Definition and Sources of Christain Theology and How Is Systematic Theology Related to Christain Ethics - Essay Example

CHRISTIAN THEOLOGY By Location Christian Theology Introduction Christian theology is the study of religion that deal with the Christian belief and how they practice their doctrines (Anderson 2010, p. 395). On a large scale, Christians derive their way of life and practices from the Holy book commonly known as the Bible. The Bible consists of two sectors; the Old Testament and the New Testament. The Christian theologians use the bible for analysing and to base the argument on matters concerning faith. Just like any other religion, Christianity has a systematic theology. Systematic theology is the organization of the Bible teaching into categories to help expound more on the biblical teaching (Fiorenza & Galvin 2011, p. 578). Essential elements of systematic theology The word theology is made up of two words that have a Greek origin: theosthat means God whereas logos means study. In brief, theology is the study that is aiming at knowing more about God. Systematic has a Greek origin; synistemimeaning to comprehend or in other word to organize. Therefore, systematic theology is the organization of the information about God (Webster, Tanner & Torrance 2007, p. 648). The relationship of systematic theology with other theological disciplines Systematic theology integrates many aspects of historical, biblical and philosophical theology. The aim of the systematic theology is to get clear knowledge of the Biblical teachings towards particular doctrines (McGrath 2001, p. 115). The theological disciplines that are in relation to the systematic theology are historical theology, apologetic theory, practical theology, exegetical theology, biblical theology and practical theology. Apologetic Theology Apologetical Theology deals with the questions arising from the Christian faith. The many questions that arise from the apologetics one being, how can they know if Christianity is right? Through a clear understanding of Christian apologetics, one can defend Christianity. The fact that the years use Before Christ (BC) and After Christ (AC) is a hint to show that Christ existed. It makes the Christian faith real (Grenz & Placher 2003, p. 283). The main agenda of the apologetics is to build a foundation that has the facts of theism. Through the systematic theology, one can gather the facts and organize them as evidence towards defending the Christian faith. Exegetical Theology It is a discipline that is focusing mainly on what the text says. It is an extensive subject that has several sub-disciplines. These are biblical languages, canonic, Biblical history and archaeology, textual criticism, exegesis proper and hermeneutics. Canonic discipline focuses on the 66 books of the Holy Bible where the New Testament has 27 books, and the Old Testament has 39 books. These books contain the message that God intended to pass to the human race (McGrath 2001, p. 120). Textual criticism focuses on the translation of the Greek and Hebrew written texts. Originally the scripture was written in these languages. Therefore, the theologians organized these manuscripts so that they can come with compiled information concerning the Biblical teachings. The systematic theology was being used in the ancient till to date to organize the Christian content (Fiorenza& Galvin 2011, p. 603). Hermeneutics sub-discipline gives a guideline of the scripture interpretation. Scriptures can be misunderstood since it has taken the features of oral literature. Biblical theology It is more concerned with what the Bible says. It reveals more of God’s characters and the revelation of creation. The biblical theology is arranged in a logic way to ensure that there is a flow in incidences that unfold in the Scriptures. Also, it guides the young believers in getting rooted in Christianity through the Bible. The pioneer in Biblical Theology at Princeton Seminary, GeerhardusVos, said, “Biblical theology is the very branch of exegetical theology that focuses on the process of self-revelation of God as depicted in the Bible.” Systematic Theology This theologypromptswith question like, what is true? This study focuses on giving answers to such question. To get answers to such questions, there is a necessity to base the knowledge of the Bible (Barth 2010, p. 173). The Bible is the top most spiritual books where Christians derive doctrines that are adopted in different dominions. Historical Theology Historical theology is a discipline that deals with the past events in relation to the current situation. For example, what has the ancient church believed about a particular truth and why they believed (Fiorenza & Galvin 2011, p. 578). It helps to reveal the original intent for mankind (Frame 2013, p. 100). It explains how the relationship between man and God broke, and He restored the relationship through His Son Jesus Christ. Before New Testament, Christians believed in law and observing the law made them clean. But with the coming of Jesus Christ, people live under the grace of God. The theology helps in getting a revelation of Gods’ characteristics. Practical Theology The practical theology focuses on how does the church live out its beliefs. This discipline was not commonly used because it was referred to have a weak principle. Even though, it applies to the systematic theology to help come with comprehensive