When Theology Goes Public: How Self-Justification Distorts Systematic Thought
In today’s world, theology is no longer just something discussed in seminaries or within church walls. It has entered public spaces—news, social media, politics, and protest movements. This shift, often called Public Theology , is important because it brings faith into real-world conversations. But with that shift comes a challenge: When theology is done in public, it can easily become more about defending ourselves than seeking truth. That’s where self-justification begins to distort how we think theologically. Systematic Theology is meant to be a clear, organized way of understanding what we believe about God, humanity, sin, salvation, and more. It helps create consistency in our faith and connects different beliefs into one big picture. However, when Systematic Theology becomes influenced by the need to be “right” in public discussions, it often loses its depth. Instead of asking tough questions or being open to mystery and humility, theologians and public voices sometime...