WHAT IS SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY?

Systematic theology, once known as the queen of the sciences, is the study of God and then the study of all things as they relate to God.

At least that is a brief working definition. A book by Dr. R. C. Sproule is titled Everyone’s A Theologian.Whether we realize it or not, we really are all theologians.

We all encounter the great questions of life like:

1) if there is a God, what is he like? 2) what does God have to do with me? 3) what is the purpose of life? and 4) what happens after this life?

The question, then, is not whether or not we should learn about systematic theology, but should we try to be good theologians.

A more technical definition of systematic theology was offered by John Webster in The Oxford Handbook of Systematic Theology. Webster wrote that “Systematic theology attempts a conceptual articulation of Christian claims about God and everything else in relation to God, characterized by comprehensiveness and coherence. It seeks to present Christian teaching as a unified whole; even though particular exercises in the genre (such as the chapters of this handbook) may restrict themselves to only one or other element of Christian doctrine, they have an eye for its place in the entire corpus.”[1]

When you open a work of Systematic Theology, you should expect to find explanations of 1) the doctrine of Scripture; 2) the doctrine of God; 3) the doctrine of creation; 4) the doctrine of salvation; and 5) the doctrine of last things.

We can summarize the work of systematic theology under the categories: 1) God; 2) Creation; 3) Salvation

Typically, the best systematic theologies will also begin with a prolegomena which discusses the philosophical framework with which the author will compose his theology.

Systematics and the Other Theological Categories

Exegetical

Biblical

Historical

Philosophical

Systematics

Dogmatics

Perhaps it would be helpful to see how systematic theology relates to other theological disciplines. We should always begin with the exegesis of the text. Perhaps we could call this exegetical theology. Then we move on to biblical theology. Biblical theology builds upon the exegesis of various passages to present biblical themes in a descriptive manner. Historical theology studies the great doctrines of the Bible through the lens of influential leaders and movements in history. Systematic theology builds upon these foundational areas to present doctrines both descriptively, historically, and prescriptively. Systematic theology distinguishes itself from other theological disciplines by being a historically informed description of the Scriptures and prescriptive for God’s people.

Major Works of Theology

The source for theology is God’s book—the Bible. Without special revelation we could not know the great things of God with confidence, we could know nothing of salvation, and we could know nothing of humanity’s future glory with God. Every other document’s helpfulness must be judged in its accurate presentation of biblical truth and whether or not it points its reader back to Scripture and the God of Scripture. The Scriptures are the authority because of their divine Author. No human author can be placed along side of divine Scripture. When human authors are helpful, it is only because they help present biblical truths in an understanding and illuminating manner. Perhaps systematic theologies could be viewed as helpful preachers and teachers who systematically explain the words of Scripture.

Historically, systematic theology was done by those who wanted to know God, summarize biblical doctrine, and defend those doctrines against heretics. The first systematic theologies, small as they may be in size, are the ancient creeds. For example, the ancient Didache, Apostle’s Creed, Nicene Creed, Athanasian Creed, and Chalcedonian Creed summarized what ancient people believed the Bible taught so that others would know and heresies would be avoided. These creeds were not intended to be and should never be placed on an equal level with Scripture. They were intended to be helps. Modern systematic theologies have followed the same basic outline as these ancient documents.

Sola Scriptura and Nuda Scriptura?

Irenaeus (Against All Heresies), Augustine (On Faith, The Enchiridion), and others composed early works of theology. Another of the first attempts at systematic theology, On the Orthodox Faith, was produced by John of Damascus. These are some of the ancient first documents which would be comparable to the field of modern systematic theology. Peter Lombard (1090-1160) composed four books known as The Sentences. This collection became a standard tool as individuals trained to be theologians. Students were expected to compose commentaries on Lombard’s Sentences to receive a degree. Thomas Aquinas and Martin Luther, for example, completed commentaries on Lombard’s Sentences in order to be awarded a degree.

Necessary Discussion Partners

The classic texts of theology, which must be included in the discussion of any topic as systematic theology is pursued academically, would be the writings of Augustine, Thomas Aquinas’ Summa Theologica, John Calvin’s Institutes of the Christian Religion, Herman Bavinck’s Reformed Dogmatics, Frederich Schleiermacher’s The Christian Faith, Karl Barth’s Church Dogmatics. Augustine, Aquinas, and Calvin wrote their massively important texts to help instruct the common man.

Bavinck stands at a crossroads in theological studies. The Enlightenment and its rejection of the miraculous and inspiration of Scripture began to take hold and shift theology away from the revealed truths of Scripture. Bavinck grappled with this shift and maintained a conservative theology. Barth dealt with the aftermath of theological liberalism which followed the Enlightenment and Schleiermacher who is known as the father of theological liberalism. Barth continues to be a controversial figure and does not fit in a true theological conservative framework. He did, however, provide a launching pad away from theological liberalism. These authors do not speak authoritatively, however, they are massively influential. In order to be “in the conversation,” you must interact with their thought.

Is Systematic Theology for Me?

Wilhelmus à Brakel titled his major work of theology The Christian’s Reasonable Service. He believed theology is vital to living for God. In fact, William Ames, a Puritan, said, “theology is the doctrine of living unto God.” If you think about God, then systematic theology is for you. If you are concerned about the future, then systematic theology is for you. If you are interested in the meaning of life, then systematic theology is for you.

To be a theologian is to fulfill God’s commands. We must know who God is. The Bible says, “And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him” (Heb 11:6). Likewise, Jesus said, “unless you believe that I am he, you will die in your sins” (Jn 8:24). Paul taught that we must “preach the word. Be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching” (2 Tim 4:2).

You are a theologian. Be a good theologian. You will learn more about God, love him better, and serve him more faithfully.

[1] John Webster, Oxford Handbook of Systematic Theology, 1.