information on how to handle the belief issues. The practices of a Christian life are the ones that reflect the practical theology part (Schleiermacher & Brandit 2011, p. 23). Because it involves personal discipline towards giving a worthy reflection of what the Bible says. For example, Romans chapter 1-11 touch on doctrinal related issues concerning Christians while Romans 12-16 depict the practical issues. An assessment of how systematic theology affects Christian ethics Every religion has its standards that govern their beliefs. Therefore, Christian value is a sector in theology that indicates the concepts of whether something is right or basing on the Christian point of view. Christian ethics can also be defined as the moral and a standard way of the Christian life. It is a guide that helps one to make daily decisions, and make the right choices because sin has its consequences. In Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” In addition, the Christian ethics are found conclusively in Colossians chapter 3 verses 1-6. It emphasizes that the earthy nature was put to death by the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. These are: impurity, sexual immorality, idolatry, lust, greed, and evils desire (Fiorenza & Galvin 2011, p. 578). The systematic theology has influence in Christian ethics. First, everyone has a systematic way of thinking through religious issues or any other fields of life other than the spiritual. Biblically, mankind is created with a mind that thinks critically so that we may be able to understand the revelation of the works of God (McGrath 2001, p. 117). It is where questions like how this scripture relates to that or this. During this thinking, one can get a conclusive ethics that define a Christian. Secondly, systematic theology has the full scriptural truth that focuses on God’s counsel and helps in balancing biblically and theologically concepts. It is formed this truth that Christian ethics is derived. For example, if the Bible says, “Do not kill,” automatically, according to Christians killing is a sin, and one should not kill. In the New Testament, if you hate your neighbour it is like killing and killing is a sin. Therefore, it is right to love your neighbour as you love yourself (McGrath 2001, p. 117). It is virtuous to love everyone, and when you love them you will do them good. Sometimes, others prefer to do what they feel is right in their hearts. But the systematic theology helps to strike a balance between the individual truths and the truth in the Bible. Systematic theology helps in making Christian ethics that are precise and accurate. In religion, there is a high demand for accurate and precise information more than any other field of study. It is because God is the truth and to understand this revelation, conclusions should be based on what the scripture says. In the 21st century, relativism and postmodernism are dissolving the right ethical teachings of Christ. Nowadays people want to practice a lifestyle that fits their human desire. Even false teachers have misled many by teaching them to do what you feel it is right in the heart (McGrath 2001, p. 116). These false teachings have affected the true worship. Therefore, with the systematic theology, it has helped in defining the accurate Christian ethics that are true. When the Christian ethics are compromised, then it will be difficult to tell the truth. Theologians have taken broad studies in systematic theology so that they can organize the truth and help to judge between true and false teachings. The systematic theology gives the best apologetic defence that is in relation to Christian ethics. Debates between the Christians and non-Christians are rampant (Fiorenza & Galvin 2011, p. 578). If one is not well equipped with the accurate knowledge of the scripture, the point of defending Christianity may be lost. Therefore, Christians need to engage themselves systematically and observe the Christian ethics. Moreover, systematic theology is not all about defending Christian Apologetics; it is about getting to know the true revelation of God. The truth shall set all free and Jesus is the truth. Thus, scripture explains scripture and ethics should support the fact. Christian ethics should cut across all dominations because the centre of the worship is based on one God, who is the creator (Barth 2010, p. 175). Christianity should be consistent with what Jesus Christ showed when He came to die for the mankind sins. As shown above, systematic theology has high value towards Christian ethics. Ethics needs a systematic approach that entails accurate and correct conclusions. Even though Christian values has attracted many critics, the truth will remain intact. There is a necessity to make reasonable interpretations of the word of God so that the right teachings may surface to get rid of the false teachings. In Hosea the fourth chapter, verse 6a, “My people are destroyed for the lack of knowledge”, God was emphasizing the need for education (McGrath 2001, p. 115). The doctrines taught is church should comply with the Christian ethics that are derived from deep findings and interpretation of the scriptures. Doctrines are beliefs that are taught in the church by the spiritual leaders. Therefore, these leaders should embrace the systematic theology so that they can be able to teach the correct doctrines (Barth 2010, p. 173). Shallow teachings are not the best