When you think of the word theologian, what image comes to mind? Well-studied men gathering in the halls of academia pontificating religious philosophies? Pious men who’ve dedicated their lives to studying the Word of God, who meticulously pore over Scripture? Or famous theologians throughout the history of Christianity, such as Augustine of Hippo, Thomas Aquinas, Martin Luther, John Calvin, and C.S. Lewis?
Now consider this: everyone who thinks about or attempts to understand his or her Creator is a theologian. Since it is in the very nature of mankind to consider his origin and purpose, essentially EVERYONE is a theologian (but not everyone is a good one).
Which theologians have had the greatest impact on your life? Who told you that God made you in his image, read the Bible to you, shared the gospel with you, and helped you to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ?
For the New Testament preacher Timothy, the most influential theologians in his life were his mother and grandmother. The Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy:
“I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well.” (2 Timothy 1:5, ESV)
Lois and Eunice modeled sincere trust in God and imparted their faith to young Timothy, which is exactly what Christians must do today. Billy Graham once said, “The greatest legacy one can pass on to one’s children and grandchildren is not money or other material things accumulated in one’s life, but rather a legacy of character and faith.”
The mission of Raising Theologians is to encourage mothers, grandmothers, aunts, sisters, teachers—all women—to become better theologians so that they might pass on a legacy of character and faith to the next generation of believers.
Felicia Caid Smith is married with two little theologians who have a lot of BIG questions. She has an enthusiam for the Word of God and a calling to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ. When she is not speaking and blogging, she subs at her sons’ Christian school, co-leads a life group, and sings on the worship team at her church.
Felicia received both a Master of Theological Studies and Graduate Certificate of Greek Studies from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.