Digging Deeper with Pastor Dave-Course Documents

PROLEGOMENA 1A 2A 3A The Concept of Theology 1b The meaning. 2b The subject of theology. Theology concerns the study of God and His works. In the final analysis, this concerns all things since everything is in some way related to God. Truth gleaned from any source is the subject of Systematic Theology. 3b The term systematic comes from the Greek words sun (with) and histemi (to place). Thus systematic theology means a placing together of the teachings of Scripture (as primary source), and truth gained elsewhere (as secondary to Scripture) in a harmonious system of truth to the greatest extent possible. The Presuppositions of Systematic Theology 1b The rationale of presuppositions. A presupposition is that proposition which is put forth as axiomatic and upon which the remainder of a system of reasoning rests. Buswell explains that “ . . . we take our presupposition as a conclusion arrived at on the basis of what we consider good and sufficient reasons” (Vol. 1, p. 15). 2b The presuppositions of Christianity. Presuppositions of Christianity are twofold. First of all, Christianity assumes that God exists. Secondly, it assumes that He has revealed Himself. The Methodology of Systematic Theology 1b Induction. Systematic Theology approaches Scripture, and for that matter all truth, by an inductive method. 1 4A Why Study Systematic Theology 1b Overcome wrong ideas 2b Help make better decisions 3b Help us grow as Christians – (II Pet 2:2; I Tim 6:3) 4b Help us ward off false teaching – Acts 20:26-29 2