Getting Job-ed
The following is a paper written for Belhaven University by Austin Rankin discussing what theology is and why it is important. Read Part 1 of 2, this article will pick up right where that leaves off:
There are two primary forms in which theology is studied: Biblical Theology and Systematic Theology. We will make the distinction between the two and discuss how they are interrelated and dependent on each other.
Biblical Theology is not to distinguish between unbiblical theologies but rather is a reference to the approach of studying theology that gives priority to see the acts of God throughout the entirety of Scripture. (31) Biblical Theology is largely dependent on historical analysis of Scripture, which acts as viewing Scripture through a window into the world of the Bible. (32) This approach is extremely useful for seeing the underlying current and themes that run throughout the Bible from Genesis to Revelation, such as the Kingdom of God, Covenants, and Temple. (33) In this approach, we see the acts of God throughout Scripture which gives rise to a very holistic perspective of theology in Scripture. This approach keeps the theologian from being locked into just one passage without raising an eye to where that passage is seen in the Biblical timeline and what this passage was intended to portray to its original audience. So to speak, Biblical Theology is more linear in fashion than Systematic Theology. Essentially, Biblical Theology is a perspective that views the Bible as the “history of redemption as the centerpiece of Scripture.” (34)
Frame states, “Systematic theology seeks to apply Scripture by asking what the whole Bible teaches about any subject.” (35) Essentially, Systematic Theology is taking a set of topics and asking “what does that Bible teach about (fill in the blank)?” (36) Systematic Theology uses thematic analysis to view Scripture, which is to view the Bible, “as a mirror, a way of addressing questions, topics, or themes that are important to us…” (37) While this can include numerous amounts of topics that can be explored, Systematic Theology typically covers topics such as Doctrine of the Bible, theology proper (Doctrine of God), anthropology (Doctrine of Man), soteriology (doctrine of salvation), ecclesiology (Doctrine of the Church), and eschatology (Doctrine of End Times). (38)
While both Systematic Theology and Biblical Theology have their advantages and disadvantages separately, it is important to see them as distinct from each other but not necessarily disconnected. (39) Practically speaking, our minds work systematically, so it is natural to look at a given authority (the Bible) and approach it topically so it is applicable to our daily lives. However, with that approach, we can not disconnect from the fact that the Bible is not necessarily written topically but rather in a progressive manner. Therefore, when seeking answers to topical questions, the theologian has to be mindful of where the passage is at in the entirety of the Bible and Redemptive history and what was the original meaning to the original audience (or at least seek to understand the original meaning). (40)
With all of this in view, we ask “why is theology important?” Everyone contemplates, in some way, the existence of God. Therefore, everyone engages in the task of theology. (41) Scripture is explicit in that if our worship and love for God is not present, then we are idolaters with devastating consequences (Matthew 6:19-24, Exodus 20:1-7, amongst many others). Sound Christian Theology seeks to realign our misconceptions and preconceived notions to the authority of Scripture. In other words, theology aims to change our knowledge, practices, and affections (orthodoxy, orthopraxis, and orthopathos) towards God and then to the rest of mankind. When we can study the Bible holistically (through both Systematic and Biblical Theology), the impact on our lives will be life-changing and also will affect those with whom we share life with. The apostle Paul states,
Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord… Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Philippians 3:8, 4:11-13 ESV (emphasis added)
What was the knowledge Paul had learned to help him during adversity (beatings, imprisonment, shipwreck, etc.)? Knowing Christ Jesus. What was his secret in facing all circumstances, whether good or bad? Knowing Christ Jesus his King. We see that the goal of theology by way of orthodoxy, orthopraxis, and orthopathos had affected Paul’s outlook on life. This is the goal of the Christian theologian.
In conclusion, the purpose of this paper was to discuss the importance of the study of theology. To achieve this goal, this paper discussed what theology is, how theology is studied, and what the implications are of studying theology. The impact of studying theology on my life has been pivotal and will help me serve those within my ministry’s reach. Thanks be to God for His gift of theology!
-Austin
Footnotes (Continued from Part 1 of 2)
31. Third Millenium Ministries, “Building Biblical Theology: What is Biblical Theology?,” accessed
August 3, 2022, https://thirdmill.org/seminary/lesson.asp/vid/92
32. Third Millenium Ministries, “Building Biblical Theology: What is Biblical Theology?”
33. Vaughn Roberts, God’s Big Picture (Illinois: InterVarsity Press, 2002), 22.
34. Third Millenium Ministries, “Building Biblical Theology: What is Biblical Theology?”
35. Frame, Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Christian Belief, 9.
36. Third Millenium Ministries, “Building Systematic Theology: What is Systematic Theology?,” accessed
August 5, 2022, https://thirdmill.org/seminary/manuscripts/BuildingSystematicTheology.Lesson1.
Manuscript.English.doc
37. Third Millenium Ministries, “Building Systematic Theology: What is Systematic Theology?”
38. Third Millenium Ministries, “Building Your Theology: What is Theology?”
39. Frame, Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Christian Belief, 53.
40. R.C. Sproul, “Knowing Scripture: Literal Interpretation,” Ligonier Ministries, accessed August 5, 2022,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1vzMEHtexQ&list=PLWi0qXEimM4a6N4xWS1
DNV-EFk7ZDt4l&index=4
41. R.C. Sproul, “Defending the Faith,” accessed August 3, 2022, https://www.youtube.com/wa
tch?v=FECVYM0O1tU
Bibliography
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