Just How Does One Study G!d?!

In the religions that believe in the G!d of scripture today, all too often there is a lack of true study, discussion, learning – or sometimes, even more sad, mention of G!d. But if a person says that he or she holds to the faith of one of these religions, does it not necessitate a care for G!d and his word – leading to an unquenchable desire to continue deepening a relationship by learning and studying, breathing and thinking about the words of scripture that may lead us to find even more complexing questions so we can interact with our Creator more?

That is the question posed in this article (written by HUC’s National Director of Admissions), and I echo her ideas.

Theology is the Greek word meaning literally: the study of G!d. In order to begin studying G!d, we must first ask questions. Judaism has always provided a wide space for questioning, and later religions often followed suit. Over the course of history, theology has gone in and out of style, taken on different names (such as spirituality), and developed into its own category. There are many good, helpful, strong forms of theology and many destructive, narrow, weak branches of theology. Sometimes the study of theology has replaced the study of G!d.

Through my studies, I hope to continually return to theology in the purest sense: the study of G!d that comes through questioning, delving deeper, and reaching farther into texts, traditions, tales, and trust than I have before. Psalm 63:2 is quoted in the article, expressing the inner cry for G!d: “My soul is desperately thirsty for a living G!d, that my heart and my whole being yearn for a living G!d.” The study of G!d has to rise from a deep-seated place within oneself. Without a desire for a closer relationship and a greater understanding, theology departs from its source: G!d.

“Theology guides us” – because G!d is our ultimate guide!