Millard J. Erickson in Christian Theology 2nd Edition Book define theology as “the study or science of God” I agreed with the author definition that theology help us to understand God’s creation, God’s work and relationship with human beings and God’s redemptive working for mankind.
The discipline of theology will give a coherent statement of the Christian faith based on the scriptures and belief that the Bible is accurate and true although it is not a history, geography or scientific book 2 Timothy 3:16-17 and 2 Peter 1: 20-21 state clearly that the scripture is God’s breathed and is useful for teaching and the words of prophecy does not come from man own interpretation.
Why should Christian study systematic theology ? Among some of the reason givens is that Christians would be able to give a defense or a reason for the faith/hope that you have 1 Peter 3:15, one other reason is that Christians are able to apply what we have learn in scriptures and apply our altitudes to any given situations in our lives. Christian ethnics must be based on proper ideas of God.
The apostle Paul tells us “Cloth yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another for God oppose the proud, but give grace to the humble” (1 Peter 5:5) we should not adopt an altitude of pride or superiority towards others who have not made such a study of systematic theology. Systematic theology is best done with reason, with help from others, studied by collecting and understanding all the relevant passage of scriptures on any topic.
As we study theology we would have a better understanding of the Christian message and able to address the question on the challenges encountered today, we would be able to have a good grasp/scripture, relationship between God and man, Christ, salvation. The message of salvation, redemption for mankind and last things. Theology will lead as to correct doctrinal beliefs and the general and special revelation of the Bible. Time and effort spent in studying theology will help a Christian to give a Christian worldview perspectives of what the world is facing today such as Naturalism, Existentialism, New Age. Post Modernism and other non Christian philosophy or worldviews.
Many people always equal study of theology with pride.The Bible states that pure knowledge piles up pride but love builds up others.
ReplyDeleteAs we study the theologian, it is good to be reminded that we are not studying for showing others how much we have the knowledge of God but instead living our lives humbly in relating to God through theology study. As we learn God more and more, and experience Him in a deeper way, we shall fear Him more, love Him more..and above all...humble ourselves before Him more.
Theology is a study make known God's truth to us and a way of drawing us nearer and closer to our Lord, making us a humble learner of His eternal truth and infinite knowledge.
Hi Michael, you mentioned why should Christian study Systematic Theology. Is there a particular reason why you only state this theology only? What about other theologies such as Biblical theology,Historical theology or Philosophical theology?
ReplyDeleteReply to Nick Nip,
ReplyDeleteAccording to Wayne Grudem the definition "Systematic Thelogy" involves collecting and understanding all the relevant passages in the Bible on various topics and then summarising their teachings clearly, he also define it as any study that answers the ? " what does the whole Bible teach us today? about any given topic. I use Systhematic Thelogy generally i.e to treats biblical topics in a carefully organized way to ensure that all important topics will receive consideration, systhematic mean something like carefully organized by topics, summaries of biblical teachings must be worded precisely to guard against misunderstandings and to exclude false teachings. Systhematic Thelogy defined as above would cover biblical thelogy, historical,philosophical thelogy.