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 …
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 …
Systematic Theology-Prolegomena Pt. 8: Archetypal and Ectypal Theology Read More »
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 …
Systematic Theology-Prolegomena Pt. 7: True and False Theology Read More »
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 …
Systematic Theology-Prolegomena Pt. 6: Etymology and Definition of Theology Read More »
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 …
Systematic Theology-Prolegomena Pt. 5: Studying Theology Read More »
Introduction Following discussion on the theological method employed, we need to further define some important methodology. Method provides a way through a subject; and therefore, it is necessary to understand how we are to “walk” through this body of knowledge. In this article, I will explain synthetic and analytic method and also note some important …
Systematic Theology-Prolegomena Pt. 4: On Method and Order Read More »
Introduction In the previous article, literary genre and method typical of theological works were discussed. The scholastic genre and questions-disputation and commonplaces methods were considered the primary ones used in this series. After a discussion of literary purposes, the discussion flows to a consideration of different methods of theological study. Six methods will be explained: …
Systematic Theology-Prolegomena Pt. 3: Theological Method Read More »
Introduction In the last article, the introduction to prolegomena was given which showed the need for such discussion. Within that article, an outline was provided for the prolegomena section I wish to write which I will more or less base the following articles on. Moving from the understanding of what prologomena is and its purpose, …
Systematic Theology-Prolegomena Pt. 2: Literary Genre and Method Read More »
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 …
Systematic Theology-Prolegomena Pt. 1: Introduction and Outline Read More »
Introduction In today’s modern church, Christians have become apathetic to God’s law, especially the Mosaic Law. It is frequently misunderstood that Jesus came to be a new lawgiver; however, Christ came to be a fulfiller and interpreter of the already given law, which he says clearly: “I have not come to abolish them but to …
