THEO_525_Discussion_Thread - Disciplines of Theology (2)
docx
keyboard_arrow_up
School
Liberty University *
*We aren’t endorsed by this school
Course
525
Subject
Philosophy
Date
Feb 20, 2024
Type
docx
Pages
4
Uploaded by MajorHamsterMaster1000
THEO 525 Discussion Thread: Disciplines of Theology
Discussion Thread: Disciplines of Theology
THEO 525-B05 LUO
January 16, 2024
Discussion Thread: Disciplines of Theology
Millard Erickson defines basic theology as “the study or science of God.” (Erickson 2013,
8) Systematic theology attempts to broaden the horizon of basic theology by combining different but similar religious truth to a coherent and relevant whole for the church.” So, with Systematic theology, we take religious beliefs, writings, stories from religious history and current religion and logically connect it in a way that it becomes understandable, and apropos to the believers currently practicing this religion. Systematic theology expands on basic theology and adds components and layers to three other major disciplines of biblical, historical, and philosophical theology.
Erickson points out that “biblical theology is the study of the theological content of the Old and New Testaments, or the theology found within individual biblical books.” (Erickson 2013, 12) Even though biblical theology focuses on the theology found within the Bible itself, systematic theology helps provide context and build a bridge to contemporize and make the biblical text/scripture applicable to today. Systematic Theology provides understanding, comprehension and application when reading scripture by allowing us to determine the “who”, “what”, “why”, “when”, “how”. With proper understanding we can be doers of God’s word and not just hearers.”
But
be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
“(James 1:25, NKJV)
Erickson shows historical theology studies “the theology of a given time or a given theologian or school of theology with respect to several key areas of doctrine.” (Erickson 2013, 13). Again, systematic theology helps interpret religious truths, based on time, language, culture,
religion to make it better understood by the current church. Systematic theology helps us overcome outcome bias. Outcome Bias is a common trap we often fall into, when we judge a decision based on the results, instead of looking at the process itself. We know the bible stories and have made conclusions without considering the history and context when the event took place. Lastly, systematic theology uses philosophical theology to a certain extent. Philosophy can be very subjective. Karl Barth argued against the notion that “Philosophy may supply content for theology.” The content for theology ultimately comes from the study of God using the bible as the primary source. Using baking as an example, I look at philosophy as an ingredient, but systematic theology is the whole cake. “For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.” (Romans 15:4, NKJV)
This study source was downloaded by 100000879268600 from CourseHero.com on 01-16-2024 07:23:25 GMT -06:00
https://www.coursehero.com/file/105089210/THEO-525-Discussion-Threaddocx/
In summary, the sole purpose of these disciplines is enabling Christians understand God and act as ambassadors for Christ. My favorite of the four disciplines would be the systematic theological discipline. For it is the most comprehensive of all four disciplines and combines each
discipline to give understanding of the bible. As a lead pastor constantly teaching and preaching God’s word, I understand that the goal of every sermon is to reveal Jesus, where the hearers can answer the “what does this mean to me?” question. Systematic theology helps bridge the comprehension and application gap by analyzing how it was conveyed to the original recipients and translating that to what it means today.
Bibliography
Erickson, Millard J. Christian theology, 2013 3rd ed.
This study source was downloaded by 100000879268600 from CourseHero.com on 01-16-2024 07:23:25 GMT -06:00
https://www.coursehero.com/file/105089210/THEO-525-Discussion-Threaddocx/
Bibliography
Elwell, Walter a. Evangelical Dictionary of Theology The Second Edition.
Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, Baker Publishing Group, 2007.
Erickson, Millard J. Christian Theology. The 3rd Edition.
Grand Rapids: Baker Academic Publishing Group, 2013.
This study source was downloaded by 100000879268600 from CourseHero.com on 01-16-2024 07:23:25 GMT -06:00
https://www.coursehero.com/file/105089210/THEO-525-Discussion-Threaddocx/
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help
Powered by TCPDF (www.tcpdf.org)
This study source was downloaded by 100000879268600 from CourseHero.com on 01-16-2024 07:23:25 GMT -06:00
https://www.coursehero.com/file/105089210/THEO-525-Discussion-Threaddocx/