Aiden Martin

Systematic Theology-Bibliology Pt. 1: Introduction and the Word as Principium Congnoscendi

Introduction After finally settling methodology, definitions, and establishing the principia of theology, bibliology is next on the ordering of loci. Bibliology is the study of God’s Word and Scripture. Many different doctrines must be addressed in this loci and many controversies arise in this topic with the papists, enthusiasts, and non-believers. The topic includes the …

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Systematic Theology-Prolegomena Pt. 12: Fundamental Articles and Principia

Introduction We now finally come to the end of the prolegomena in the systematic theology. Here, we will address the nature and various distinctions that arise in the topic of fundamental articles. Moreover, we will discuss the principles upon which the whole of the system lies. After a discussion of these two topics, every matter …

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Systematic Theology-Prolegomena Pt. 11: The Use of Reason in Theology

Introduction Having fully established the comprehension and extension of the term theology, we now move to discuss what is considered the handmaiden of theology–philosophy. What tools can we use from philosophy and human reason in matters of the divine faith and sacred science? This is an important foundation to lay so that we not err …

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Systematic Theology-Prolegomena Pt. 10: The Causes, Object, and Genus of Theology

Introduction Having discussed the extension of the term theology, we will not turn back to the comprehension of the term by giving a causal definition, stating its object (or the matter with which the discipline deals with), and giving its genus. Classical authors typically gave definition through the four causes: material, formal, efficient, and final. …

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Systematic Theology-Prolegomena Pt. 9: Natural and Supernatural Revelation

Introduction In the last article, ectypal theology was divided into theology of union, theology of vision, and theology of revelation. Here, theology of revelation is further divided into natural theology and supernatural theology. Each will be defined with a polemical section attached to natural theology since some controversies arise. This article will be the last …

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Introduction to a System of Philosophy

Introduction I am beginning a series on philosophy alongside series on systematic theology. I imagine my two projects coexisting as a body of truth: one of which consists of natural truths attainable through human reason and the other consisting of supernatural truths attainable through divine revelation. Tertullian’s famous question asks what the relationship between this …

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Systematic Theology-Prolegomena Pt. 8: Archetypal and Ectypal Theology

Following the division of theology into true and false, true theology can be further divided into archetypal and ectypal theology. Ectypal theology is also divided into theology of union, vision, and revelation. We will define and further explicate each with the reason for the division. Archetypal Theology Archetypal theology is defined as the theology of …

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Systematic Theology-Prolegomena Pt. 7: True and False Theology

Introduction Following the etymology and basic definition of the term (comprehension), we will now proceed to the division of the term theology (extension). The first bifurcation of theology is into true and false theology. In this article, we will define each, give a distribution of false theologies, and understand the purpose of this division. This …

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Systematic Theology-Prolegomena Pt. 6: Etymology and Definition of Theology

Introduction We finally arrive to the etymology and definition of theology. The importance of defining terms cannot be understated. A statement generally attributed to Socrates explains, “The beginning of wisdom is the definition of terms.” Aristotle notes the discussion of the word always precedes discussion of the thing. An essential definition indicates the essence of …

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Systematic Theology-Prolegomena Pt. 5: Studying Theology

Introduction The prolegomena discussion now proceeds to how one must study theology. If we are to delineate any true theology, we need to understand how to study the discipline. In this article, I will discuss the motives to study theology, the students of theology, preparation for it, and materials necessary in the study. For one …

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