What is Systematic Theology and how does it relate to three other disciplines of theology: biblical theology, historical theology, and philosophical theology. Which of the four approaches is the most important in your current or future ministry context?
Dermarest suggests that systematic theology is “the attempt to reduce religious truth to a coherent and relevant whole for the church” (Elwell, 2001, p. 1162). More specifically, the reductionist process utilizes exegetical, biblical and historical theology to formulate and contemporize a theological framework (Elwell, 2001). A brief exploration of the relationship between systematic theology and biblical, historical, and philosophical theology will be provided.
Although biblical theology may be overly simplified as a theology that represents the books of the bible in a coherent order, additional explanations aid in shedding light on the phrase’s multiple meanings (Elwell, 2001). Biblical theology may be considered a movement that lasted for approximately two decades starting in the 1940s, a descriptive or normative theology of the Old and New Testaments, or simply a theology that is based on Scripture (Erickson, 1998). In relation to biblical theology, systematic theology extrapolates a normative biblical theology into a contemporary idiom and integrates the work of the biblical theologian into its analysis (Erickson, 1998). W. G. T. Shedd (2003) additionally suggests that systematic theology should be employed to correct biblical theology for two reasons. First, biblical theology is fractional and can lead to an incomplete view of Scripture, and furthermore, the risk of “subjective individual opinions” significantly increases when the entire cannon is not taken into account (p. 50).
Historical theology “traces the church’s faith topically through the various eras of its history” (Elwell, 2001, p. 1164). Erickson (1998) shows the important relationship between historical and systematic theology by providing three significant benefits that historical theology provides the systematic theologian. First, historical theology provides alternative interpretations from different historical timeframes that can increase awareness of our own bias or presumptions (Erickson, 1998). Second, by studying great theologians of the past historical theology provides insight into various ways of doing theology (Erickson, 1998). Finally, historical theology has the potential of shedding light on the validity of an idea by referencing analyses of similar ideas in prior periods (Erickson, 1998).
Philosophical theology is “theologizing that draws on the input of philosophy rather than using merely biblical materials” (Erickson, 1998, p. 29). Philosophical theology also provides three potential benefits to systematic theology including supplying its content, defending its arguments, and examining the validity of its assertions (Erickson, 1998). Although some theologians such as Karl Barth vehemently argue against philosophy supplying content, Erickson (1998) believes that philosophy can provide a significant benefit in scrutinizing theology’s assertions and cautiously believes it may have the ability to defend certain arguments of systematic theology (p. 29).
The most important approach to my current ministry context is systematic theology. The para-church ministry I am involved with utilizes a convergence of cognitive precepts and Christian spiritual principles to inform one’s interpersonal and professional growth. And though correct biblical interpretation is crucial, a historical perspective of the patristic and Reformation period is supportive, and philosophical perspectives are integral, each individual perspective is fragmentary. Accordingly, a solid systematic theology is necessary for maximum efficacy of the ministry.
References
Elwell, W. A. (Ed.). (2001). Evangelical Dictionary of Theology (2nd ed.). Grand Rapids: Baker Academic.
Erickson, M. J. (1998). Christian Theology (2nd ed.). Grand Rapids: Baker Academic.
Shedd, W. G. T. (2003). In A. W. Gomes (Ed.), Dogmatic Theology (3rd ed.). Phillipsburg, NJ: P & R Publishing.
