True but we're not talking about physics. Everyone has some sort of concept of God (even atheists) and that, by nature, makes them a theologian. Christians would be hard press to argue that they should NOT become well verse in theology when it is through theology we understand God. The issue becomes whether our theology is correct.
>> Everyone has some sort of concept of [physics] (even [Luddites]) and that, by nature, makes them a [physicist]. [Scientists] would be hard press to argue that they should NOT become well verse in [physics] when it is through [physics] we understand [the physical universe]. The issue becomes whether our [physics are] correct. <<
:^)
I whole-heartedly agree with the notion that all Christians should study theology, just as all scientists should study physics. My point was to emphasize the fact that just ahving some vague notion of the laws of the universe (whether physics or theology) does not make one either a physicist or a theologian.
Just like physics, there is one truth in theology. Just like physics, many essentials required for living a decent life can be readily discerned. Just like physics, this common-sense experiences can cloud larger truths. Just as a man would be a fool to listen to a sicentist who told him that the laws of nature had been changed, and he may now safely walk off ledges, a Christian must rely on his own wisdom when theologians tell him to do evil things. But just like physics, one must study with academic rigor, and become more knowledgeable than the past experts before he can teach his findings as truth.
Universal truth lies in our intellect, not in our feelings, althogh our feelings can sustain our inquiry. Yet, the various bishops and preachers of the world are like mere teachers; it is the great saints who are our engineers in the science of God. We do well to learn as we are taught, but we should not fancy ourselves all to be experts, substituting our own thoughts for the wisdom of the great saints, for they have read the same book we have, and have mastered its lessons far better.