SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY 1

Prolegomena

11/08/2006 21:31:00

Introduction

The Nature of Theology in General The Definition of Theology Brainstorming: What is theology? The Term Itself o theos = God o logos = discourse, word (study) o So, discourse concerning God o Means: to say before Sample Definitions: o A word or discourse concerning God o Erickson (22): The study or science of God. o Pocket Dictionary of Theological Terms (Grenz, Geretzki, Nordling, 113): A religious belief system about God or ultimate reality. Theology commonly refers to the ordered, systematic study or interpretation of the Christian faith and experience of God based on Gods divine selfrevelation. Theology also seeks to apply these truths to the full breadth of human experience and thought.

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2 Mark Shaw (Doing Theology with Huck and Jim, 22-23): Theology is the science and art of enjoying God through Christ in all of life. Finkbeiners Suggested Definition: Theology is significant reflection on God--including His nature, person, works, and will--and His interaction with the world in general and human beings in particular, based on His revelation of Himself.

Levels of Theology (The Spectrum of Theological Reflection ) * See Prolegomena Review Document Folk Theology o Most, simple basic level o Bumper stickers o Belief system that simply reflects what most people think o This term refers to a kind of theology that rejects critical reflection and enthusiastically embraces simplistic acceptance of an informal tradition of beliefs and practices composed mainly of cliches and legends. . . . Most Christians engaged in folk theology would never consider it theology. However, it really is theology because it contains answers to lifes ultimate questions and seeks to provide some framework for believing and living the Christian faith, even if those answers are not deeply reflective but intensely experiential and pragmatic. In fact, folk theology resists the attempt to examine or provide any ground for its beliefs, since it often views such attempts as unspiritual. Lay Theology o People who want more answers than just folk theology o People studying the word of God for themselves o Beth Moore studies, Navigators o This term refers to the attempt by Christians to move beyond folk theology and to dig deeply into the resources of their faith, putting mind and heart together in a serious attempt to examine and understand that faith. Lay theology may lack sophisticated tools of biblical languages, logic, and historical consciousness, but it seeks with what means it has to bring Christian beliefs into a well-founded, coherent whole by questioning unfounded traditions and expunging blatant contradictions.

3 Ministerial Theology o Reflects faith as practiced by people have some formal training o Ministerial theology is reflective faith as practiced by trained ministers and teachers in Christian churches. It rises above lay theology in the level of reflection it involves. . . . Ministerial theology, then, is theology that stands somewhere between the beginning level reflectiveness of the maturing lay Christian thinker and the more sophisticated and sustained reflectiveness of the professional theologian. Professional Theology o Advanced training plus exposure to Greek and Hebrew Role: serve the Christian community o This term refers to theology that is further along the spectrum of reflection and professional preparation. In short, the professional theologian is a person whose vocation involves studying the tools available in formal theological education (such as biblical languages, philosophy, history, etc.) and instructing lay people and pastors in their use. The professional theologians main task and contribution lies in serving lay theologians and ministers and in teaching pastors in seminaries or church-related colleges and universities, and they write books and articles to aid lay and minsterial theologians in their journeys of reflection. At its best, professional theology functions in a servant role and not a lordly role. That is, the professional theologian serves the Christian community by helping people think like Christ so that they can be more effective in witness, work, and service both in the church and in the world. Academic Theology o Scholars who read essays at ETS o Knowing more and more about less and less until you know everything about nothing o This term describes theology at the far end of the spectrumbeyond professional theology and completely opposite folk theology. Academic theology is a highly speculative, virtually philosophical theology aimed primarily at other theologians. It is often disconnected from the church and has little to do with concrete Christian living.

Theology in the 3 Major Branches of Christendom * See Prolegomena Review Document Eastern Orthodoxy o Culturally Distinct: Associated with a region of the world The theological tradition associated with the national churches of the eastern Mediterranean eastern Europe (Russia). o Historically Conservative: This tradition seeks to preserve the theology of the Seven Ecumenical Councils (AD 325-AD 787). This in part accounts for one key difference with the western church: Eastern Orthodoxy rejects the filioque ("and the son") clause in the Nicene Creed. o Experientially Oriented (Mysticism): Icons- flat paintings (no statues) Screen where only the priest can go Displays an emphasis on spiritual experience on par with or even over and above rational / academic study in the task of theology. This emphasis is also seen in liturgy, architecture, icons, etc. Roman Catholicism o Universal Claims of Authority: The word "catholic" means universal or worldwide. Catholicism claims to be the true Church of the world, although it has really only been representative of the western tradition in Christendom. They believe that they are the one true church They used to consider us heretics, now they consider us separated brethren and they believe we will come back to them and the true church o Hierarchical Structure:

5 Roman Catholicism is united under a single head, the Pope (the Bishop of Rome), who governs the church along with the community of bishops. o Ongoing Apostolic Ministry The authority of the apostles is contained not only in Scripture, but also in the ongoing teaching of the Pope and the community of bishops. They are the authority for articulating and promoting the teaching of the church. Therefore, Catholicism displays a dependence on the official teachings of the church for the task of theology We must abide by whatever they say papal bull- pope declares something and everyone must believe it 1955- immaculate conception Mary born without sin (However Mary said that she needed a Savior- I rejoice in God my Savior) In terms of its practice, this tradition revolves around seven sacraments. These sacraments are believed to convey grace to the one who practices them. According to this tradition, the ministry of Mary, the mother of Jesus is very significant in the Church's ongoing ministry. She is called "the Blessed Virgin," "the Mother of God," and "coredemptrix" with Christ. Protestantism o Historical Developments In the broadest sense this is the tradition that traces its theological heritage back to the Reformers of the sixteenth century, although there is a very wide divergence in what is now known as "Protestantism." In the classic sixteenth century form, Protestantism upheld several key doctrinal principles such as the priesthood of all believers and the so-called "solas." Sola fide: by faith alone Sola gratia: by grace alone

6 Sola scriptura: by Scripture alone

Later developments include the missionary endeavor to spread the gospel, a proliferation of various denominations, and the growth of Liberal Protestantism due to the influence of the Enlightenment. Denominations Missionary movements Fundamentalism and Evangelicalism are also important parts of the Protestant tradition. 3 Key Characteristics of Protestant Evangelicalism Individualism: Everyone is able to establish a personal, direct, relationship with God through faith alone. You are responsible for your spiritual growth and development You make the decision to become a follower No one between you and god Different from Catholicism o Priest- confession of sin o Bishops and pope o Mary Activism: All believers should evangelize, engage in church ministry, and seek personal holiness. You have a responsibility to take the good news to others Biblicism: Scripture is inspired and true, and so it alone serves as the final authority for doctrine and life. All believers should be taught the word and should study and read it for themselves.

The Sources of and Authority for Theology Orientation: The Idea of Revelation o We assume

7 there is a God He will reveal Himself Power of God Personality of God Man has an intellect Possible Sources of Theology Reason / Rationalism o If reason is "the power of thinking, comprehending, and inferring," then rationalism is the view that holds that human reason can have either a formative role or at least a critical role in the discovery, formation, and evaluation of theological propositions. In other words, some theologians would suggest that human reason on its own can discover theological truth. Conscience/Morality o This is the faculty within the human heart (mind) that either approves or disapproves of one's own behavior or thinking (Romans 2:14-16). With respect to the issue of authority for theology, the conscience functions as a guide for evaluating theological propositions more than a source of theological data. o Principles that people are abiding by naturally Respect for life No indiscriminate killing Care for their families Culture Religious Experience o A wide variety of phenomena and experiences fall into this category. Essentially the idea here is that one's experiences (from the ecstatic to the intellectual, from the emotional to the cerebral) provide the data from which one articulates theological propositions. Tradition / The Church o Here the idea is fairly straightforward. The church as represented in its official pronouncements and its officials provides the data for, and serves to evaluate all theological propositions. The Community

8 o In this view, the community is not really a source of theological data but o the foundation upon which all theological reflection is based and to which all theological propositions relate. Theology is therefore an "inhouse" project. It is done by believers for believers. The Scriptures o "Thus we arrive at the Bible - the source by which reason, church, and religious experience can and must be evaluated theologically" (J. W. Montgomery, "The Theologian's Craft," The Suicide of Christian Theology, 283). While the other sources of theology make important contributions to the theological task, none of them should supplant Scripture. Scripture alone is the primary source for all theology and the norm and guide by which one evaluates all other sources and theological propositions. The Relation of the Sources o Should evangelical theology accept only a single source for theology the bibleor should it allow multiple sources o If multiple sources, how should the sources by related

The Purpose of Theology Possible Purposes for Theology (J. J. Davis, Foundations of Evangelical Theology, 45-47)

Sapientia: o The aim of theology is right living. (Augustine) Scientia: o The aim of theology is right thinking. Orthopraxis: o The aim of theology is right practice.

