{"id":419,"date":"2008-10-19T17:00:41","date_gmt":"2008-10-19T22:00:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/meganstrange.com\/?p=419"},"modified":"2008-10-19T17:00:41","modified_gmt":"2008-10-19T22:00:41","slug":"the-nature-and-task-of-systematic-theology","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/meganstrange.com\/?p=419","title":{"rendered":"The Nature and Task of Systematic Theology"},"content":{"rendered":"

INTRODUCTION<\/strong><\/p>\n

The nature and task of systematic theology is to turn the investigation of God\u2019s Word into an opportunity to unfold His attributes and revelations for His people.\u00a0\u00a0 Just as an archeologist digs up an entire area to determine the history of the people and culture in that area, systematic theologians excavate God\u2019s Word in order to reveal the fullness of His holiness and His desire to be in relationship with us.<\/p>\n

Systematic theology opens up a window into God\u2019s truth for a postmodernistic society that doesn\u2019t believe in absolute truth. Postmoderns do believe in the process of discussion and debate.\u00a0 A well-prepared Christian can use the skills of reasoning along with the science of systematic theology to share God\u2019s absolute truth in such a way that might lead to conversion.
\n
\nIMPORTANCE OF THEOLOGY<\/strong><\/p>\n

In the original Greek, \u201ctheo\u201d means \u201cGod\u201d and \u201clogy\u201d means \u201cword.\u201d\u00a0 When you put them together, \u201ctheology\u201d means, \u201cstudy of God\u201d.\u00a0 In his book Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis talks about the fact that Christians should always want to have the most information possible about the God that they have given their lives over to.\u00a0 Lewis compared theology to a map.\u00a0 It weaves together experiences of Christians with the stories of the Bible and the details of doctrine.\u00a0 He closes the chapter on theology by pointing out how practical theology is because everyone who reads enjoys discussing what they have read.\u00a0 \u201cConsequently, if you do not listen to Theology, that will not mean that you have no ideas about God. It will mean that you have a lot of wrong ones – bad, muddled, out-of-date ideas. For a great many of the ideas about God which are trotted out as novelties to-day are simply the ones which real Theologians tried centuries ago and rejected. To believe in the popular religion of modern England is retrogression – like believing the earth is flat.\u201d<\/p>\n

There are many advantages to studying theology, but in order to understand this science, you must first understand what it does.\u00a0 Theology is biblical, systematic, cultural, contemporary, and practical. When you look at theology in general, there are four main types according to Erickson.\u00a0 He explores biblical theology, historical theology, systematic theology, and philosophical theology.<\/p>\n

Systematic theology utilizes biblical, historical, and philosophical theology. Erickson defines biblical theology as setting forth the message of biblical books by author or other scheme of grouping.\u00a0 It is also defined as theology understood from the point of view of the biblical writers themselves.<\/p>\n

Historical theology traces the church\u2019s faith throughout the various eras of church history.\u00a0 It is usually arranged by topics.\u00a0 Philosophical theology is studying theological topics largely without use of the Bible, but using the tools and methods of philosophical reasoning and what can be known about God from observing the universe.<\/p>\n

The word theology itself refers to the study of God. When used in a broader sense, the word may include all the other doctrines revealed in Scripture. Now, God is the Supreme Being who has created and even now sustains all that exists, and theology seeks to understand and articulate in systematic manner information revealed to us by him. Thus, theology concerns itself with ultimate reality. Since it is the study of the ultimate, nothing is more important. Because it contemplates and discusses the ultimate, it in turn defines and governs every area of life and thought. Therefore, as long as God is the ultimate being or reality, theological reflection is the ultimate human activity.<\/p>\n

A doctrine consists of a set of propositions relating to a certain theological topic \u2013 it is the biblical teaching on a given subject. Theology then refers to the study of Scripture or the systematic formulation of doctrines from Scripture. A truly biblical doctrine is always authoritative and binding, and a system of theology is authoritative only to the extent that it reflects the teaching of Scripture.<\/p>\n

