Types of Theology
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Transcript of Types of Theology
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8/3/2019 Types of Theology
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Types of Theology
Ezwell defines systematic theology as the attempt to reduce religious truth to a coherent and
relevant whole for the church. (Ezwell, p1162) So this type of theology, or study of God (Erickson,
p22), puts the search for truth that can improve the life of the church and its believers into a system, a
disciplined method. Such a complicated and difficult task seems to cry out for some sort or organized
approach. To me, the Bible seems not only to be the most magnetic and compelling source of
knowledge available but also the most complicated and challenging book anyone could strive to
understand. Many great scholars have spent their entire lives in its study.
How does this type of theology compare to these other types? Biblical Theology seems the
simplest to understand overall. It is primarily the theology presented in the Bible. Systematic Theology
differs is that it asks the question of what does the whole Bible say about a subject, not just what does
one book say? It also differs in that it seeks the understanding of not only what the Hebrews believed inbiblical times but what do we believe today? (Erickson, p119)
Historical Theology is the most interesting of the other three types. It seeks to understand each
teaching in the context in which it occurred. It asks why each biblical person believed what he or she
believed while attempting to understand their surrounding culture. The systematic approach is more
focused on creating theological understanding that is useful in todays culture. The two approaches are
very much the same in that they both seek to reduce truth to something relevant. The time frame is just
different.
Philosophical Theology seems the most difficult to understand. Who is not completely
overwhelmed by the writings of Nietzsche or Kierkegaard? The depth of their thought is thrilling and
exhausting all at the same time. The intellectual presentation of philosophers is often difficult tocomprehend or make relevant to everyday life, the opposite of the objective of systematic theology. The
philosophical approach does have its place in helping us better develop and employ certain critical
abilities that can deepen our understanding of the Bible. (Erickson, p59)
Each of the these have similarities and differences to the systematic approach. They are all
applicable to my current ministry which is largely my amateurish attempt to become a seminary student
while trying my best to live my daily life in the most Christ like manner I can achieve. I need the biblical
approach in my daily walk and search for Gods truth in my life. He wrote that book for me to read after
all. I love the historical approach, to understand why Moses was afraid in the desert. It helps me
understand my own weaknesses. I admire the philosophical approach. It humbles me in my meager
understanding of many of the worlds best thinkers.
In the end, the discipline of the systematic approach is the most applicable for me. I need the
discipline. Without structure and an organized approach I quickly become lost in such a frightening,
complicated and overwhelming yet absolutely rewarding search for that truth of God that is relevant for
my life. I need that sound theology that meets the need of my everyday life. (Grenz and Olsen, p134)