Part 1 - A1 - Reformed Systematic Theology Vol. 1

What Is Theology?

What is theology?

The intellectual engagement with the truths of God's Word; broadly, the study of God and God's relation to the world.

Why is theology unavoidable?

Everyone has beliefs about God and ultimate reality, even if those beliefs reject God's existence; the question is whether one's theology is true or false.

What is prolegomena?

"Things said beforehand"; introductory questions that establish the foundation for theological study, including what theology is, how we know truth, and why Scripture is authoritative.

How does theology differ from religion?

Theology is the intellectual engagement with truth about God; religion or godliness encompasses the broader life of devotion and honoring God.

What is doctrine?

A focused teaching or summary of what the Bible teaches on a particular subject.

How does doctrine differ from theology?

Doctrine summarizes biblical teaching on particular subjects; theology organizes, explores, relates, and defends those teachings as a coherent whole.

What is dogma?

An authoritative decree; in Christian usage, a core biblical doctrine officially established in a church's confessional statements.

What is the relationship between religion, theology, doctrine, and dogma?

They can be viewed as concentric circles: religion or faith and life is broadest, theology is narrower, doctrine is more focused, and dogma is the narrowest and most officially defined.

What is exegetical theology?

The study of what a particular passage or portion of the Bible teaches.

What is the difference between exegesis and hermeneutics?

Exegesis establishes what the text says; hermeneutics determines what the text means.

Why is exegetical theology foundational for systematic theology?

Systematic theology must gather and organize the teachings of individual biblical passages, so it depends on careful biblical exposition.

What is biblical theology?

The study of how biblical doctrines and themes develop progressively through redemptive history.

How does biblical theology differ from systematic theology?

Biblical theology traces the development of revelation through history; systematic theology considers the full teaching of Scripture in logical relationship.

Why does biblical theology need systematic theology?

Systematic theology connects each stage of revelation to the fullness of revelation given in Christ and the whole Bible.

What is historical theology?

The study of how Christian doctrines have been understood, developed, defended, and applied throughout church history.

Why should we study historical theology?

It exposes us to past interpretations, helps us understand creeds and confessions, reveals the continuity and errors of church history, challenges our inherited assumptions, and reminds us that we are not the first Christians to interpret Scripture.

What is philosophical theology?

The use of logic and reasoning to help formulate and evaluate theological doctrines.

What is the proper role of philosophy in theology?

Philosophy may clarify concepts, evaluate arguments, and expose logical errors, but it must remain a servant of God's Word rather than its master.

What is systematic theology?

The study of what the whole Bible teaches about a given topic and its relationship to other topics.

What are the three major tasks of systematic theology?

It constructs a coherent system of doctrine, demonstrates that the system is rooted in Scripture, and critically evaluates theological systems in light of God's Word.

How does systematic theology relate to exegetical theology?

Exegetical theology derives teachings from particular passages; systematic theology gathers those teachings into a coherent system.

How does systematic theology relate to biblical theology?

Biblical theology traces revelation through redemptive history; systematic theology organizes the full revelation of Scripture into logical relationships.

How does systematic theology relate to historical theology?

Historical theology examines how past theologians and churches have understood doctrine; systematic theology develops and evaluates doctrine in light of Scripture and that history.

What is apologetic theology?

The defense of Christian doctrine against attacks or challenges.

What is polemical theology?

The exposure and refutation of false doctrine.

What is the difference between apologetics and polemics?

Apologetics primarily defends Christian truth; polemics primarily attacks and refutes error.

What is the ultimate authority of apologetics and polemics?

The Bible and its revelation of God and Jesus Christ.

What is ethical theology?

The systematic study of what God has revealed about the duties He requires of human beings.

Why must systematic theology and ethics remain connected?

Biblical truth calls for a life that conforms to that truth; theology should lead to godliness.

What is practical theology?

The study of what God has revealed concerning the office and work of pastors and the practical ministry of the church.

What is poimenics?

Another term for practical or pastoral theology, derived from the Greek word for shepherd or pastor.

Why must practical theology remain connected to systematic theology?

Ministry practice must remain grounded in the truth of God's Word rather than the wisdom of the world.

Why is theology a multidisciplinary endeavor?

Good theology requires the interaction of multiple disciplines, including exegesis, biblical theology, history, philosophy, systematic theology, ethics, and practical theology.

Why should the multidisciplinary nature of theology produce humility?

No individual can master every theological discipline; Christians depend on the different gifts and labors of other members of the body of Christ.

What is the overall purpose of theology?

To understand God's revealed truth accurately so that the church may worship, live, serve, defend the faith, oppose error, and minister faithfully.