God, god, or gods

God, god, or gods


One of the quickest ways to turn an audience into a crowd of very displeased antagonists is to begin speaking about the topic of theology. Most of the participants immediately understand this to be a moment of very boring conversation between a pointy-headed academic and a bunch of Good Ol’ Boys. The former uses a dictionary full of unimportant words. The latter understands not one bit of what is being said. Theology is for preachers, priests, and seminary professors.

This could not be further from the truth. No. It is true about the reaction that has just been cited. It is not true that theology is only for preachers, priests, and seminary professors. In fact, everyone with the ability to communicate has a theology. Theological opinions are as numerous as fleas on an outside dog, and as appreciated.

The word theology comes from two Greek words. ‘Theos’ means God. ‘Logos’ is the Greek word for word. Simply stated. The definition of theology is a ‘god words’, or a word about God.

Everyone has a word, words, or thoughts about God, god, or gods. They have a theology. Some theologies are more developed than others. Some are simple. Some can be so convoluted that they fill volumes. But whether simple or complicated, most of these theologies are added to each day by their advocates. A theology is like any individual thought system. From the moment of the initial thought rumination to the moment that life leaves that individual, theology is being developed.

Now a quick lesson in theology, if you please, is tantamount to understanding this argument about the universality of theology. First, there has to be a first point. Where does the pencil make the first point on the paper? Where is the starting point? What is the primary presupposition?

An atheist will start thoughts on theology by a very short and simple word, ‘No’. No, there is no god. An agnostic will say that there is no knowledge, or ability to know about God, god, or gods. ‘Gnostic’ means knowledge, and an ‘a’ before that knowledge negates it.

There are theologies built upon acquiring the knowledge of God, god, or gods from nature, animals, spirits, philosophic arguments, systematic arguments, and even from the Bible. Theology is not only Christian, but is Jewish, Muslim, hedonistic, animistic, or many many other flavors. Theology is everywhere.

Theology may begin with simple questions. Why am I here? Do I have meaning? Is there anyone or anything outside of this universe with an interest in what is going on here? When I die will I be like Rover? When he died, he died all over. Is there an afterlife? Is it possible that I might come back as a slug or a cockroach?

Theology? Yes, it can be very complicated. No, it is not the conversation of an elite few. We all have an interest in theology. Some believe that life depends upon it.