Are people interested in theology these days?

[evangelist6589]

In this FaceBook, Twitter, YouTube, and cell phone generation are people even interested in theology? I love to read books in addition to my Bible but usually have a hard time (other than this board) getting much of an interest in others for books. Many Christians do not seem to enjoy reading theology books. Many enjoy the Purpose Driven Life, and books like that one on self-help. But doctrine, exegesis, theology, prophecy, apologetics, and other such books do not seem to me a interest for many Christians. Is anyone else having this problem? How did people spend their time in the 1980's and earlier before the advent of cell phones, and personal computers? My guess would be more time spent in conversation with loves ones, and more time reading books.

In 1996 and earlier I spent more time outside and more time with others in conversation. I remember going to a church bible study in those days and we got very very deep. People made theology and doctrine a priority and did not have cell phones to obsess and distract them in their Bible study. I remember going to a youth camp and people spending lots of time playing social games with one another, and more time in conversation & bible reading. Go to that camp these days and people will be spending more time with their cell phones..

 

[Oldtimer]

Let me pose an even more simple question.

How many Christians read their Bibles?

The one book that most of them own and will carry back and forth to church on Sunday. If they bother to carry one. If they bother to go to church.


Edit: This is spoken from experience. I know how many years my Bible collected dust. Had to hunt for it when I woke up and returned to church.

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

Have you read Tom Bryants commentary about the churches in Florida, while there are allot of them, they are virtually empty certain months of the year....blah, blah, blah

To directly address the OP question....my answer is no; nobody has any interest (never did, not by themselves). It takes the Holy Spirit to awaken a human from his or her sin nature....even then, most are carnal. & when pastors dont come to New Jersey...ha ha, the populous just defaults to distractions (TV, Video Games, Internet, cell phones, porn, affairs, alcohol, drugs, gambling......you know, SIN.

 

[evangelist6589]

Let me pose an even more simple question.

How many Christians read their Bibles?

The one book that most of them own and will carry back and forth to church on Sunday. If they bother to carry one. If they bother to go to church.


Edit: This is spoken from experience. I know how many years my Bible collected dust. Had to hunt for it when I woke up and returned to church.

I spend time in the word daily. Most dont carry Bibles, they carry cell phones.

 

[evangelist6589]

Have you read Tom Bryants commentary about the churches in Florida, while there are allot of them, they are virtually empty certain months of the year....blah, blah, blah

To directly address the OP question....my answer is no; nobody has any interest (never did, not by themselves). It takes the Holy Spirit to awaken a human from his or her sin nature....even then, most are carnal. & when pastors dont come to New Jersey...ha ha, the populous just defaults to distractions (TV, Video Games, Internet, cell phones, porn, affairs, alcohol, drugs, gambling......you know, SIN.

I have had the problem before as well as I am not claiming to be any better than the rest. Yes the Holy Spirit awoke me, but also free will played a part as well as I believe both me & the Holy Spirit can work. The Holy Spirit has introduced me to a popular book called Respectable Sins which I may get next month.

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

I have had the problem before as well as I am not claiming to be any better than the rest. Yes the Holy Spirit awoke me, but also free will played a part as well as I believe both me & the Holy Spirit can work. The Holy Spirit has introduced me to a popular book called Respectable Sins which I may get next month.

I was just recalling that Nicholas Cage did a movie in 2000 called "The Family Man" ....its about a guy that is very successful in pursuing his own agenda & then an angel shows him his alternative life had he married his College girl friend & settled down & had a family....point is, how those sacrifices pay off. Even set in New Jersey (Lol). Fun movie. Here is the trailer.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QStxQ7r1qyM

 

[Greektim]

In this FaceBook, Twitter, YouTube, and cell phone generation are people even interested in theology? I love to read books in addition to my Bible but usually have a hard time (other than this board) getting much of an interest in others for books. Many Christians do not seem to enjoy reading theology books. Many enjoy the Purpose Driven Life, and books like that one on self-help. But doctrine, exegesis, theology, prophecy, apologetics, and other such books do not seem to me a interest for many Christians. Is anyone else having this problem? How did people spend their time in the 1980's and earlier before the advent of cell phones, and personal computers? My guess would be more time spent in conversation with loves ones, and more time reading books.

In 1996 and earlier I spent more time outside and more time with others in conversation. I remember going to a church bible study in those days and we got very very deep. People made theology and doctrine a priority and did not have cell phones to obsess and distract them in their Bible study. I remember going to a youth camp and people spending lots of time playing social games with one another, and more time in conversation & bible reading. Go to that camp these days and people will be spending more time with their cell phones..

The resurgence of reformed theology and the neo-reformed movement is an example where in some places theology is on the rise.

 

[evangelist6589]

I was just recalling that Nicholas Cage did a movie in 2000 called "The Family Man" ....its about a guy that is very successful in pursuing his own agenda & then an angel shows him his alternative life had he married his College girl friend & settled down & had a family....point is, how those sacrifices pay off. Even set in New Jersey (Lol). Fun movie. Here is the trailer.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QStxQ7r1qyM

I have that one. Yeah decent moral application. I would not base my theology off it, but yes thee are some moral and ethical truths in the film.

 

[evangelist6589]

The resurgence of reformed theology and the neo-reformed movement is an example where in some places theology is on the rise.

I am not in the Reformed movement.

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

I am not in the Reformed movement.

