Intro to Theology

Question 1

How has “theology” been defined through the centuries?

Answer 1

1. Early Church as Sapientia - not knowledge so much as relationship
2. Medieval Church as Scientia - cognitive exercise. An organized body of knowledge. Things to know.
3. Enlightenment as Praxis - the articulation of Christian action in the world

Question 2

How does Williams define theology?

Answer 2

“Theology is our disciplined extra-biblical reflection upon revelation and the study of the people of God’s historic response to revelation.”

Question 3

How does Williams differentiate between revelation and theology?

Answer 3

Revelation is God’s declaration of his character, ways and will within creaturely existence. It is inerrant.

Theology is a human activity upon revelation and therefore, subject to change and error.

Question 4

How did the Enlightenment define objective and subjective?

Answer 4

Objective is that which is certain, indisputable, unbiased, dependent only upon verifiable “fact”. External. Detached observer.

Subjective is merely the product of opinion, prejudice or human preference.

Question 5

To what does the word “doctrine” refer?

Answer 5

• to the content of the Christian religion.
• to instruction that unfolds the significance of God’s acts in history for the church’s mission and life.

didache: teaching

Question 6

What is the mission or task of theology?

Answer 6

• understand and explain the word of God
• teach and defend doctrinal insights gained in its study
• correct and equip the church for its missional vocation

Question 7

What is the relationship between Scripture and mission?

Answer 7

• the Bible is a product of the mission of God

- mission is the overarching story of the Bible