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 sometimes bend theology to defend their viewpoints, backgrounds, or institutions. This is where self-justification sneaks in—not to build understanding, but to protect ego or reputation.

In Public Theology, the goal is to bring faith into dialogue with the world. It should be about listening, learning, and speaking with honesty. But when theologians feel pressured to represent their tradition flawlessly or avoid criticism, they may start twisting ideas to make them look better than they are. They may offer overly clean answers instead of wrestling with doubt, injustice, or failure. The risk is that theology becomes a performance rather than a pursuit of truth.

The tension between Public Theology and Systematic Theology is not a bad thing—it can push theology to be both thoughtful and relevant. But only if it resists the urge to justify itself at every step. Honest theology doesn’t always have to win the argument. Sometimes, it just needs to witness, confess, or even admit uncertainty.

To move forward, theologians and public thinkers alike need to be more aware of how self-justification can limit their work. Real change happens when we approach theology with open hands, not clenched fists. When we let go of the need to always be right, theology becomes more alive, more honest, and more able to serve the world it seeks to understand.