The test of good theology

Last week I suggested that good theology is practical and belongs to normal people, not academics. Some people still complained that the theology they know is dry and argumentative – which means either my definition is wrong or they’ve only experienced bad theology.

Dallas Willard tells us how we can know if any theology is good or not:

The acid test for any theology is this: Is the God presented one that can be loved, heart, soul, and strength? If the thoughtful, honest answer is; “Not really,” then we need to look elsewhere or deeper. It does not really matter how sophisticated intellectually or doctrinally our approach is. If it fails to set a lovable God – a radiant, happy, friendly, accessible, and totally competent being – before ordinary people, we have gone wrong. We should not keep going in the same direction, but turn around and take another road.