Many warn against studying theology for its own sake. The anti-intellectual spirit of the age has so infiltrated the church that they refuse to believe that any intellectual activity possesses intrinsic value. To them, even knowing God must serve a greater purpose, probably a pragmatic or ethical one. Although the knowledge of God ought to affect one’s conduct, it is nevertheless a mistake to think that the intellectual enterprise of theology serves a purpose that is greater than itself. Christians should affirm that since to study theology is to know God, and knowing God is the highest purpose of man, theology therefore possesses intrinsic value. This is what the LORD says: “Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom or the strong man boast of his strength or the rich man boast of his riches, but let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,” declares the LORD.<\/p>\n

There is no higher purpose for which the knowledge of God intends to reach, and there is no higher purpose for man but to know God. Theological knowledge produces moral demands and other effects in one’s life, but these are not higher purposes than the
\ntheological task of knowing the verbal revelation of God.<\/p>\n

WHAT IS SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY?<\/strong><\/p>\n

One branch of theology is systematic theology, which is defined as the study of God that is put into a particular system.\u00a0 According to Charles Ryrie, \u201cSystematic theology correlates the data of biblical revelation as a whole in order to exhibit systematically the total picture of God\u2019s self-revelation.\u00a0 Systematic theology may include historical backgrounds, apologetics and defense, and exegetical work, but it focuses on the total structure of biblical doctrine.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 Augustus Hopkins Strong uses astronomy and geology to illustrate this point.\u00a0 He says that both of those sciences put together facts that at first glance, seem to have no order.\u00a0 Strong points out that systematic theology does the same with the facts of Scripture.<\/p>\n

Systematic theology is built on the foundation of the Word of God and is developed through historical, scientific, philosophic, and ethical studies in order to form the most complete account of the Christian faith.\u00a0 It takes all the pieces of the puzzle and puts them together in such a way to present the whole picture of who God is. Paul Tillich said, \u201cBeing religious means asking passionately the question of the meaning of our existence and being willing to receive answers, even if the answers hurt.\u201d<\/p>\n

Systematic theology is torn between two distinct conceptions of its project.\u00a0 One conception, a particularly modern one, is dominated by the categories of experience and interpretation. The Scriptures, Church Fathers, early Councils and so on are interpretations of a particular experience, and the theological task is to reinterpret that experience in a way which communicates that experience to the present. You can trace the origins of this position to the philosophy of Emmanuel Kant and his distinction between phenomena and noumena. For Kant, knowing is a projective act of the mind upon the phenomena, while the true noumenal reality remains beyond our reach. This position rules out the possibility of truth and replaces it with an endless cycle of interpretation and reinterpretation. Many theologians have adopted either explicitly or implicitly such a stance in their theological writings.<\/p>\n

The second conception, which draws on a longer lineage, is dominated by the categories of truth and meaning. What is communicated is not simply an experience, but a truth whose meaning remains one of inexhaustible mystery. On this view the doctrines of the Church are not an interpretation but a judgment. They are a judgment on the truth contained within the Scriptures. The theological task is then expressed in the classical adage of Saint Anselm of Canterbury, one of \u201cfaith seeking understanding\u201d, of accepting the revealed truth with gratitude and then exploring its meaning, and deepening our understanding of it. Following Augustine, this conception would argue that \u201cunless you believe, you will not understand\u201d.\u00a0 The faith of the theologian is fundamental to the theological task because without faith theology has no proper apprehension of its object.<\/p>\n

HISTORY OF SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY<\/strong><\/p>\n

In the Eastern Church, systematic theology dates back as far as 700 with the works of John of Damascus.\u00a0 The Western Church has had a variety of systematic theologians dating back to Peter Lombard in 1100 and Thomas Aquinas in 1221.<\/p>\n

Other notable systematic theologians include Saint Augustine of Hippo, Origen, Catherine of Sienna, Pope Benedict XVI, Martin Luther, Karl Barth, John Calvin, and Jonathan Edwards.\u00a0 Most of these names are very familiar because they have been the leading voices in shaping the Christian Church both in Europe and in the United States.<\/p>\n

