Systematic Theology-Prolegomena Pt. 1: Introduction and Outline

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Introduction To Project

I am beginning a long series of articles that will last for an indefinite time due to the breadth of which I wish to pursue. The goal of this series is to provide a complete systematic theology representing the Reformed tradition. Systematic (or dogmatic) theology is one of my favorite studies out of all other genres and or methods of ‘doing’ theology. It provides a structured and coherent system of theological truths that other methods cannot provide. Typical (or at least should be) of systematics, I will begin with the prolegomena section and end in eschatology. Throughout this endeavor I will provide the dogma as represented in the Reformed tradition with polemics aside it when dissentions and controversies arise in any theological topic. Whether that be against Rome in most heads of theology or Lutherans in more distinct theological disputes such as communicatio idomatum, I will seek to defend the doctrine of the Reformed against those who oppose it. Standing within the Reformed tradition, I will try to accumulate the best articulations of our dogma and find the best arguments supporting it against other traditions. I side with the Reformed in opposition to all other Christian traditions, for I believe that the one represented in this series is the most Scripturally sound, logically coherent, historically supported, and philosophically consistent. Drawing from one of the most rigorous intellectual traditions in Christendom (with Romanism competing beside it), there is plenty of material from divines that are far smarter than I, in which I will rely on heavily. Some of the most influential being Francis Turretin1, John Calvin2, Petrus Van Maastricht3, Franciscus Junius4, Peter Martyr Vermigli5, Herman Bavinck6, Charles Hodge7, and much more. Moreover, the use of Church Fathers such as, Augustine, Chrysostom, Athanasius, Ambrose, and much more is necessary in any comprehensive theological work. The Medieval Doctors, such as Anselm, Peter Lombard, Thomas Aquinas, Bonaventure, and many others is useful as well. Also, from more modern times, Richard Muller’s historical theology work on post-reformation dogmatics is of infinite value.8 My hope is that this series can be glorifying to God in its representation of truth revealed by him and edifying for the church in times of muddied theological waters for all of Christendom. Hopefully, I will achieve this goal Lord willing.

Introduction to Prolegomena

In modern times, the word “prolegomena” may not even be known to most people. The word comes from two Greek words forged together: pro, meaning ‘before,’ and legein, meaning ‘to say,’ which the profound Greek word “logos” is derived from. Thus, prolegein means ‘to say beforehand,’ and was later transferred into the Latin language as prolegomenon, wherefrom the English word “prolegomena” comes from. The noun, then, in the English language most basically signifies “things that are said beforehand.” It serves as preliminary discussion to any scientific discourse of how the work is structured and the method used within the work. The importance of this section cannot be understated. Prolegomena provides a lens for understanding the work as a whole, the object which is spoken of, and how one comes to conclusions. Moreover, it lays out the presuppositions and terminology of the work. Defining terms is the first action one must take in rationally discussing any topics, and so it is with theology. Think of it as a map to reach your destination: it is a way to chart the overall course of a discursive journey. How can one reach their destination without having the means to reach it? This is what prolegomena seeks to provide by dealing with method, structure, terminology, and divisions.

Despite the importance of such discussion, modern systematics have either left out a prolegomena section or have poorly touched on the subject. For example, Grudem’s Systematic Theology has no prolegomena section, although this work is considered standard in today’s seminaries. What was once given an entire book (see footnote number 4) is now left out. Some drastic consequences can come about by not dealing with prolegomena with the principle one being if theology ought to be considered objective or subjective; science or prudence. One can theorize many reasons why this has happened; however, one can easily observe the lack of precision and intellectually rigorous works in modernity compared to the times of the Reformers and the Church prior to them. This is specifically happening among American Evangelicalism where there seems to be an anti-intellectualism growing or a lack of debate due to the proposed “virtue” of tolerance.

