Introduction to Theology Flashcards
Incomprehensibility
God cannot be comprehended (surrounded). We cannot exhaust God (it would make us greater than Him).
Creator/Creature Distinction
God is different in kind. He creates out of the fullness of his own life. He has no contingencies, nobody sustains His life.
Definition of Theology
The study of God and all things in relation to God.
Theological Humility
We can think of our theology as “baby talk.” It is ridiculous to get arrogant over it.
Accommodation
God wants to be known. He accommodates our weakness to make us capable of apprehending Him, but not comprehending Him.
Administers of Reality
We live in a world of lies. You can dismantle lies and replace them with truth.
Biblical Theology
Keep research towards biblical data.
Historical THeology
“What has the church believed about different topics?”
Philosophical Theology
“Does the doctrine make sense logically?”
Systematic Theology
“So what?” - moves between lanes of theology.
Theological Method
- Pray
- Biblical Theology
- Philosophical Theology
- Historical Theology
- Systematic Theology
- Start over
Univocal Language
When you use the same word for two different things that are similar/alike.
Equivocal Language
When you use the same word for two things that don’t relate.
Analogical Language
When you use the same word to describe two things that are NOT exactly alike, but one is a shadow of the other.
Archetype
True, preeminent form.
Ectype
Image or shadow form.
Anthropomorphism
Ascribing human-like features to a non-human.
Anthropopathism
Ascribing human-like emotional features/thought life to God.
Anthropochronism
Ascribing human-like time to God.
Location of Theology
Proper place for theology is in the church, with the church, and for the church.
Soteriology
Study of salvation.
Ecclesiology
Study of the church.
Eschatology
Study of the end times.
Protology
Study of creation.