Jonathan Edwards was one of the most well known leaders of the Great Awakening and is called by some to be America\u2019s most important theologian.\u00a0 His most famous sermon, \u201cSinners in the Hands of an Angry God,\u201d is a wonderful representation of systematic theology because of the way it looks at the wrath of God towards sin and reveals the provision of God in salvation.\u00a0 He systematically proved that God hates sin, but loves sinners.<\/p>\n

ADVANTAGES OF STUDYING THEOLOGY SYSTEMATICALLY<\/strong><\/p>\n

Dr. James Boyce wrote a book called Abstract of Systematic Theology that was first published in 1887.\u00a0 His first chapter deals with the science of theology and closes with his thoughts on the advantages of studying theology systematically.\u00a0 The first advantage of studying theology systematically is that we can find out everything about each point the Scriptures address.\u00a0 Second, we can compare all of our findings, which allows us to see limitations in our research.\u00a0 Third, we recognize that our facts rely heavily on God\u2019s revelation and direct us to Him.\u00a0 Fourth, we can\u2019t add our own opinions, it would taint the research.\u00a0 Next, when studying theology systematically, God\u2019s revelation is made clear by how closely the entire Bible works together.\u00a0 The final point he makes is that the sum of all the advantages of studying theology systematically is that in the end, we value each of the doctrines of God because they are true and have been revealed to be true through our thorough study of each part of His Word combined with God\u2019s special revelation.<\/p>\n

Wayne Grudem says, \u201cSystematic theology is any study that answers the question, \u2018What does the whole Bible teach us today?\u2019\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 Systematic theology affords Christians the opportunity to study the Bible and apply it to everyday life.\u00a0 It allows you to look at the Bible as a library of sixty-six books full of examples of God\u2019s attributes that is conveniently bound into one volume.<\/p>\n

CURRENT USE OF SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY<\/strong><\/p>\n

Systematic theology is popular in today\u2019s society because many people prefer to study God\u2019s word topically.\u00a0 Some Christians are intimidated by the Bible and would prefer to study only certain topics that they are interested in.\u00a0 There are even Bibles that have been put together by systematic theologians that place all of the passages concerning a particular doctrine together.\u00a0 This is a great resource if it causes Christians to want to dig deeper into God\u2019s Word.\u00a0 It can be dangerous if Christians don\u2019t go further and instead just accept the opinions of the person gathering the passages.\u00a0 Christians must keep in mind that the Bible is God\u2019s inspired Word for His people.\u00a0 Even though it is broken down into books, chapters, and verses, the Word of God is still meant to be a total work that produces changed lives.
\n
\nCONCLUSION <\/strong><\/p>\n

According to our text, systematic theology is defined as the attempt to reduce religious truth to a coherent and relevant whole for the church.\u00a0\u00a0 I have a background in student ministry and \u201ccoherent\u201d and \u201crelevant\u201d are two of the hottest buzz words these days when dealing with middle and high school students.
\nI really like the quote by Origen that talks about the combination of information it takes to communicate the Christian faith; \u201cGod gives the truth in single threads which we must weave into a finished texture.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 Theology is not a spectator sport, it requires planning, preparation, and persistence to truly understand doctrinal issues in such a way that the investigator will be able to present the truths they uncover to those who may not be open to Christ.<\/p>\n

I am reminded of the stories of Lee Strobel and Josh McDowell.\u00a0 Both of these men were atheists who set out to prove that there was no way that God could exist.\u00a0 After much research and discussion, they surprised themselves by proving that there was no way that God didn\u2019t exist!\u00a0 The Word of God makes sense and appeals to those who are of great intellect.\u00a0 Now both Strobel and McDowell are some of the most well known Christian apologists of our day and they are able to communicate God\u2019s truth in a way that is convincing to non-believers.<\/p>\n

Systematic theology is recognized as the most scientific form of theology because it follows a reliable method and deals with a product.\u00a0 Millard Erickson talks about the goals of systematic theology being the edification of the believing community, the proclamation of the gospel, and the preservation of truth in partnership with the experience of faith.<\/p>\n

