copyright © 2002-2006, reclaiming the mind ministries. session 2 defining theology “ what does it...

Copyright © 2002-2006, Reclaiming the Mind Ministries.

Session 2Defining Theology

“What does it mean to ‘do’ theology?”


Protestant

Eastern Orthodox

Prophecy

Postmodernism

TruthRoman Catholic

Cessationism

Relativism

Epistemology

Special Revelation

Exclusivism

DenominationsTraditions of Theology

Protestant Theology

RationalismModernism

Continuationism

Pluralism

Experience


Question

What is theology?


Defining Theology

What is Theology?

Write a one or two sentence definition of theology:


Defining Theology

“The study or science of God.”

–Millard Erickson Christian Theology (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 2001), 22

“The Science of God and of the relations between God and the universe.”

–A. H. Strong

“Rational discussionrespecting the deity.”

–Augustine

“Thinking about Godand expressing those thoughts in some way.”

–Charles RyrieBasic Theology (Wheaton, IL: 1986), 9


Defining Theology

“The science of God or of religion; the science which treats of the existence, character, and attributes of God, his laws and government, the doctrines we are to believe, and the duties we are to practice; divinity; (as more commonly understood) the knowledge derivable from the Scriptures, the systematic exhibition of revealed truth, the science of Christian faith and life.”

—Webster’s Dictionary


Question

Who is a theologian?


Defining Theology

Who is a theologian?Anyone who has asked the ultimate

questions of life:• Why am I here?• What is life?• What happens after death?• What is the difference between

right and wrong?• Why is there something instead of

nothing?


Defining TheologyThe question is not, “Who is a theologian?” but “What kind of theologian am I going to be?” Are you going to be a good theologian or a bad theologian? This is a more accurate question because, as one writer put it, “not all theologies are equal.”

–Source unknown


Defining Theology“We live in what may be the most anti-intellectual period in the history of Western civilization. . . We must have passion—indeed hearts on fire for the things of God. But that passion must resist with intensity the anti-intellectual spirit of the world.”

—R. C. Sproul“Burning Hearts Are Not Nourished by Empty Heads,” Christianity Today 26 (Sept. 3, 1982), 100


Defining Theology

There are basically six arenas in which we can do theology:

1. Tabloid Theology2. Folk Theology3. Lay Theology4. Ministerial Theology5. Professional Theology6. Academic Theology


Defining Theology

Tabloid Lay Ministerial Professional AcademicFolk


Defining theology

Describe this chart in relation to practicing medicine



Defining Theology

Now describe this chart in relation to practicing theology



Defining Theology

Tabloid Theologian: One who constructs his or her theology based upon naïve hearsay information that has no basis in fact and very little, if any, evidence to be believed. Many times people are Tabloid theologians because of the theology’s appearance of originality. As well, it can be “cutting edge” in many people’s minds.


Defining Theology

What are some examples of Tabloid theology?


Defining Theology

Tabloid theology examples


Defining Theology

• Hitchhiking angel• Growing fire hose• “I Saw Heaven”


Defining Theology

Folk Theologian: One who uncritically and unreflectively constructs his or her theology according to traditions and religious folklore. The Folk theologian is often very dogmatic and militant about his or her beliefs.


Defining Theology

What are some examples of Folk theology?


Defining Theology

Folk theology examples:• Views of Heaven

(clouds, harps) • Ghosts• Angels’ wings • Good works salvation• All people are good at

heart• Crosses ward off evil


Defining Theology

Folk theology examples:• Peter’s gate• Devil’s pitchfork• “God helps those who help

themselves”• Evidences of demon possession• People who commit suicide

automatically go to Hell• When you die there will be a

screen in heaven which shows to the world all the bad things you have done

• Name-it-claim-it, health-and-wealth gospel


Defining Theology

Why do you think that it is so hard for Folk theologians to learn?


Defining Theology

Lay Theologian: A layperson who constructs his or her theology and who, unlike the folk and tabloid theologian,is . . . (1) more reflective upon learned theological concepts (2) likely to formulate a system of beliefs which distinguishes between essential and non-essential doctrine (3) more critical of unfounded traditions(4) willing to use study tools


Defining Theology

Ministerial Theologian: A layperson who constructs his or her theology and who, unlike the lay theologian is . . . (1) educated in theological methodology(2) able to use study tools and resources at a more effective level(3) able to openly critique personal theology against competing models(4) intent on devoting more time to reflection so that theological integration can take place


Defining Theology

Professional Theologian: One who constructs his or her theology and makes a living doing so. They usually. . .(1) are didactically purposed toward lay and pastoral theologians(2) conduct practical original research(3) critically evaluate common theological trends and folk theology.


Defining Theology

Professional theologians are often accused of “quenching the Spirit.” Why do you think they receive this accusation?


Defining Theology

Academic Theologian: A professional theologian who constructs his theology with an overly speculative and critical spirit. His dialogue can usually come only with other theologians. It is often called “Ivory Tower theology.”


Defining Theology

What are some examples of Academic theology?

Why do you think someone would want to be an

Academic theologian?


Defining Theology

Sensational


Skeptical

Critical

Gates permanently lockedGates wide open

Naïve


Defining Theology

Acceptable range



Defining Theology“Theology is for everyone. Indeed, everyone needs to be a theologian. In reality, everyone is a theologian—of one sort or another. And therein lies the problem. There is nothing wrong with being an amateur theologian or a professional theologian, but there is everything wrong with being an ignorant or sloppy theologian.”

—Charles RyrieBasic Theology (Wheaton, IL: 1986), 9.


Defining Theology

How do we “do” theology every day?


Defining Theology

How do we “do” theology every day? In other words, how does our theology influence our daily routine?


Defining Theology

1. When we think about God. 2. When we share the Gospel. 3. When we interpret the Bible. 4. When we get sick.5. When we defend the faith.6. When we plan for the future.7. When we choose schooling for our

children.


Defining Theology

8. When we vote.9. When we attempt to deal with

sin in our lives.10.When we decide on who we

marry.


Defining Theology

What is theology?


credo ut intelligam“I believe in order to understand”

This is a Latin phrase first put forth by Augustine, then popularized by Anselm of Canterbury (1033-1109). Augustine’s full statement was “I don’t understand so that I might believe, but I believe so that I might understand.” This idea gives emphasis to the priority and necessity of belief in the Christian’s intellectual pursuits. One cannot truly and fully understand spiritual matters unless he or she first believes them to be true.

Defining Theology


This is a Latin phrase coined by Anselm of Canterbury (1033-1109) meaning “faith seeking understanding.” This is one of the earliest definitions of theology. It starts with the assumption that we are believers and, as such, we are seeking to understand our beliefs better.

fides quaerens intellectum“Faith seeking understanding”

Defining Theology


Discussion Groups

copyright © 2002-2006, reclaiming the mind ministries. session 2 defining theology “ what does it...

Documents

science of god

mind ministries

attributes of god

good theologian

bad theologian

kind of theologian

science of christian

webster s dictionary