The Purpose of Orthodox Theology Orthodox Theology will aim to accomplish all three of the purposes above: right thinking, right practice, and right living.

9 Stay on the right road and avoid the error of wrong belief, foolishness, and sin

Aquinas: Theology is taught by God, teaches of God, and leads to God.

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The Purpose of Theology Nature of Systematic Theology in Particular Various Definitions of Systematic Theology: Sample definitions o 1. "Systematic Theology may be defined as the collecting, scientifically arranging, comparing, exhibiting, and defending all of the facts from any and every source concerning God and His works" (Lewis Sperry Chafer, Systematic Theology, Vol. 1, 6). o 2. Theology is "the science of the facts of divine revelation so far as those facts concern the nature of God and our relation to Him, as His creatures, as sinners, and as the subjects of redemption. All these facts, as just remarked, are in the Bible" (Charles Hodge, Systematic Theology, Vol. 1, 21). o 3. "Systematic Theology is any study that answers the question, 'What does the whole Bible teach us today, about any given topic" (Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology, 21). o 4. "Systematic theology correlates the data of biblical revelation as a whole in order to exhibit systematically the total picture of God's revelation. [Systematic theology] focuses on the total structure of biblical doctrine" (Charles C. Ryrie, Basic Theology, 15; see also Paul Enns, Moody Handbook of Theology, 147-48). The Ingredients of a Good Definition of Systematic Theology (Millard Erickson, Christian Theology, 21-22) o 1. Theology is biblical Systematic Theology takes as the primary source of its content the canonical Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments. . . . It also employs the insights of other areas of truth, which it regards as Gods general revelation. But these other sources are subject to Scriptures authority.

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2. Theology is systematic Systematic Theology draws on the entire Bible. Rather than utilizing individual texts in isolation from one another, it attempts to relate various portions to one another to coalesce the varied teachings into some type of harmonious or coherent whole. o 3. Theology relates to the issues of culture and learning For example, Systematic Theology attempts to relate its view of origins to the concepts advanced by science (or, more correctly, such disciplines as cosmology), its view of human nature to psychologys understanding of personality, its conception of providence to the work of philosophy of history. o 4. Theology must contemporary While Systematic Theology treats timeless issues, it must use language, concepts, and thought forms that make some sense in the context of the present time. In addition, it should address the questions and the challenges encountered today. At the same time, it must be careful not to so emphasize contemporary concerns that it ignores or distorts biblical truth. o 5. Theology must be practical Systematic Theology relates to living rather than merely to belief. The Christian faith gives us help with our practical concerns. . . . It should be noted, however, that theology must not be concerned primarily with the practical dimension. The practical effect or application of a doctrine is a consequence of the truth of the doctrine, not the reverse. Definition of Systematic Theology Systematic Theology must be grounded in the Doctrine(s) of the Bible, informed by the history of the church (creeds, confessions, tradition), articulated in the context of the church and culture, for the purpose of evangelism of the world and the edification of the church.
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Two Basic Evangelical Approaches to Defining ST Approach #1: ST as Bible Doctrine Approach #2: ST as a Comprehensive Theology Conclusion: Evangelical Systematic Theology should be defined in the broadest sense (i.e., as comprehensive theology), as a theology using multiple sources of theology, all under the final authority of Scripture. The doctrine of Sola Scriptura is crucial to understanding our task. Scripture is our major and foundational source for theology. The other sources of theology have a legitimate a place. The secondary sources should never exercise control over Scripture. Ones theological statements are more or less tentative based on their proximity to Scriptural authority.

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Statement of the Definition:

Systematic theology is that branch of theology which, rooted in Exegesis and Biblical Theology, seeks to express the doctrines of the whole bible, to develop those doctrines in light of the contributions of Historical, Dogmatic, and Philosophical Theology and the contemporary context, and to articulate this theological truth in a way that is coherent and contextually appropriate, in order to affect worship, life, and ministry for the glory of God.