Outline

With an understanding of what the end of a prolegomena section seeks to achieve and the importance of it being established, the basic contents of this section is outlined here:

Prolegomena

  1. Introduction to Prolegomena
    • Etymology/Definition of Prolegomena
    • Purpose/Importance of Prolegomena
    • Lack of Prolegomena in Modern Systematics
  2. Genres of Theological Literature
    • Catechetical
    • Ecclesiastical
    • Scholastic
    • Scholastic Method Used
      • Defense Thereof
  3. Literary Methods of Theological (Explanation-Purpose-Use)
    • Quaestiones Disputatae (Question-Disputation) Method
    • Loci Communes (Common Places) Method
    • Both Used
    • Brief Mention of Others
      • Compendium, Catechesis, Homiletical
  4. Methods of Theological Study
    • Philosophical Theology
    • Historical Theology
    • Biblical Theology
    • Systematic Theology
    • Elenctic (Polemical) Theology
    • Systematic-Elenctic Used
      • Defense Thereof
  5. More on Method
    • Synthetic (a priori)
    • Analytic (a posteriori)
      • Use Explained
  6. Yes, Even More on Method
    • Use of Scholasticism
    • Exegetical
      • Not Eisegetical
    • Catholic
      • Not Non-Catholicity
    • Confessional
      • Not Deconfessionalization
    • Creedal
      • Not Solo Scriptura
  7. How to Study Theology
    • Instruments
    • Disposition
    • Goal
  8. Etymology/Definition of Theology, Religion, Dogma
  9. Relation Between Religion and Theology
  10. Divisions
    • False Theology
    • True Theology
      • Archetypal
      • Ectypal
        • Theologia in se, theologia nostra (side distinction)
          • Ontological Objectivity, Epistemological Subjectivity
        • Theology of UnionTheology of Vision
        • Theology of Revelation
          • Natural Theology
          • Supernatural Theology
  11. Causes of Theology
    • Material Cause
    • Formal Cause
    • Efficient Cause (ultimate and proximate)
      • Instrumental Cause
    • Final Causes (primary and secondary)
  12. Object of Theology
    • God and all things in relation to him
  13. Genus of Theology
    • What intellectual virtue? (Scientia, Sapientia, Prudentia, or Ars)
  14. Theoretical or Practical?
  15. Use of Philosophy, Reason, Logic and other Fields of Study
    • Use of Senses in Theology
  16. Use of Necessary Consequences
  17. Fundamental Articles
  18. Principia (Principles of Whole Work)

With the introduction to the project and prolegomena out of the way and a basic outline of the following topics subjugated to the head of prolegomena, the next article will be about genre and most likely literary method that will be used.

  1. Genevan-Italian Reformed Scholastic theologian (1623-1687). For systematic and polemical theology, see Francis Turretin, Institutes of Elenctic Theology (Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R Publications, 1992). ↩︎
  2. Prominent French Reformer and Theologian (1509-1564). For systematic theology, see John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion (Philadelphia, Westminster Press, 1960). ↩︎
  3. Dutch Reformed Theologian (1630-1706). For systematic theology, see Petrus van Mastricht, Theoretical-Practical Theology (Grand Rapids, MI: Reformation Heritage Books, 2018-Present). ↩︎
  4. French Reformed Theologian (1545-1602). For standard Reformed prolegomena, see Franciscus Junius, David C Noe, Van Asselt, and Richard A Muller, A Treatise on True Theology: With the Life of Franciscus Junius (Grand Rapids, MI: Reformation Heritage Books, 2014). ↩︎
  5. Italian Reformed Theologian (1499-1562). For various theological treatises, see Peter Martyr Vermigli, Dialogue on the Two Natures in Christ (Davenant Institute, 2018); Peter Marty Vermigli and Joseph C Mclelland, The Oxford Treatise and Disputation on the Eucharist, 1549 (Kirksville, MO: Truman State University Press, 2000); and The Peter Martyr Library Ser. 1, Vol. 8, Predestination and Justification (Kirksville, MO, 2003). ↩︎
  6. Dutch Reformed Theologian (1854-1921). For systematic theology, see Herman Bavinck, and John Bolt, Reformed Dogmatics (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2011). ↩︎
  7. American Reformed Theologian (1797-1878). For systematic theology, see Charles Hodge, Systematic Theology (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1993). ↩︎
  8. See Richard A Muller, Post-Reformation Reformed Dogmatics, Vol. 1-4, Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2003). ↩︎
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