I think this will be my last post on “Introduction to Theology.” Next week we will move into Bibliology, the Study of the Bible.
It is not that I blogged through all the class notes that I had on “Introduction to Theology.” I only summarized about 10 pages of notes in the last several blog posts, and still had over 80 pages to go.
It is just that I looked through the next 80 pages, and got bored. They dealt with the following topics:
- Seven Aversions to Theology
- History of the Development of Systematic Theology
- Presuppositions to Theology
- Theological Method
- How to Study Theology
- A Study of the Primary Worldviews
- The Importance of a Trinitarian Worldview
All of this is good information. I just wasn’t sure how to present it in blog format in an interesting way. Is there any of that you are just dying to know? Maybe I will include some of it later. Maybe.
Let me say this:
I do believe that theology is important. Vitally important. It is crucial to know who we are and why we are here so that we can know how to live and what is important in life. Even the idea that there is no God and we are here by chance is a theological belief which has far-reaching ramifications on how a person lives their life and treats other people. Both Jesus and Hitler had theologies which led them to live and act as they did. Calvin too:
If you do not know what you believe, you will be led blindly by the beliefs you do not know you have. It is only through understanding what we believe, and then choosing to reject or refine these beliefs, can we live a life of significance, purpose, and love.
It’s true, we all have a ‘theology’ of sorts even if we’re unaware of it. It may not he important for people to know all the history and technical stuff of theology itself but it sure is important to consider what it is we actually believe!!
Rich,
Good point. We don’t need to know it all.
Although sometimes the historical background does help with some context, and to keep us from making the mistakes of the past.
I like Charlie Schulz’s take on theology! Theology is important, but the problem often seems to be that lots of Christians think they’ve got theology all figured out and that means they are going to tell me and everyone else how to think and how to live. This includes who’s in (them) and who’s out (people not like them, people who believe the wrong stuff/theology).
It’s hardly worth the hassle, but occasionally I will respond to one of these people who think they’ve got the corner on truth with something from another theologian or even from the Bible that contradicts their “truth” (I suppose this makes me very naughty.) With few exceptions it makes them mad. Very telling, huh?
Yes, the “in” vs. “out” theology is troubling for me. Although I suppose I have my own system for this, but I don’t presume to know who is “in” and who is “out.” I try to leave that up to God to decide.
Your posts are systematic. I have never attended Bible School, but, I believe your systematic posts will help me to get some ideas about theological studies.
What about the validity of Patristic theology. I am trying to learn yet this confused me. I have a bible correspondence course and a online source from a Hebrew professor now retired ” teachingthelaw.org”
Anyway why are the thoughts of biblical scholars so important? How do you/one determine a truthful and inspired teacher from a sycophant just trying to be heard?
Get to know many thing about theology after reading this blog. Keep sharing such information with us.