23) Systematic Theology is biblical. Systematic theology is historically sensitive. Systematic Theology is logical and systematic. Systematic Theology relates to the issues of culture and learning. Systematic Theology must be contemporary. o Fit the world today Systematic Theology must be practical. Systematic Theology and The Other Branches of Theology Key Ingredients of the Definition of Systematic Theology (Millard Erickson, Christian Theology, 21

The Main Fields of Systematic Theology 1. Theology Proper - God, Himself 2. Christology - Jesus Christ 3. Anthropology Man 4. Bibliology Bible 5. Soteriology Salvation 6. Pneumatology - The Holy Spirit 7. Angelology - Angels (Satan, Demons) 8. Ecclesiology - The Church 9. Eschatology - Last Things, End Times, Prophecy
Describing the Various Branches (1.2) Exegetical Theology Biblical Theology Historical Theology

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Dogmatic Theology Philosophical Theology Practical Theology

A Chart (Note the PowerPoint slide)

ST and Theologys Other Branches

The Relation of the Branches
Dogmat ic Theology A sim rly, nd ila e ch bra a nch ha s e ck loops fe dba a ctingtheo r ffe the bra nche s. Systematic Theology Practical Theology

Exegetical Theology Biblical Theology

Historical Theology Bible Doctrine Philosophical Theology Conte xt and Culture

Important Principles Because they are directly concerned with Scripture which is our final authority Exegetical and Biblical Theology enjoy a certain priority among the branches. No branch of theology is independent; they each affect one another. Some branches of theology are better suited for dealing with certain topicsor certain questions raised by a topicthan are other branches. Systematic Theology seeks to synthesize the findings of the other branches of theology, but even then it will tend to focus on the findings of certain branches of theology depending on the topic/question.

The Major Divisions (Loci) of Systematic Theology The Idea of the Divisions/Loci

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The Relation of the Divisions/Loci The Method of Theology The First Principle: Faith Seeking Understanding The loci are interrelated. The theologians organization and development of the loci reflect his/her theological vision.

(Alister McGrath, Christian Theology: An Introduction, 172; cf. Trevor Hart, Faith Thinking, 1)
The Issue

The Debate Commitment to faith not required?

The Argument for the Priority of Faith The arguments for neutrality are not persuasive. The nature of faith supports its priority. The notion of pure neutralityparticularly in theological mattersis dubious. The nature of theological truth calls for commitment.

The Tasks of Systematic Theology The Constructive Task: o o o What is theologically true? How does theological truth relate to life and ministry? 2 aspects The Critical Task:

theological application task What practical implications dies the deity of Christ have on my life and ministry theological discernment What theological ideas drive the practice of daily devotional Bible reading?

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The Comprehensive Task: o o How does theological truth shape my worldview? Romans 122- do not conformbut be transformed by the renewing of your mind

A Process for Doing Theology A typical example of a theological method (cf. Ericksons Method) o o o o o o o o o o o Define the theological topic/problem. Determine the Scriptural teaching on the topic/problem. Examine and analyze other sources. Formulate the doctrine in a contextually appropriate way. Develop a system of doctrines. Define the topic. Collect resources relevant to the topic. Analyze the topic. Examine the key biblical texts related to the topic. Evaluate the arguments for the various views on the topic. Formulate your conclusion on the topic. Correlate your conclusion on the topic. A Practical Theological Method


IV. The Importance of Systematic Theology: Why Does Systematic Theology Matter? Reasons Systematic Theology Matters Because everyone is already a theologian! So the only question is whether that theology is viable and intentional. Because ST is closely connected to worldview formation o (i.e., theology answers the "big" questions of life) Because theological truth matters Because ST is necessary for growth o (i.e., it helps us to live as a Christian should live): Eph. 4:14-15; 2 Tim. 3:16-17;

Proverbs 1:1_7
Because ST helps us to worship God as He deserves, in Spirit and in Truth (John 4:24) Because ST is intricately connected to ministry (i.e., it helps us to prepare for Christian ministry2 Timothy 2:15; 1 Timothy 4:15_16). Because ST protects from false teaching (Tit. 1:9) Because ST helps us deal with contemporary issues not directly addressed by Scripture Because ST helps us to better evaluate current issues both in the church and in culture Because ST helps us communicate theological truth Because ST aids us in interpreting the Bible

Five Potential Concerns about ST Isnt it a problem to try to fit God into our finite, human logic? (The Question of God's Incomprehensibility and Transcendence) o Yes

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o o But, we are never going to be able to fit him into our logic We should try to do everything that we can to understand Him

Isnt ST driven by Western thinking? (The Question of Western Thought)

o Yes
Isnt ST divisive?

o Doesnt the truth draw a line? o Jude- contend for the faith earnestly
Isnt ST too impractical?

o Depends what you emphasize

Isn't ST Too Hard for Me?