Christian Theology Section 1: Prolegomena

Definition of Prolegomena

refers to the study of preliminary matters that are necessary to “set up” formal theological study—introduction!

TMU Theological Paradigm

Biblical text and Hermeneutics —> Exegesis —> Systematic theology —> practical theology

Concept of Prolegomena

a category/introduction to a particular topic that introduces and defines central content and foundational ideas of following work

Worldview at its core

what you truly believe (consciously or unconsciously) and how you live it out. EVERYONE HAS ONE!

Fundamentally, worldview is connected to….

our convictions about God, ourselves, this world, our problem, and our ultimate end

Definition of Worldview

how one looks at the world—an explanation and interpretation of the world around you and how it applies to life

Worldview consists of…

collection of presuppositions, convictions, and values

Closed System

nothing outside of natural realm only silent, impersonal universe; and nothing outside to inform the circle inside the circle of values/meaning/purpose/existence 

Values in a Closed System

values/meaning/purpose must be determined from inside the circle—> Nature Alone!

Challenges to a Closed System

1. problem of existence

2. problem of values—basis for moral system 

Open System

Something outside of natural realm; and something outside the circle may inform inside the circle regarding values/meaning/purpose/existence

Value of Open System

value/meaning/purpose may be determined by someone/something outside

5 key components of worldview

1. what or who is God

2. what is man

3. what is our world

4. what is our problem

5. what is our end

What/Who is God?

the most fundamental and foundational question. Is God personal or impersonal? Is God connected to this universe?

What is Man? 

what is really means to be human. Do humans have value and dignity? Does man have a purpose? 

What is Our World?

What is the nature and character of this world? Is it a closed or open system world?

What is Our Problem?

every worldview acknowledges that there is something wrong with both the world and with each person in the world

Is our problem….

sinful rebellion against the Creator?

ignorance?

illusion of personal desires?

corrupting social/economic/political structures?

What is Our End?

worldview addresses our origins and also our end. “where are we going?” 

What is the purpose of life?

• is there any meaning in life?

• do we create our own purpose/meaning?

• do we fulfill a purpose for which we created? 

What happens in the afterlife?

• what happens after we die?

• do we cease? do we go into nothingness?

• are we absorbed into an infinite, impersonal reality?

• are we judged at the throne of God for an eternity?

3 Major Truths of Christian Worldview:

1. REGARDS the God of the Bible as unique source of truth 

2. RELATES all truth back to an understanding of God 

3. RECOGNIZES there is only 1 true view of life whose single source of truth and reality is the Creator God 

The knowledge of God is ….

IMPOSSIBLE apart from God revealing this knowledge

Basis of Christian worldview

God’s self-revelation and self-disclosure in Scripture

1st way God conveys truth about Himself

General revelation—God’s witness of himself through creation to his creatures, general info given to all people at all times in history

General Revelation

LIMITED!

1. creation 

2. conscience 

General revelation spans ….. and witnesses to ……

all time …. all people

God revealed himself via special revelation so that fallen humanity would know…

1. Who he is

2. how to be redeemed

3. how to live and please Him 

2nd way God conveys truth about Himself

Special revelation—God reveals Himself specifically through the living and written word, direct acts, and dreams & visions. 

The foundation of our Christian worldview

1. Inspiration of Scripture—”God breathed”

2. Truthfulness—”inerrancy”

3. Authority—Bible is ultimate authority

4 Stages of the Christian Worldview

1. Creation (Gen 1-2)

2. Fall (Gen 3)

3. Redemption (Gen 3-Rev 20)

4. Restoration (Rev 21-22)

Systematic theology: who is God?

theology proper, Christology, pneumatology

Systematic theology: what is man?

anthropology

Systematic theology: what is our world?

bibliology, theology proper, anthropology, angelology

Systematic theology: what is our problem?

hamartiology, soteriology 

Systematic theology: what is our end? 

ecclesiology, eschatology 

Exegetical Method

all theology is tied to the biblical text

Exegesis

applying hermeneutical principles, literal-historical-grammatical hermeneutic to understand author’s intent and meaning

Negative impact on systematic theology

separation of biblical text from proper exegesis

Purpose for studying systematic theology

to grow, define, produce systematized understanding, provide framework of unity, and offer intellectual basis for rationality of Christian faith 

Christianity can be limited by…

• silence

• partial knowledge/understanding

• inadequacy of human language

• finiteness

• lack of spiritual discernment/growth

• reality of human bias 

• divine mystery 

Significant benefits of systematic theology

• unabridged collection of biblical truth

• synthesis and summation of biblical doctrine

• imperative to share gospel

• repository of truth 

• scriptural basis for Christian behavior 

• defense of biblical doctrine 

• biblical response 

Theology

religious belief system about God

Systematic theology 

collecting, scientifically arranging, comparing, exhibiting, and defending all facts from any/every source concerning God and His works

Etymology of systematic theology

“to organize” + “discourse about God”

Theology refers to the….

ordered, systematic study or interpretation of the Christian faith and experience of God based on God’s divine self-revelation 

Doctrine

what the whole Bible teaches us today about some particular topic

a theological formulation that attempts to provide a summary statement 

Biblical doctrine refers to…

the teaching of the Scripture, thus all Scripture is doctrinal, whether it be read, taught, or preached. 

Dogma

the idea of “decrees” passed by an individual or group which functions as a formal ordinance, “creedal system” 

Major Doctrinal Categories of Systematic Theology: Prolegomena

“the idea of introduction,” discusses presuppositions necessary for study of theology 

Major Doctrinal Categories of Systematic Theology: Bibliology

study of the major doctrines of the scriptures, including revelation, inspiration, canonicity, transmission, preservation, hermeneutics, and biblical study 

Major Doctrinal Categories of Systematic Theology: Theology Proper

formal study of doctrine of God including trinitarianism, attributes of God, His essence, nature, and existence

Major Doctrinal Categories of Systematic Theology: Christology

study of doctrines regarding our Lord Jesus Christ, including person and work

Major Doctrinal Categories of Systematic Theology: Pneumatology

study of doctrines about Holy Spirit, person and work

Major Doctrinal Categories of Systematic Theology: Angelology

study of spirit-beings

Major Doctrinal Categories of Systematic Theology: Anthropology

study of doctrines about humanity including origin, nature, and destiny 

Major Doctrinal Categories of Systematic Theology: Hamartiology 

study of the doctrine of sin including origin, nature, and destiny 

Major Doctrinal Categories of Systematic Theology: Soteriology 

study of doctrine of salvation and sanctification 

Major Doctrinal Categories of Systematic Theology: Ecclesiology

study of doctrine of the Church including nature, origin, government, and ordinances

Major Doctrinal Categories of Systematic Theology: Eschatology

study of the major end time events, including rapture, tribulation, kingdom, judgements, and eternal state

Biblical Theology

exegetically-based analysis that emphasizes on study of particular era or writer

Biblical Theology is characterized by…

progressive revelation of the Bible, bridges exegetical and systematic theology 

Historical Theology

study of chronological development of theological thought that explores historical situations and seeks to understand how the Church understands/interprets Scripture