Theology 1

4 sources of theology

scripture, tradition, reason, experience

Revelation types

general and specific

general revelation(types)

creation, human nature

tradition

creeds, confessions, historic christian practices/ writings

reason

logic, rationality, philosophy

experience

intuition, emotion/ feelings, personal experience

4 branches of theology

biblical, systematic, traditional, practical

biblical theology

closely studies the text and overarching storyline of the bible itself

systematic theology

organizes the teaching of the whole bible on particular topics into more general statements (doctrines)

traditional theology

considers the wisdom and precedent of the church through the centuries (creeds, commentaries, confessions) 

practical theology

applies the findings of other branches to real world situations and concerns (christian faith and practice)

how should the sources of theology be ordered

we base our theology on scripture, tradition is like guard rails to keep is on track, and reason and experience can and should help to guide theological reflection

how are the branches of theology related

biblical theology is the roots of a tree, the trunk of the tree is systematic theology, the rings of the trunk is historical theology, and the fruit of the tree is practical theology

special revelation (types)

theophanies, incarnation, scripture

general revelation (def, ex. bib)

Gods self revelation to all people universally. Psalm 19- God is shown to us through creation, and we know he exists. We can see his glory, craftmenship, power, divine nature, and his orderliness through creation

special revelation (def, ex, bib)

God revealing himself to a particular place at a particular time to a particular context. One type of special revelation is the incarnation of Christ. John 12:44-50 - Jesus reveals to us the invisible Father. Colossians 1:15-19 - Jesus is the full and perfect image of God

attributes of scripture according to 2 timothy 3:14-16

sacred, Christ-centered, able, God-breathed, profitable

baptismal formula

matthew 28:19

1 corinthians 8:6

Father is without source or cause (unbegotten)

John 3:16

Son being begotten

John 1:1-3

the Son is eternally present with the Father as his word and wisdom

John 15:26

the Spirit of the Father, the Spirit of the Son, proceeds, not begotten

what is involved in a sound theological method

the cultivation of appropriate postures and sources of authority

attributes of scripture

inspiration, inerrancy, infallibility, authority, necessity, clarity, sufficiency