During the Reformation, all of society was changing thanks to theological giants like Luther, Calvin, Melanchthon, and Zwingli. Today, with the multiplication of learning, knowledge and technology, theological trends are segmented and individualized. Consider Erickson's statement here:
Theology is now being done in a period characterized by, among other things, a "knowledge explosion." The amount of information is growing so rapidly that mastery of a large area of thought is becoming increasingly difficult. While this is especially true in technological areas, biblical and theological knowledge is also much broader than it once was. The result has been a much greater degree of specialization than was previously the case. In biblical studies, for example, New Testament scholars tend to specialize in the Gospels or in the Pauline writings. Church historians tend to specialize in one period, such as the Reformation. Consequently, research and publication are often in narrower areas and in greater depth.
This means that the systematic theologian will find it increasingly difficult to cover the entire range of doctrines. Systematic theology is further complicated by the fact that it requires a knowledge of all of Scripture and of the development of thought throughout the whole history of the church. Millard J. Erickson, Christian Theology, 2nd ed. (Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker Book House, 1998), 66.
It's come to that. We need to study our Bibles MORE not less. We need to tell the next generation, ( Psalms 78:4, Deuteronomy 6:1-9, John 14:6 ) what a privilege and blessing it is to be a Christian and a servant of God. Don't let the Devil steal your knowledge of God by making Bible study, theology, and the study of doctrines sound boring. Learn what you don't know and discover that God is a God of grace and mercy. (Romans 5:1, 1 John 1:9, Romans 10:9-10) For this generation, and the one that is to come.
i completely agree sir.
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