because they are limiting exposition. The spiritual leaders need to enrol to a systematic theology that will help them the incorrect interpretation of the scripture. Also, the leaders will endorse the right ethics to be followed by all believers. The interrelationship of the various doctrines of the Church The Roman Catholic Church divided as a result of the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century; It brought forth four divisions. The Anglican, Reformed, Lutheran and Anabaptist (Barth, Bromiley & Torrance 2004, p. 56). Over the years, many denominations have been formed from these four major divisions. The reason behind the many denominations is the different church doctrines. For instance, Lutheran was a teaching endorsed by Martin Luther and the denomination was named after him. Presbyterians emphasized on the church leadership more. The name evolved from presbyteros, a Greek word that meant an elder. The Anabaptist emphasized more on the importance of baptism. Despite the different doctrines, they have all derived their doctrines from Christ (Anderson 2010, p. 396). All denominations are slightly different from each other. Historical and Biblical church doctrines There are those principles that have been adopted in the past and from the Bible. One is the Body of Christ doctrine. According to the scripture, Christ is the Head, and the church is the body of Christ. It is Liturgical worship that forms the basis of reflection of the Orthodox, Anglican Church, and the Catholic. This doctrine explicitly shows that Jesus Chris is the pivot point of the church and ministries. Paul the Apostle emphasized more on the importance of the body of Christ as the basis of unity among the church members (Anderson 2010, p. 395). This emphasis is in 1st Corinthians 12: 21- 31, Ephesians chapter four, verses 7-16 and in Romans chapter twelve verses 6-8. During the last supper, Jesus showed the importance of unity among the believers and they shared the bread that symbolized the body of Christ. This doctrine shows the interconnection among different denominations. Also, many churches like the Catholic churches, Pentecostal churches, and Anglican churches participate in Holy Communion as a remembrance of what Jesus taught the disciples. The Communion of Saint doctrine This principle entails the ministries and services that are practiced in the church. The church is made of saints, and that forms the body of Christ. In the epistles written by Paul, The Holy Spirit of God was given to the saints as the helper. It was when Jesus was leaving His disciples, and He promised them a helper (Barth 2010, p. 175). The Helper came in the form of the Holy Spirit. All denominations believe in the existence of the Holy Spirit, but not all believe in the manifestation of the Holy Spirit. For instance, the Pentecostal churches believe in filling of the Holy Spirit and talking in tongues while the Catholic Church does not. The interpretation of the scripture is what has brought about a different set of rules in churches today, even though the foundations of the doctrines are in the Bible. The baptism doctrine Baptism is a ceremony of passage for a Christian. Even Jesus emphasized on the importance of baptism when He came to earth. All churches practice baptism to strengthen the faith of individuals and to have a sense of belonging to a particular church. But many churches have different styles of baptizing believers. There is an infant baptism in Catholic churches with an aim of cleansing the original sin. Catholics also acknowledge the baptism of the young and old. The Pentecostal churches acknowledge the full immersion baptism. They believe that when one is dipped in the water, the sinful nature has died and comes out of the water as a fresh creature. In all these forms of baptism, there is the belief that the sins are cleansed and is a new creature. Their way to undergo baptism is what has brought forth the different denominations in the Christian society. The Trinity doctrine In all the churches, from Catholic, to Anglican and Pentecostal churches believe in the existence of the Trinity of God. There is God the Son, The Holy Spirit, and God The Father. It is mostly depicted during baptism. The leader will always summarize the prayers in the name of The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit. Therefore, all Christians should live in unity and build the body of Christ. Incarnation doctrine All churches believe that God sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, who came to die for our sins (Anderson 2010, p. 397). There is a belief of salvation and redemption story that began after the fall of man in Genesis chapter three. Jesus died on the cross, and He resurrected on the third day. In Christian theology, Jesus is the centre of human salvation because through Him God has given the gift of eternal life. All churches believe in Christ as the source of salvation. Also, all Christians celebrate the Easter festivals as a way of remembering how Christ died for our sins. Local church doctrine All members of the church have a sacred place where they congregate so that they can worship. Some worship on Sunday while others like the Sabbath Day Adventist church worship on a Saturday. Either of the days, the common ground is that all the members have a local church where they attend services and ceremonies (Paver 2006, p. 48). It is where all the believers