’t just a modern problem—historical churches did this too) is that we’ve created a consumer mentality around faith.

Here’s how it typically works:

• You show up to church
• You get your Jesus fix
• You listen to the sermon
• You go home and carry on with your life

This approach fails to properly disciple people. The church often doesn’t spend enough time teaching what theology and doctrine actually are, leaving Christians spiritually malnourished and unprepared for real faith challenges.

What is Theology? (It’s Not What You Think)

When I tell people “You are a theologian,” I usually get some interesting reactions. People think they need:

• A British accent
• To live in a monastery
• To work at Oxford or Cambridge
• A seminary degree

Here’s the truth: You don’t need any of those things to be a theologian.

The Simple Definition of Theology

A theologian is simply someone who thinks about and has conversations about God. That’s it. It’s not complicated, and you absolutely don’t need a seminary degree.

If you’re a Christian who thinks about God, asks questions about your faith, or discusses spiritual matters with others, congratulations—you’re already doing theology.

Why Understanding Doctrine Matters

Doctrine might sound like a heavy, intimidating term, but it’s really just the foundational beliefs that shape how we understand God and live out our faith.

Think of it this way: If faith is a vehicle, doctrine is like knowing the rules of the road. You want to drive well without hurting yourself or others in the process.

You Are a Temple: Why This Matters

As Christians, we believe that God no longer lives in a building. Thanks to Jesus, God now lives inside of us. Your body is a temple.

If your body is a building, you need to make sure that building is structurally sound from a theological and doctrinal standpoint. You can’t just wing it when it comes to foundational beliefs.

A Resource for Your Theological Journey

I want to recommend a fantastic resource that aligns perfectly with this mission of better discipleship: “You Are a Theologian” by Jen Wilkin and J.T. English.

(Note: This isn’t a sponsored recommendation—I just genuinely believe in what they’re doing.)

Why I Love This Book

Jen Wilkin and J.T. English are on a mission to disciple people better. They truly believe in helping Christians understand how to approach the Bible properly and build solid theological foundations.

This book works through some of the very basic tenets of theology in an accessible way, covering topics like:

• The doctrine of the Trinity
• The attributes of God
• What the Bible is (doctrine of Scripture)
• And other foundational concepts

The Right Way to Approach Deconstruction

Here’s something important: You can’t approach deconstruction in a haphazard way. You can’t just “wave sage and rub crystals” and call it spiritual growth.

There are actual “rules of the road” when it comes to sound theology and doctrine. These rules exist to protect you and help you build a faith that’s both authentic and biblically grounded.

Taking Ownership of Your Faith

The goal isn’t to make you dependent on pastors or theological experts for every spiritual question. The goal is to help you take ownership of your faith by understanding the foundational truths that have guided Christians for centuries.

What This Looks Like Practically

Taking ownership means:

• Learning to study Scripture for yourself
• Understanding basic theological concepts that shape Christian belief
• Being able to articulate what you believe and why
• Distinguishing between essential doctrines and personal preferences
• Growing in spiritual maturity rather than remaining spiritually dependent

Your Next Steps in Theological Growth

1. Start with the basics: Pick up resources like “You Are a Theologian” or other beginner-friendly theology books
2. Join a study group: Find others who want to grow in their understanding
3. Ask questions: Don’t be afraid to wrestle with difficult concepts
4. Be patient: Theological understanding develops over time
5. Stay humble: Remember that we’re all learning and growing

What’s Coming Next

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all this theology talk, don’t worry—it’s simpler than you think, and you’re going to be surprised by how accessible it really is. In my next post, (Episode #12) I’ll be covering the absolute basics that you need to call yourself a Christian while remaining theologically sound.

Final Thoughts

Remember, this journey of understanding theology and doctrine isn’t about making faith more complicated—it’s about making it more solid. When you understand the foundational truths of Christianity, you can navigate questions, doubts, and challenges with confidence.

You don’t need to be a seminary graduate or monastery dweller to engage with theology. You just need to be curious about God and willing to learn.

You are a theologian. Now let’s help you become a better one.

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Are you ready to take ownership of your theological understanding? What questions about Christian doctrine would you like to explore? Remember, every question is a step toward deeper faith.

Resources mentioned:

• “You Are a Theologian” by Jen Wilkin and J.T. English
• Previous post on deconstruction

Want to continue this conversation? Leave a comment below or message me privately with your questions.