I don\u2019t think that systematic theology can be complete without the contributions of biblical, historical, and philosophical theology.\u00a0 Erickson also talked about the fact that Christian philosophy cannot be obtained without a partnership with biblical scholarship and theology.\u00a0 Each of these disciplines are closely related and work together to help communicate the person of God.<\/p>\n

Most of my ministry opportunities are with middle and high school students.\u00a0 Systematic theology is helpful to me because it is concise and has its foundation on the fact that God can be known and that we can know truth.\u00a0 It is easier to train students to have a biblical worldview that relies on absolute truth than it is to reteach adults that there is such a thing as absolute truth in our society.\u00a0 Systematic theology is also easier to communicate because there is a pattern that is easy to organize.\u00a0 It consolidates the major points from the other three types of theology into usable information that can easily be shared with others in a teaching and discipling model.<\/p>\n

The nature and task of systematic theology is to turn the investigation of God\u2019s Word into an opportunity to unfold His attributes and revelations for His people.\u00a0\u00a0 In order for Christians to be able to reach a lost and dying world for the glory of God, we must be willing to dig into God\u2019s Word to unearth the glorious riches found within and communicate them in such a way that will cause people to hunger and thirst for His righteousness.<\/p>\n

Bibliography<\/strong><\/p>\n

Berkhof, Louis.\u00a0 Systematic Theology.\u00a0 Grand Rapids: Eerdmans Publishing, 1996.<\/p>\n

Boyce, Rev. James Petigru.\u00a0 Abstract of Systematic Theology.\u00a0 1887.<\/p>\n

Edwards, Jonathan.\u00a0 Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God.\u00a0 Pensacola: Christian Life Books, 2003.<\/p>\n

Erickson, Millard J.\u00a0 Christian Theology.\u00a0 Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 1983.<\/p>\n

Doran, Robert M. What is Systematic Theology?\u00a0 Canada: University of Toronto Press, 2005.<\/p>\n

Finney, Charles G.\u00a0 Finney\u2019s Systematic Theology.\u00a0 Grand Rapids: Bethany House Publishers, 1994.<\/p>\n

Franke, John R. The Character of Theology: An Introduction to Its Nature, Task, and Purpose.\u00a0 Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 2005.<\/p>\n

Grenz, Stanley J.\u00a0 Theology for the Community of God.\u00a0 Grand Rapids: Eerdmans Publishing, 2000.<\/p>\n

Grudem, Wayne.\u00a0 Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine.\u00a0 Grand Rapids: InterVarsity Press, 1994.<\/p>\n

Lewis, C.S. Mere Christianity. New York: Collier Books, 1943.<\/p>\n

Ryrie, Charles C.\u00a0 Basic Theology.\u00a0 Colorado Springs: Chariot Victor Publishing, 1986.<\/p>\n

Ryrie, Charles C.\u00a0 Basic Theology: A Popular Systematic Guide to Understanding Biblical Truth.\u00a0 Chicago: Moody Publishers, 1999.<\/p>\n

Strong, Augustus Hopkins.\u00a0 Systematic Theology.\u00a0 Philadelphia: American Baptist Publication Society, 1907.<\/p>\n

Tabb, Mark.\u00a0 Theology.\u00a0 Colorado Springs: The Navigators, 2006.<\/p>\n

Tillich, Paul.\u00a0 Systematic Theology, vol. 1.\u00a0 Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1951.<\/p>\n

Warfield, Benjamin Breckenridge.\u00a0 \u201cThe Task and Method of Systematic Theology.\u201d The American Journal of Theology, xiv (1910): 192-205.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

INTRODUCTION The nature and task of systematic theology is to turn the investigation of God\u2019s Word into an opportunity to unfold His attributes and revelations for His people.\u00a0\u00a0 Just as an archeologist digs up an entire area to determine the history of the people and culture in that area, systematic theologians excavate God\u2019s Word in […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-419","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/meganstrange.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/419","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/meganstrange.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/meganstrange.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/meganstrange.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/meganstrange.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=419"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/meganstrange.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/419\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/meganstrange.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=419"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/meganstrange.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=419"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/meganstrange.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=419"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}