Some notes of mine (derived in part from Dr. James A. Anderson, RTS Charlotte):
Definition #1: “The study of God” – Seemingly narrow definition; really very broad.
Definition #2: “The knowledge of God” (Abraham Kuyper) Knowledge implies a target, an answer, a two-way street. Scriptures frame theology in the “knowledge” context. (Ex. 9:29, Isa. 43:10, Matt. 9:6, 1 John 5:13)
Definition #3: “The application of God’s Word by persons to all areas of human life.” (John Frame)
Theology is practical. It has to make a difference in our lives. Some will make a distinction between theoretical theology and practical theology. This is not helpful; all theology should be practical because all theology should be relevant to our lives.
Theology is authoritative. If theology is the application of God’s Word, if it is done rightly it carries all the authority of God Himself. A good theology should and must be believed, celebrated, and obeyed.
Theology is personal. Not something done in abstraction from personal lives of human beings; we do theology as an individual person with our own personal characteristics.
Theology is comprehensive. No area of human life that is not impacted by theology. At the most general level, Paul tells us we should do everything to the glory of God. (1 Cor. 10:31)
Theology is pastoral. It must address the deepest needs of broken human beings. Right theology will lead, feed, and protect people just as the Chief Shepherd. (Ecc. 12:11)
Theology is intellectual. Persons have minds. We must think and reason well when we do theology. We are to love God with our mind. (Matt. 22:37)
Theology is emotional. An unemotional theology is no theology at all. It must inform and shape the whole of the person.
Theology is biblical. Countless examples of biblical authors who engage in theology as they preach, teach and reveal God’s nature and character.
Types of Theology
(1) Biblical Theology
Starting Point: The historical progression of God’s self-revelation and redemptive plan in the Word of God.
General Question: “How did God’s self-revelation and redemptive plan unfold over the course of history?”
Assumption: God has progressively revealed Himself and His plans over time. Eph. 3:8-9, something hidden coming now to light; Col. 1:26, “now revealed”; 1 Pet. 1:10 “Concerning this salvation, prophets searched and inquired carefully”; Gal. 4:4-5 “When the fullness of time had come, God sent forth His Son…”
Examples: How has the doctrine of the Trinity been progressively revealed? How is the Gospel prefigured in the book of Genesis/Ruth/Jonah?
(2) Systematic Theology
Starting Point: Particular subject areas or questions of interest to us.
General Question: “What does the whole Bible teach us about this subject?”
Assumption: The Bible is a coherent unity and relevant to all of life. Psalm 12:6 “Words of the Lord are pure words, like silver refined seven times.” Psalm 19 “The Law of the Lord is perfect, the commandment of the Lord is pure.” Romans 15:4 “For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction." Titus 1:2 “The hope of eternal life which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began." The Scriptures are consistent.
Example: How does God’s sovereignty relate to human responsibility?
(3) Historical Theology – What has the church taught throughout history? How and why have these ideas developed?
(4) Practical Theology – Matters of particular concern in our experience.
Examples: What is the biblical view of preaching? How should we do evangelism?
