Divine Mysteries and Worship

Good systematic theology of the Great Mysteries of the Faith (Trinity, Incarnation, and others) teaches us not only about the essential dimensions of these mysteries which we must know, but also how to understand that these are mysteries which we must contemplate in worship with awe and wonder.

In other words, a mystery is not a "wall," shutting out our thoughts with intellectual complexity.  Rather, it is a revelation of the unfathomable depth of the greatness, glory and goodness of God.  A divine mystery is, therefore, a well of life, by which we contemplate God's glory.

The mystery of the Trinity and the mystery of the Incarnation are things about which we must speak, according to the terms of Scripture.  We must know these facts, insofar as they are revealed.   This is part of accepting the gospel.  We need to get the revealed dimensions right.  But, do not think that a mystery of the Divine Nature and Divine Works is simply an intellectual thing that only experts might understand, neither let it only function as an object of rote memorization.  Rather, understand such a mystery as leading to the worship of God, where we peer into Him and His works with ever-increasing joy and wonder for all eternity.  The more "expert" we become in the contemplation of such mysteries, the less we have intellectual complacency in our knowledge, and the more we appreciate the unfathomable depth of the great glory of God.

The function of good systematic theology, therefore, is to bring these awesome mysteries before us to stimulate our worship, by which we are moved by God's Glory, in our mind, emotion, and will to serve Him as our God.

In this way, the theological discipline is at the root of all liturgical art and thought.