Doctrine Matters with Kevin DeYoung Is Theology Practical or Speculative?
Jan 13, 2026
Delve into the intriguing debate on whether theology is more practical or speculative. Explore Aquinas's view of theology as speculative knowledge about God. Discover Turretin's mixed approach, emphasizing both the theoretical and the practical. Kevin warns how focusing solely on practical theology can lead to heresy. He emphasizes knowing God as theology's chief relevance and the complementary roles of faith and reason. Unpack the relationship between philosophy and theology, highlighting reason's vital role in understanding doctrine.
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Theology Centers On Knowing God
- Theology rightly aims at knowing God, not merely human operations or techniques.
- Beholding God (beatific vision) is an intrinsic good and central goal of theology.
Theology Should Be Both Thoughtful And Practical
- True theology is mixed: both theoretical and practical together.
- Doctrinal knowledge should move believers toward godly living and operations.
Don't Let Practicalism Mask Heresy
- Beware calls to make theology exclusively practical as a way to avoid doctrinal truths.
- Reject reductions that sidestep doctrines like the Trinity, incarnation, and atonement.
