CS Lewis on the Practicality of Theology

Tim Davis

Theology often feels technical and dry.

I think this is partly due to the fact that doing theology takes mental work. But does our relationship with God require this kind of work? Should any relationship?

I think this is why CS Lewis says, “That is just why a vague religion—all about feeling God in nature, and so on—is so attractive. It is all thrills and no work.”[1] 

But doing theology—I hope you’ll see—is deeply practical.

THEOLOGY IS RELATIONAL

When I was dating my wife, I wanted to know her more—her likes, dislikes, what makes her tick and what brings her joy. For the record, I still want to know her more. 

Lewis says something similar. He writes, “Theology means ‘the science of God’, and I think any man who wants to think about God at all would like to have the clearest and most accurate ideas about him which are available.”[2]

In other words, if you truly love another personal being, it’s natural to want to know them more. 

This brings us into the heart of theology. As Lewis says, it’s the “science of God.” More to the point: when you do theology, you are talking about God or talking to him. Theology, then, is an inherently relational enterprise. 

But how is it practical? 

THEOLOGY IS LIKE A MAP

Lewis offers a helpful illustration: theology is like a map. Looking at a map isn’t the same as looking at the beach. Likewise, listening to a teacher discuss God’s attributes is a wholly different activity than relying on God’s character. 

But both the map, and doing theology, are extremely helpful.

Lewis offers two reasons. First, maps are accurate because they’re based on thousands of people’s experiences trekking new trails are charting the ocean. With one look at the map, you’re encountering a long history of conversation and study. Second, if you want to travel anywhere new, a map is necessary. Of course, if you’re content hiking the same trails, going to the same grocery story, and eating at the same restaurants, you don’t need a map. But if you want adventure and exploration, a map is necessary.

So it is with theology. 

Theology brings us into church history’s long dialogue. Left to our own devices, we’ll settle for those doctrines that seem relevant at the time. But if you enter the 2,000-year dialogue, your knowledge and love of God will expand. And isn’t this what you want: to know more about the person you love?

Likewise, if you want to grow—if you want adventure and exploration—theology is necessary. Whether you want to explore what it could look like for your home to be an outpost of God’s kingdom, how to grow in holiness, or how to strengthen your liturgical practices without falling into rote ritualism, you need theology. 

Vague religion with all its thrills and no work may seem appealing at first, but vibrant theological study offers you a holiday at sea.