Doctrine can sometimes be daunting.

And because of this, we struggle to feel confident in what we say we believe,

preferring to leave the study of theology to pastors and seminary students.

Perhaps we're worried that we'll get it wrong,

or worried that will be too dogmatic,

especially in the midst of a culture that praises tolerance

and inclusivity.

My guest today is Samuel James, and in our conversation, he walks through a number of common

misconceptions and fears that we often have when it comes to thinking about our theology,

ultimately making the case that what you believe matters today and for eternity.

Samuel serves as an associate acquisitions editor at Crossway.

He writes regularly about Christianity, technology, and culture,

and is the author of Does It Matter What I Believe from Crossway?

Let's get started.

Okay. from Crossway. Let's get started. Well, Samuel, thank you so much for joining me today on the Crossway podcast.

Thanks, Matt. Glad to be here.

So today we're going to talk about a few common objections or at least concerns that I think

sometimes Christians have when it comes to understanding

the importance of theology, of doctrine for our lives as believers.

And I'd love for you to kind of respond in turn, also to play devil's advocate to you as we

talk. So the first question that we've all heard or concern we've all heard is,

what we say to the person who says that theology just isn't very practical.

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