Integrative Theology Class

Integrative Theology Class

Introduction Purpose Class Outline and Calendar Expectations Textbook

Purpose To Know God To Walk Worthy To Bear Fruit for His Glory For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. Colossians 1:9-10 By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples. John 15:8

Class Outline and Calendar March 3 Introduction To Integrative Theology March 17 General Revelation April 7 Special Revelation April 21 Inspiration and Authority May 5 Divine Attributes May 19 The Trinity June 2 Divine Decrees June 16 Presentation Day

Expectations Timeliness Please be to class on time! Attentiveness Come with an expectation to learn and grow Effort Do your homework as unto the Lord

Textbook

What is Theology? How would you define it?

What is Theology? Definition 1 The organized study (logos) of God (theos).

What is Theology? Definition 1 The organized study (logos) of God (theos). Definition 2 The topical and logical study of God s revealed nature and purposes.

Different Types of Theology Are all approaches the same?

Different Types of Theology Biblical Theology Systematic Theology Historical Theology

Different Types of Theology Biblical Theology The term biblical theology is used to describe an approach to summarizing doctrine that intentionally avoids data from outside the Bible. Biblical theology follows how a certain doctrine develops in the course of each book of the Bible. Example: We would be practicing biblical theology if we studied only what The Bible says about sanctification, and how the understanding of sanctification develops in each book.

Different Types of Theology Historical Theology Historical theology traces the Church s beliefs, and the development of those beliefs, through the centuries. Historical theology attempts to form a history of the Church s conclusions about the Bible. Understanding the history of theology is indispensable as the errors and insights of the past should always help form the background of current thinking and belief.

Different Types of Theology Systematic Theology Systematic theology, attempts to organize data from all sources concerning God and His activities, including history, philosophy and other fields. Systematic theology organizes the material of divine revelation topically and logically, in an attempt to develop a comprehensive world view and way of life. Examples: Calvinism, Arminianism, Lutheranism, etc.

Different Types of Theology Integrative Theology Integrative theology is an approach that combines the disciplines of historical, biblical, and systematic theology in order to develop an apologetic (defensible) and practical (livable) understanding of Scripture. There are six steps to the integrative approach.

Integrative Theology Steps Step 1 Identify the problem (question) under consideration.

Integrative Theology Steps Step 2 Research the various solutions to the problem that have been suggested in the history of Christian thought. This is Historical Theology. Many views will differ.

Integrative Theology Steps Step 3 Go to the prime source for theological knowledge the Word of God! This is Biblical Theology. Employ a sound hermeneutic.

Integrative Theology Steps Step 4 Order your findings from general and special revelation; (define) into a coherent doctrine, relating to other doctrines that have been similarly derived. This is Systematic Theology. Establish a thesis.

Integrative Theology Steps Step 5 Consider and defend your doctrine in light of contrary doctrines, philosophy s and religions. This is the apologetic.

Integrative Theology Steps Step 6 Apply the theology to specific life situations.

Integrative Theology Steps Step 1 Identify the question Step 2 Historical Theology Step 3 Biblical Theology Step 4 Systematic Theology/Thesis Step 5 Apologetic Step 6 - Application