Dogmatic Theology Vol 1 - Shedd - III - Chapter 3 (Nature and Definition of Theological Science) commenced

Required readingDogmatic Theology Vol 1 by William G.T. Shedd (Available from Amazon or free here) - Commence Chapter 3 (Nature and Definition of Theological Science) by reading up to the paragraph beginning with: '1. In defining the nature of theology, we remark in the first place, that it is absolute science, in contradistinction to relative knowledge.'

My summary

Now we begin a lengthy chapter on the nature and definition of theological science.

Firstly Shedd teaches us that theology must not be identified with ethics.

Rather, theology is the science of God.  Science is then defined as profound and self-consistent knowledge.

Thus Shedd is led to demonstrate that the skeptical estimate of theology is unscientific.  To prove it, he critiques skeptics such as Hume and Gibbon.

What grabbed me

I enjoyed Shedd's dismissal of famous skeptics.

And also this comment on the difference between pagan and Christian ethics: 'Christian ethics differs also from pagan in respect to the motive presented. In pagan ethics, the motive is legal and founded in fear; in Christian ethics, the motive is evangelical and founded in love. St. Paul indicates the motive in Christian ethics, in Rom. 12:1: "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God." Also in 2 Cor. 7:1: "Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit." The motive for the discharge of Christian duty is the love of God in Christ towards the forgiven sinner. There is no such motive as this in pagan ethics.'

We love because he first loved us.

Next week's reading

Continue Chapter 3 (Nature and Definition of Theological Science) by reading up to the paragraph beginning with: '2. A second characteristic of theology is, that it is positive science in contradistinction to negative knowledge.'

Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.