From Herman Bavinck’s “The Certainty of Faith” we learn how science and other disciplines are unable to truly provide the certainty we need. However, theology, also, must be of a particular sort (i.e. not critical or merely historical) to provide certainty. Bavinck writes,

Nevertheless, there is also a practical side to theology that makes it akin to medicine. The theoretical knowledge of the doctor is doubtlessly very important, but his worth and the worth of his science only comes into its own when he heals people. Similarly, theology must prescribe medicine for the ailments of the soul. It must be able to say how and in what way we can be freed from or guilt, reconciled with God, attain to patience and hope amidst life’s tribulations, and find reason to sing praises in the face of death. A theology that does not concern itself with these things and only dedicates itself to critical and historical studies is not worthy of the name theology. And a theologian who is acquainted with all the latest issues of his science but who stands speechless at a sickbed and knows no answer to the questions of the lost sinner’s heart isn’t worth of his title and office.

Bavinck concludes the section with a realistic comment that we see verified in the days in which we live.

History and experience show us every day what is most expected from theology: it must nurture our certainty of faith. Otherwise, rather than seek help from an established science that can wax eloquent about illness but which cannot heal, the sick will turn to the first quack who comes along.

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