Unit 1: Introduction to Systematic Theology Flashcards
What is systematic theology?
Any study that answers the question, “What does the whole Bible teach us today?” about any given topic. It’s an organized way of studying God.
Why should theology not be divorced from the grand story of Scripture?
The danger is taking verses out of context. This is prevented by looking at the whole storyline to avoid warped theology.
What are other disciplines related to systematic theology? There are seven others.
Historical theology, philosophical theology, apologetics, christian ethics, old testament theology, new testament theology, and biblical theology
What does the Bible teach about prayer?
Systematic theology
How does the teaching regarding prater develop in the Bible?
Biblical theology
What does Paul teach about prayer?
New Testament theology
What do the Psalms teach about prayer?
Old Testament theology
How did the fourth century Christians pray?
Historical theology
What does the _________ _________ teach us _________?
whole bible, today
Why is a carefully organized approach essential in studying systematic theology?
A carefully organized approach can ensure that all topics receive thorough consideration. Topics can be treated in much more detail, and doctrinal summaries can be formulated with much more accuracy.
What are doctrines?
A doctrine is what the whole Bible teaches us today about some particular topic. Each doctrine has sub-doctrines/beliefs.
True or False: An initial assumption of this course is that the Bible is our only absolute standard of truth.
True
Why is it significant that “The God who is spoken of in the Bible exists and ism who the Bible says he is.”
This means that the Bible is a source by which we can understand God. He has given us a way to know Him.
Where is the basic reason to study theology cited?
Matthew 28:19-20
What is the basic reason to study theology?
So we can go and make disciples
What benefits does studying theology provide to our lives?
- It helps us to overcome our wrong ideas.
- It helps us make better decisions about doctrine later on.
- It helps us to grow as Christians.
How should we study systematic theology? (6 ways)
With prayer, with humility, with reason, with help from others, by collecting and understanding all the relevant passages on any topic, and with rejoicing and praise.
With prayer
psalm 119:18 (open my eyes) & Ephesians 1:16-18
With humility
1 peter 5:5 (God opposes the proud and favors the humble) & James 3:13-18 (humility from wisdom)
How should we use reason in theological study?
We should use our reasoning to deduce conclusions from scripture as long as these deductions don’t contradict scripture’s other teachings
With help from others
1 corinthians 12:28
How should we go about collecting all the relevant passages on any topic?
- Ask ChatGPT multiple times to find all the relevant verses
- Read, make notes, and summarize the points made
- Summarize the teachings into one or more points that the Bible affirms on that subject
With rejoicing and praise
psalm 19:8 & psalm 119:14,103,111,162 & romans 11:33-36
How would you respond to people who point out that claiming the Bible is authoritative uses circular reasoning?
All arguments for an absolute authority must appeal to that authority for proof. Otherwise, the authority would not be an absolute or highest authority.
What does it mean when we say the Bible has authority?
That all the words in scripture are God’s words (in such a way that to disbelieve/disobey any word in scripture is to disbelieve/disobey God)
How does understanding the authority of Scripture impact your personal faith?
We can trust that it’s true whether we like it or not. It should move us to praise and awe because the infinite God wants to communicate with us. To reject the Bible is to reject God.