Required reading
Systematic Theology Volume 1 by Charles Hodge (Available from Amazon or free here) - Read Chapter 1 (On method).
My summary
This week we begin our next major work, Charles Hodge's three volume systematic theology.
Today we read the first chapter which is an overview of different methodologies for the study of theology.
Firstly Hodge teaches us that theology is a science and that a scientific system of theology is a necessity.
Secondly Hodge speaks generally about the methods of study and reduces the methods of theology to three:
(i) the speculative (which includes deism, dogmatism and transcendentalism);
(ii) the mystical;
(iii) the inductive (the right method in Hodge's eyes).
The chapter finishes with Hodge explaining the place of Scripture and the Holy Spirit in theological study.
What grabbed me
I appreciated Hodge's clarity on the relationship of theology and science: 'The Bible is no more a system of theology, than nature is a system of chemistry or of mechanics. We find in nature the facts which the chemist or the mechanical philosopher has to examine, and from them to ascertain the laws by which they are determined. So the Bible contains the truths which the theologian has to collect, authenticate, arrange, and exhibit in their internal relation to each other. This constitutes the difference between biblical and systematic theology. The office of the former is to ascertain and state the facts of Scripture. The office of the latter is to take those facts, determine their relation to each other and to other cognate truths, as well as to vindicate them and show their harmony and consistency. This is not an easy task, or one of slight importance.'
A systematic theologian is a scientist!
Next week's reading
Read Chapter 2 (Theology).
Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
No comments:
Post a Comment