Lecture 1 - Theological Method Flashcards
Divine Incomprehensibility
God is entirely distinct from you, so you cannot comprehend or understand him
Creator-Creature Distinction
God is altogether distinct from the created (the not God) in kind, not just greater by degree
Theology
The study of God and all things in relation to God
Accommodation
God has gone about self-revelation in light of our limitations. We cannot comprehend him, but we can apprehend him.
Theological Humility
The idea that everything we do grasp is by grace, so we do not look down on the understanding of others.
Reasons to Study Theology
Everybody is a theologian. Theology helps you administer reality. Theology clarifies who God is. Theology edifies as it clarifies. God is glorified through theology.
Administers of Reality
We see truth in theology to be able to refute lies and show others what is real.
Biblical Theology
After what biblical authors think on a topic.
Historical Theology
After what a certain era thought on a doctrine.
Philosophical Theology
After the logic and consistency of theology.
Systematic Theology
After the “so what” of theology, synthesizing the other disciplines to construct a fuller picture of one doctrine by placing it in light of other doctrines.
Theological Method
Prayer, biblical theology, philosophical theology, historical theology, systematic theology, begin again. Both an art and a science.
Ineffibility
Verbal limitation; we cannot describe God as he actually is.
Univocal Language
Using the same word concerning two things meaning to communicate the exact same thing.
Equivocal Language
Using the same word to describe two things meaning to communicate two different things.
Analogical Language
Using the same word to describe two things meaning to communicate similitude and resemblance.
Archetype
The real thing
Ectype
An image or shadow of the real thing.
Theology
Properly theological, about God himself
Economy
The way God works in the world. The way he spends himself.
Anthropomorphism
Ascribing creaturely features to non-creatures.
Anthropopathism
Ascribing creaturely emotions to God
Anthropochronism
Ascribing creaturely time to God.
Location of Theology
On one hand, theology must be done by each person, but it should be done in community: in, with, and for the church.
Theology
Study of God
Soteriology
Study of Salvation
Ecclesiology
Study of the Church
Eschatology
Study of the Last Things
Protology
Study of the First Things/Creation
Anthropology
Theological Study of Mankind
Paterology
Study of the Father
Christology
Study of Christ
Pneumatology
Study of the Spirit
Hamartiology
Study of Sin
Angeology
Study of Angels
Diabology
Study of Demons
Missiology
Study of Missions
Theological Triage
Gives wisdom for the tone to match the discussion.
Primary Issues
Orthodoxy at stake. Will put you outside the Christian faith.
Secondary Issues
Fellowship at stake. Will determine whether you go to a specific church.
Tertiary Issues
Preference at stake. You could worship with someone who disagrees, but one does not get their way.