I dont consider myself Reformed. I consider myself RE-Born. One is man made & the other is of the Holy Spirit.

 

[Van]

Hi Evangelist6589, I like to discuss theology, but anytime the bible teaches against the traditional views of other posters, they seek to derail the discussion and change the subject.

If you would like to discuss theology, send me a private message.

 

[plain_n_simple]

"Are people interested in theology these days?"

Most people are complacent in the church. They said a prayer to get to heaven, and that is all they are concerned with. Others see a deeper meaning and truly seek God. Though I disagree with most on this board, I have a great respect for their desire and their exhaustive study of the word.

Most people in the world want to see results or proof. Sadly, the majority of Christians cannot prove a thing, so they are left with being seen as fools believing in a God that is invisable.

 

[Don]

I spend time in the word daily. Most dont carry Bibles, they carry cell phones.

That's why I have a Bible app on my cell phone....

 

[Winman]

Theology is like restaurants, you get what they serve. If you go to an Italian restaurant, expect to see pizza or spagetti on the menu, if you go to a Chinese restaurant, expect to see General Tso's Chicken or Egg Foo Yung.

If you read Reformed books, expect to see arguments that support Reformed Theology, if you read Charismatic books, expect to see arguments that support speaking in tongues, or healings, etc...

If you have already decided what you desire to believe, just pick the theology that suits you, just like a restaurant.

2 Tim 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;

I used to read a lot when I was young, but this is what I observed. If you want to know the truth, study your Bible.

I am not against study, or learning from wise people who know the scriptures at all. But just be aware that many have already decided what they believe, and can twist scripture to support it.

Read it all, and compare to scripture as your authority.

 

[Don]

In this FaceBook, Twitter, YouTube, and cell phone generation are people even interested in theology? I love to read books in addition to my Bible but usually have a hard time (other than this board) getting much of an interest in others for books. Many Christians do not seem to enjoy reading theology books. Many enjoy the Purpose Driven Life, and books like that one on self-help. But doctrine, exegesis, theology, prophecy, apologetics, and other such books do not seem to me a interest for many Christians. Is anyone else having this problem? How did people spend their time in the 1980's and earlier before the advent of cell phones, and personal computers? My guess would be more time spent in conversation with loves ones, and more time reading books.

In 1996 and earlier I spent more time outside and more time with others in conversation. I remember going to a church bible study in those days and we got very very deep. People made theology and doctrine a priority and did not have cell phones to obsess and distract them in their Bible study. I remember going to a youth camp and people spending lots of time playing social games with one another, and more time in conversation & bible reading. Go to that camp these days and people will be spending more time with their cell phones..

Take a look at 1 Corinthians 12, and 1 Peter 4:11, and ask yourself: are we all the same? Or are we all given different gifts, to be used for the same purpose?

For example, I don't know you; do you sing? Or do you have a knack for teaching? How about organization, or governing? Or are your gifts more towards the open-air preaching you tell us about?

We should all study to show ourselves approved; but remember that not all of us are the same, have the same gifts, have the same talents/abilities. For some of us, theology is interesting and appealing; for others, it's challenging, and can be frustrating. That's not to say we should give up, and just sit in the pew and let someone else tell us what they think the bible says; it's just a caution that we shouldn't shoehorn all others into a certain cookie-cutter mold. God certainly didn't; so why should we expect everyone to be the same?

 

[Greektim]

I am not in the Reformed movement.

How about a reading movement? Are you in one of those???

You asked the question if people are still interested in theology. I gave a segment of society (brandished as it were) who are interested.

 

[SolaSaint]

I love reading books on theology and apologetics but I'm like the OP seems most today aren't interested. Doesn't mean that is wrong as others have said they may have other interests or gifts. In several churches I have attended when you mention theology or apolgetics you get a lot of blank stares. I feel it is sad for if you mention the latest books from Osteen, Warren, Joyce Meyer or the Shack you'll get several positive remarks.

 

[SolaSaint]

In this FaceBook, Twitter, YouTube, and cell phone generation are people even interested in theology? I love to read books in addition to my Bible but usually have a hard time (other than this board) getting much of an interest in others for books. Many Christians do not seem to enjoy reading theology books. Many enjoy the Purpose Driven Life, and books like that one on self-help. But doctrine, exegesis, theology, prophecy, apologetics, and other such books do not seem to me a interest for many Christians. Is anyone else having this problem? How did people spend their time in the 1980's and earlier before the advent of cell phones, and personal computers? My guess would be more time spent in conversation with loves ones, and more time reading books.

In 1996 and earlier I spent more time outside and more time with others in conversation. I remember going to a church bible study in those days and we got very very deep. People made theology and doctrine a priority and did not have cell phones to obsess and distract them in their Bible study. I remember going to a youth camp and people spending lots of time playing social games with one another, and more time in conversation & bible reading. Go to that camp these days and people will be spending more time with their cell phones..

What are your three favorite books on theology? I read the Holiness of God by R C Sproul about a year ago and found it to be one of the best books on God I've ever read. Have you read it? I love reading MacArthur, A W Pink and Sproul mostly.

 

[SolaSaint]

What happened to this thread? I guess study of Theology is dead to most today.

 

[Michael Wrenn]

What happened to this thread? I guess study of Theology is dead to most today.

I love theology; it's one of my passions. I study it now like I did 35 years ago.

I would list some theology books that are my favorite, but doing so would open the door for more personal attacks, so I'll refrain.