Theology To Sing About

by Blake Western

Theology is something Christians sing about. The Psalms are full of theological truths. Our hymn book is one of the best examples of the joy that we find in theology. And what is theology? It is the study of God. Christians should find no greater joy than in getting to know God better. Some people say, "it doesn't matter what you believe." But, it does matter indeed. It is the foundation upon which we build the Christian life. This book is not meant to be exhaustive. Nor is it meant to be a scholastic work such as would be used in a classroom. The topics covered are limited in scope. The purpose is to show that the core beliefs of the Christian faith are not dull and unnecessary. But, it is to show that they are stimulating, refreshing, and lead us to sing. To ignore theology is to build on the sand. To ignore it is to build on a floating iceberg. To ignore it is to build on a wisp of wind. We need something concrete, something enduring, something we can depend on, something we can sing about. It matters what we believe. It matters what a doctor believes. It matters what a bank believes. And it matters what the Christian believes. This book covers the central teachings of the Christian faith.

160 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 27, 2019

About the author

Graduated from Oklahoma Baptist University with a BA degree in 1957. My major was history with a minor in speech. In 1960 I graduated from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary with a BD degree. After pastoring churches in Oklahoma for 6 years I was appointed as a missionary to Japan by the International Mission Board, SBC. After completing formal language school, I moved to Hokkaido where I served until 1999.

Since retiring I have been taking short term mission trips to different countries in Africa, Asia, Brazil, and Cuba. I usually teach two classes in the Leadership Development Institutes, Lifestyle Evangelism and the Preeminence of Christ. In the First Baptist Church of Purcell I serve as the organist, sing in the choir, and sometimes play the piano.

Reviews

[Carter Hemphill · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Theology Manifesto From A Seasoned Follower of Christ (requires re-reading)

The author has written a deep theological dive into the significant aspects of Christianity. Each chapter is a dense summary of critical theological points, peppered with interesting quotes from a variety of well-respected Christian authors (many of which I highlighted). The book is a treatise by the author (who judging from his biography has had a rich experience as a missionary, evangelist, and pastor) who has summarized what he believes are the essential Christian doctrines which remain valid today, as supported by scripture. He doesn't provide much room for doubt -- boldly claiming what he believes about God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, the church, resurrection, and heaven, among others.

With the title "Theology to Sing About," the author does a great job addressing theology. Where the book falls short is the link to the traditional hymns, or "the Sing About" part of the title. While the author provides hymns at the end of each chapter, the connection between the hymns and the theology are only loosely connected. I would have preferred a more direct approach, such as a line-by-line interpretation of the hymns within the chapter. Nevertheless, I did have a newfound appreciation of the theological density of the hymns.

[Darlene Webster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring Christian Book

This book has uplifted me daily. I usually read a devotional shortly before going to sleep. Reading this book, I long to please my Savior more. I also long to live with Him eternally. The last chapter has a beautiful marvelous description of heaven. It’s surely “Something to Sing About”!