Required reading
Systematic Theology Volume 1 by Charles Hodge (Available from Amazon or free here) - Read Chapter 2 (Theology).
My summary
This week Hodge continues to look at what theology is.
Firstly Hodge reminds us of his definition of theology (to be concerned with the facts and the principles of the Bible) and then compares that with other inadequate definitions.
Hodge then delves deeper into the subject of natural theology. He teaches us that natural theology does indeed teach us reliable facts concerning God.
Yet Hodge also explains that natural theology is insufficient to teach us the way of salvation. He then shows that the way of salvation is revealed in supernatural revelation.
The chapter finishes with some brief definitions of the distinct departments of theology, namely:
(i) theology proper;
(ii) anthropology;
(iii) soteriology;
(iv) eschatology;
(v) ecclesiology.
What grabbed me
I appreciated this reminder from Hodge: 'It is important that the theologian should know his place. He is not master of the situation. He can no more construct a system of theology to suit his fancy, than the astronomer can adjust the mechanism of the heavens according to his own good pleasure. As the facts of astronomy arrange themselves in a certain order, and will admit of no other, so it is witli the facts of theology. Theology, tlierefore, is the exhibition of the facts of Scripture in their proper order and relation, with the principles or general truths involved in the facts themselves, and which pervade and harmonize the whole. '
Our theology cannot be bent by our own ideas. It must only be shaped by Scripture.
Next week's reading
Commence Chapter 3 (Rationalism) by reading points 1, 2 and 3.
Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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