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Systematic Theology

Systematic Theology. “Such is the constitution of the human mind that it cannot help endeavoring to systematize and reconcile facts which it admits to be true. In no department of knowledge have men been satisfied with the possession of a mass of undigested ideas.”

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Systematic Theology

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  1. Systematic Theology “Such is the constitution of the human mind that it cannot help endeavoring to systematize and reconcile facts which it admits to be true. In no department of knowledge have men been satisfied with the possession of a mass of undigested ideas.” ~ Charles Hodge, Systematic Theology, vol. 1:2. www.prshockley.org

  2. “Systematic”? • Before we explore the nature, form, and content of “Systematic Theology”, we need to have some idea what “systematic” means. In essence, “systematic” comes from the Greek verb “sunistano”, which means “to stand together” or “to organize.”

  3. “Systematic”? Consider the following from Dr. Wayne Grudem: “…the adjective systematic in systematic theology should be understood to mean something like ‘carefully organized by topics,’ with the understanding that the topics studied will be seen to fit together in a consistent way, and will include all the major doctrinal topics of the Bible. Thus ‘systematic’ should be thought of as the opposite of ‘randomly’ arranged’ or ‘disorganized.’ Systematic Theology, 24.

  4. What is Systematic Theology? • Generally “Systematic Theology” has been used in both a narrow and broad sense. • In a narrow sense we may define “Systematic Theology” as follows: “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.

  5. Coherence of Systematic Theology

  6. What is “doctrine”? • Doctrine is simply what the WHOLE Bible teaches about a particular topic. • We have to be careful not to allow the word “doctrine” to become “plastic.” • Therefore, a proper qualifier in stating what is “doctrine” or what is “doctrinal” is whether the particular topic is taught by the whole Bible. • Please don’t attach the word “doctrinal” if it is not what the whole Bible teaches. • Some people attach “doctrine” to a particular opinion in order to give it “authority.” They cloak their notions with religious authority.

  7. Benefit of Systematic Theology: Balance

  8. 3 Major Criticisms of Narrow ST:

  9. 3 Major Criticisms of Narrow ST:

  10. 3 Major Criticisms of Narrow ST:

  11. What is Systematic Theology? • In a broad sense we may define Systematic Theology as follows: “Systematic Theology may be defined as the collecting, scientifically arranging, comparing, exhibiting, and defending of all facts from any and every source concerning God and His works.” Dr. Lewis S. Chafer, Systematic Theology, 1:6.

  12. What is Systematic Theology? • Consider Dr. Millard Erickson’s Definition: “that discipline which strives to give a coherent statement of the doctrines of the Christian faith, based primarily on the Scriptures, placed in the context of culture in general, worded in contemporary idiom, and related to the issues of life.” Christian Theology, 1:21.

  13. Broad Version of Systematic Theology: BIBLE

  14. All truth as God’s truth: The integration of special and natural revelation: UNITY WITHIN DIVERSITY: If a particular doctrine is true it will always stand the scrutiny of reexamination.

  15. Natural Revelation Biblical Doctrine is Final Point All Truth as God’s Truth Biblical Doctrine is Starting Point Special Revelation

  16. Broad view of Systematic Theology

  17. Two Benefits of All Truth as God’s Truth: Explanatory Power & Cohesive Worldview regarding creation, culture, & thought.

  18. Criticisms • While this approach is not afraid to reexamine any doctrine, it is liable to displace the priority of special revelation in favor of other fields of study-if coherence is not implemented. • While this view rejects a closed system, there is the possibility that theology will develop in light of the powerful impact of ideas-unless coherence is not implemented. • In the effort to become theologically relevant, there is the fear that theology may become irrelevant (not distinctly Christian), esp. if coherence is not implemented.

  19. Comparison:

  20. Consider the following quote: • “If, therefore, theology be a science, it must include something more than a mere knowledge of facts. It must embrace an exhibition of the internal relation of those facts, one to another, and each to all. It must be able to show that if one be admitted, others cannot be denied….So the Bible contains the truths which the theologian has to collect, authenticate, arrange, and exhibit in their internal relation to each other. This constitutes’ the difference between biblical and systematic theology. The once of the former is to ascertain and state the facts of Scripture. The office of the latter is to take those facts, determine their relation to each other and to other cognate truths, as well as to vindicate them and show their harmony and consistency. This is not an easy task, or one of slight importance.” ~ Charles Hodge, Systematic Theology, 1:1.

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