What is Systematic Theology and why should Christians study it?

Jeff Gilbert took the meeting on the 18th September. His notes can be downloaded by clicking on this link. I will try and edit this post with what else was said in the meeting in due course.

We considered the differences between the various branches of theology: Old Testament theology looks at the development of theology in the old testament and the same is true for New Testament theology. Systematic theology takes an overall view of scripture to draw out the doctrines as a summary.

Paul wanted the Corinthians to be ‘adults’ in understanding (1 Cor 14:20), as the writer to the Hebrews in chapter 5:12 who is quite scathing about his readers:

For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.

Many systematic theology books start with the topic of ‘revelation’ (links to last weeks’ class) because the question of authority is a vital and foundational one. A unified systematic theology is only possible because of the Bible’s internal consistency. Once you allow other authorities to govern doctrine, such as the Pope, tradition of the church, extra-biblical revelation, etc., the system of theology becomes a very fragile edifice.

Having established Scripture as the only worthy authority, systematic theology moves on to consider God and his attributes. This is vital if we are to avoid idolatry. The next theme is usually man and following that, redemption, the church, and the ‘last things’.

We can observe that systematic theology was practiced by the Lord Jesus himself in Luke 24:27:

And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.

And then from verses 44-47:

44 And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. 45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, 46 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: 47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem

Doctrine serves as a platform for Christian life:

1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.