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

Required readingDogmatic Theology Vol 1 by William G.T. Shedd (Available from Amazon or free here) - Conclude Chapter 3 (Nature and Definition of Theological Science).

My summary

Today Shedd finishes defining the nature of theology by affirming that it is a positive science: 'The term " positive " signifies that something is laid down (positum) respecting an object or idea. An affirmation is made that it is thus and so; and not a mere denial that it is thus and so.'

Shedd defends the positive nature of theology by examining the critiques of skeptics, particularly the notion that before we affirm anything of an object we must perfectly comprehend it.  Shedd rejects it as such an idea originates in a tendency to materialism, but even the materialist knows no thing in this world exhaustively.

What grabbed me

A good reading today. 

I really like Van Til  on this subject who actually flips the idea against the unbeliever and shows that the non-Christian actually knows nothing truly because he doesn't know everything exhaustively. Whereas the Christian knows some things truly because they have been revealed to him by the one with exhaustive knowledge.

I liked this illustration from Shedd for our knowledge of God: 'But it is the quality not the quantity of an idea, or a cognition, that determines its validity and trustworthiness; that is, its conformity to the real nature of the object. Man's knowledge of God is like his knowledge of the ocean. He does not perfectly comprehend the ocean, but this does not render what knowledge he has of the ocean a merely negative knowledge.'

Next week's reading

Commence Chapter 1 (Revelation and inspiration) by reading up to the paragraph starting with 'In maintaining the plenary inspiration of the Bible, we shall consider it first as containing matter that is revealed, in distinction from inspired' (Page 77 of my edition).

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