gather to receive spiritual nourishment. The religious leaders guide the congregation to what is morally right to practise. The application of systematic theology in decision-making process of a believer Historically, the systematic theology has been the basis of the decision in Christians. It is because when concepts like repentance and sanctification need to be accompanied by conclusive information that will help others to understand. Unless they are though through systematically, one may not be able to understand these concepts. Having a broad knowledge of the Christian faith, it will help come up with proper decisions that adore the Christian ethics (Anderson 2010, p. 395). Therefore, the following is an outline of the application of systematic theology in the decision-making process of a believer. Systematics is a source of revelation. As one continues to dig deep into the Word of God, more about the God’s nature will be revealed. This revelation is essential in helping a Christian to come up with sound decisions. False teachings come up as a result of not getting the truth from the Bible and dwell much on the heresy. Lack of accurate knowledge makes a believer vulnerable to getting swayed by false teachings (Webster, Tanner & Torrance 2007, p. 648). The truth is what guides the life of a Christian, and one will be able to differentiate what are right and what is wrong. The theology provides the individual with the Christian Apologetics. The Apologetics mainly answer the question that is asked by many; is Christianity a true religion? Naturally, mankind thinks systematically and needs to have sufficient knowledge so as to make sound decisions (Paver 2006, p. 55). When in a debate on whether the religion is true or not, Apologetics is important because they help defend the Christian faith. It is through the systematic theology that one will be bale together relevant information. The primary objective is to understand the sole desire of God towards mankind. Through this, a believer will be in a position to differentiate what is true and what is false teaching. Also, the presence of many denominations has brought about contradicting interpretations of the scriptures. Also, the false teachers are more in this 21st century than in the past centuries. Many people want to interpret the Bible according to the self-interest for justification purposes. The true theology teaches that the scriptures are for sanctifying believers (Grenz & Placher 2003, p. 283). The knowledge will help in effective decision-making. The truth will help in differentiating the individual truth and the biblical truth. Christianity morals are not about how one feels or perceives an idea (Paver 2006, p. 48). It is all about the truth of God. Sometimes when making decisions, one may be vulnerable to choosing a way that is comfortable. But the systematic theology will help in determining what is morally right according to the biblical truth. God should be the centre of the decision-making process. The biblical knowledge will help the believer in cases of dilemma, where one has to make a decision over another. The church doctrines formation was based on decisions made by believers at one point (Grenz & Placher 2003, p. 290). Most of the church teachings have a common baseline; the interpretation is the source of the many divisions in this current century. The systematic theology will help come up with the sound principles that will benefit the whole body of Christ. The characteristics of the believer’s doctrines should be systematically handled. In the decision-making process, there is a need, to summarize, all the findings regularly so that the best decision can be made by a believer. It enhances the personal internalization of the revelation from the Scriptures and applies the teaching in practical theology. Thinking through the consequences of making each decision is important (Webster, Tanner & Torrance 2007, p. 702). All the decisions should be based on the real knowledge of God. The Bible guides on the dos and doesnt of the Christians and help in evaluating personal differences.Finally, the body of Christ will be unified because without unity there will be no peace among believers. Bibliography ANDERSON, W. P. (2010). A journey through Christian theology with texts from the first to the twenty-first century. Minneapolis, Fortress Press.  BARTH, K. (2010). Church Dogmaticsstudies edition 29. IV.3.2. Sections 72-73 IV.3.2. Sections 72-73. London, T & T Clark. BARTH, K., BROMILEY, G. W., & TORRANCE, T. F. (2004). Church Dogmatics. London, T. & T. Clark International. FIORENZA, F. S., & GALVIN, J. P. (2011). Systematic Theology: Roman Catholic Perspectives. Minneapolis, Fortress Press. FRAME, J. M. (2013). Systematic theology: an introduction to Christian belief. GRENZ, S. J., &PLACHER, W. C. (2003). Essentials of Christian Theology. Louisville, Westminster John Knox Press. MCGRATH, A. E. (2001). Christian theology an introduction.Oxford, Blackwell Publishers. PAVER, J. E. (2006). Theological reflection and education for ministry the search for integration in theology.Aldershot, England, Ashgate Pub.  SCHLEIERMACHER, F., & BRANDT, J. M. (2011). Selections from Friedrich Schleiermachers Christian ethics. Louisville, Ky, Westminster John Knox Press. WEBSTER, J. B., TANNER, K., & TORRANCE, I. R. (2007). The Oxford handbook of systematic theology. Oxford, Oxford University Press. Read More