I read an article by Kevin Vanhoozer in First Things about a month ago where Vanhoozer offers advice to an aspiring theologian. In it he frequently refers to this little book by Helmut Thielicke.  A Little Exercise for Young Theologians (a short 74 pages) is Thielicke's advice for theologians in seminary. In it he describes the birth and growth of a theologian. He seems chiefly concerned with the "puberty" or "adolescence" (spiritually speaking) of the theology student. He wants to save the church from the dangers of budding theologians. This is not at all to disparage theology. Thielicke is a theologian himself. He only wants to make sure to keep theology in its proper place, that is, in the church and for the church. Insofar as it is in service to the church the theologian must take care not to allow his learning to cause division, to squelch the fire and flame of faith in others, or to make him arrogant and so look down on others. Thielicke defends the skepticism of the church towards theology. In this the church becomes the theologian's pastor. The Church calls the theologian to account and reminds him/her that s/he is her servant. I could wish that all those entering seminary, the pastorate, and/or academia would read this book. Yes, the Church needs theologians. But theologians must remember whom they serve. It is not their own egos. They serve the God who has claimed a people for himself. They serve that people. And so must always be ruled by love. His motto ought to be, "Knowledge puffs up. Love builds up" (1 Cor. 8:1).