2 – Systematic
Theology – Types
{Much
of the following information regarding terms, definitions and methodology is
taken from Systematic Theology by
Wayne Grudem, Christian Theology, Second Edition, by Millard J. Erickson, Understanding Christian Theology, Charles
R. Swindoll and Roy B. Zuck, General Editors and The Evangelical Dictionary of Theology, Second Edition edited by
Walter A. Elwell.}
“Theology” comes from a combination of two
Greek words, theos – meaning God – and logos – meaning reason or speech – as in
a discourse. Some have defined theology,
then, as a rational reflection on God.
There are, however, different types of theology.
Erickson talks about a theological map to
look at the senses of theology. For instance,
he uses
Theological Studies as the main category of one type of theology – Christian
Theology. Here is an outline of what
Erickson sees:
Theological Studies
1.
Biblical
Studies
2.
Historical
Studies
3.
Doctrinal
Studies
4.
Practical
Studies
Then, under Doctrinal Studies, he lists:
3. Doctrinal Studies
a. Biblical Theology
b. Historical Theology
c. Systematic Theology
d. Philosophical Theology
Then, under Systematic Theology, he lists, as
various doctrines:
c. Systematic Theology
i. Scripture
ii. God
iii. Man
iv. Sin
v. Christ
vi. Salvation
vii. Church
viii.
Last Things
The goal of ST is biblical theology – pure
biblical theology. The basis of ST, is
(1) That God exists, (2) God has revealed Himself in the Bible (Special Revelation),
(3) This special revelation must be investigated in order to determine what God
has revealed.
I generally follow Grudem’s approach: that ST is “any study that answers the
question: What does the Bible teach us about any given
topic. His assumptions are (1) that the Bible is true and that it is, in fact,
our only absolute standard of truth; (2) that the God who is spoken of in the Bible exists, and that He is who the Bible says He is: the Creator of heaven and earth and all
things in them.
Study ST with prayer, humility, reason, with
help from others and by looking at all relevant passages of Scripture, and with
rejoicing and praise.
Next we’ll look at the Doctrine of the
Trinity.
Doug
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