Prolegomenon: Introduction to Systematic Theology 5

What are the Different Kinds of Theological Studies?

As we mentioned before under the heading The Materials of ST, there is a systematic method at deriving at ST each discipline affecting the other. This final portion of Prolegomenon we will state what these different kinds of Theological Studies are.

One that many enjoy is Biblical Theology. According to Dr. Charles Ryrie, a noted and much respected theologian, “Biblical theology is that branch of theological science which deals systematically with the historically conditioned progress of the self revelation of God as deposited in the Bible.” (Ryrie, Biblical Theology of the New Testament, p.12) BT is organized around and within the writers own context.

Terms associated with BT: Categories; Background; Historical and Cultural; Chronological and Progressive;

Historical Theology “...traces the development of the Biblical doctrines from the time of the apostles to the present day, and gives account of the results of this development in the life of the church.” (Strong). HT is a form of church history focusing on the development and understanding of doctrine, unfortunately it can tend toward deviation of true doctrine.

Specific Book Theologies form of Biblical theologies (plural). For example: OT theology, NT theology, Johanian theology, Pauline theology, etc.

“Philosophical Theology is theologizing which draws upon the input of philosophy rather than using merely biblical materials.” (Erickson) An example of this is the philosophy of language.

Integrative Theology is not new; it employs a six step plan as follows:

Problem: Identify the perimeter impact
Historical Hypothesis- solutions
Bible teaching
Formulation
Apologetic Interaction
Relevance for Faith and Ministry

Integrative Theology claims that ST:
…doesn’t take historical theology seriously
…tends to proof text rather than follow the methods of biblical theology
…doesn’t employ a comprehensive enough test for truth
…often doesn’t defend doctrines of opposing views
…doesn’t show the relevance of each issue for the Christian life.

Systematic Theology explained by The Six Blind Men and the Elephant.

The Earnest Contender will attempt to show that ST is a logical, coherent, comprehensive, organization of teaching of Scripture into various divisions of theology.

Delineated

Prolegomenon, introduction to Systematic Theology

Bibliology, the Doctrine of the Scriptures

Theology Proper, the Doctrine of God (mainly God the Father)

Christology, the Doctrine of the Son

Pneumatology, the Doctrine of the Holy Spirit

Angelology, the Doctrine of the Angels Elect
a) Satanology, the Doctrine of Satan
b) Demonology, the Doctrine of the Fallen Angels

Anthropology, the Doctrine of Man

Hamartiology, the Doctrine of Sin

Soteriology, the Doctrine of Salvation

Ecclesiology, the Doctrine of the Church

Israelology, the Doctrine of Israel (the lost or forgotten doctrine)

Eschatology, the Doctrine of the Last Things

A Survey of the Baptist Distinctives

Last, but not least there is Practical Theology. PT involves application of truths gleaned from theology, for the purpose of the regeneration of unbelievers; and the sanctification, edification, and service to believers.

This concludes our Study of Prolegomenon: Introduction to Systematic Theology.

Next we will begin Bibliology: the Doctrine of the Bible