Let’s think about something interesting:

Theology!

Are you still reading? What could be more boring than theology, for most modern people? That word means something like the philosophy of God, and it is more important than most of us know.

As I write this, news stories keep coming, by Internet, television, or radio, about the recent attack on Iran. I am no expert on that subject, and I won’t add many comments to the massive discussion that is happening around the world.

On thing is worth mentioning; Iran is self described as an “Islamic Republic” ruled by a religious group. Theology is very important for the news that is coming to us from the Middle East, and other news from other locations.

I recently talked to someone about a near car accident that I almost had several years back. A traffic light had just turned green, and I was about to drive my young family through a busy intersection when I noticed that my young son had dripped some of his snack onto my jacket in the back seat of the car.

I leaned back to move my jacket and correct my son, when I heard a strange sound. Someone raced through the red light with another car, and just missed me. Possibly the other car was stolen, and probably the driver was a criminal. That could have been the end of me, except for that distraction and my short delay.

The person I told my story to had one comment; the “Universe” spoke to me, and saved my life. We should understand that “Universe” is the word some people use for “God” and my friend inserted some theology into my story.

A divine force saved my life many years ago.

I am writing as a Christian, and I believe that God intervened, and saved me from a terrible accident. Some people prefer the word “Universe.”

If we want to understand what is happening in the news, it is important to know that we have belief systems, and they function like religions. Those religions dominate the news and change the history of the world. We know that must be true, in the Islamic Republic of Iran, especially when the Jewish state of Israel is also involved.

We cannot separate world news, and unfolding history, from what we believe. As believers, we shape our lives and give direction to world history, through what we choose to believe.

Here is an example of theology in one religion, and it explains why fear is an important part of so many religions and belief systems.

Below is one theological explanation and in this case, the speaker is a Muslim religious leader. Many belief systems put a strong emphasis on fear, and they motivate us by scaring us.

I don’t want to criticize one religion, like Islam, but this is a good explanation:

So, what do you believe? And do you believe because you are driven by fear? According to many people, you should do that.

That belief in the importance of fear helps us to understand what is happening, in history. Some people believe that you can find the truth when you are afraid. That is the best way to move your life forward, into the truth that can save you.

I know some Christians with a belief like that, and many politicians motivate us with fear. Some news sources use fear and force as an editorial policy. Our thinking and motivation is motivated by fear.

Theology, or belief systems, control most of what we do and believe. Centuries ago, in the Crusades, people who identified as Christian, fought against armies of Muslims. Both sides tried their best to use force and violence to drive humans into their version of the truth.

If you want to understand what is happening in world news, it is important to know that many people in the world believe that we should be frightened and forced into important truth.

One modern example is Communism, a controlling belief system, that was supposed to replace all religions. Fear and force has been their depraved service to the human race.

When we know that, we can understand what is happening to our modern world. For many people, using force and spreading fear are important ways to bring us to the truth. We are living in one of those times:

So, is there any hope? Do you believe that fear and terror will bring us to the truth?

We have examples of hope, in the Bible:

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)

And remember the Christmas story:

In the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:8 to 11)

We can easily miss the point that we are directed to the truth, in the Bible, with words like “fear not” and “great joy.” This is radically different from many beliefs, in our world, and the Bible words don’t fit with the important stories that we are learning about in the news. 

There is a different way, and theology is more important than most people know.

So, what belief do you want to fill your life with?

This is a good time to get out of step with history: