DB_Disciplines of Theology_R2
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Arkansas Tech University *
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500
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Philosophy
Date
Dec 6, 2023
Type
docx
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1
Uploaded by jschalow
Greetings Heidi,
I particularly appreciate the depth you've gone into when discussing the
interconnectedness and mutual reliance of these theological approaches as a way to discover the
nature of the truth of the scriptures.
You emphasized the symbiotic relationship between systematic theology and biblical
theology. While biblical theology offers a foundational understanding of God's unfolding
revelation across time, systematic theology organizes these revelations into contemporary,
relevant doctrinal statements. Using your description of the Bible, with each book providing
context and depth to the other, makes the intertwining of narratives, prophecies, and teachings
give a fuller picture of God's nature and plan for humanity.
Erickson underscores the importance as we seek to provide a coherent and holistic
understanding of the Christian faith through systematic theology by using doctrines from across
the Scriptures (biblical theology), as well as historical theology and philosophical theology to
allow us the full picture, reduce cultural bias, and have a full picture of how theological studies
have been approached in the past.
1
This methodology's strength lies in its integrative nature,
refusing to read the Scriptures in isolation. Instead, it allows a blend of various teachings into a
unified, meaningful whole, considering each text's cultural and historical contexts. From the
historical context, the reader needs to pay particular attention to the particular culture and how
the historical events have shaped that culture, beliefs, practices, and norms, like unwritten rules
or expected behaviors of that time. Language is such a powerful reflection of culture. Having
that foundational understanding of the history and cultural worldviews helps to identify our own
biases and helps us approach the text with humility. Erickson asserts this awareness in this way,
“Systematic theologians find significant value in the study of historical theology. First, it makes
us more self-conscious and self-critical, more aware of our own presuppositions.”
2
Over time,
historical movements and cultural practices affect our interpretation. Also, having multiple
sources to study the works through other theologians, scholars, and other experts helps to analyze
and develop a clear interpretation of the biblical narrative.
1
Millard J. Erickson,
Christian Theology, 3rd ed
. (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2013), 13–14.
2
Ibid., 12.
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