What Is Theology?

As we begin to seriously study God's truth, we need to distinguish between the various theological disciplines (or kinds of study).

How does theology relate to the other theological disciplines? The name "Systematic Theology" does not infer that the other theological disciplines do their work in a disorderly manner. Systematic theology simply presents biblical truth as a unified (or "systematic") whole.

Exegesis analyzes the Scriptures in detail, giving priority to the original languages and sound principles of interpretation. Biblical theology takes the results of the exegesis and organizes them into various divisions and then follows the revelation of God in the Bible in it historical unfolding. It brings out the theology of each section of God's Word as brought to us by various authors at different stages. Systematic theology then takes the results of biblical theology and brings together the individual parts into a unified whole. Apologetics then defends comprehensive biblical truth against all manner of attacks brought on by unbelieving thought. Practical theology shows the church how to communicate this truth within a scriptural paradigm. Finally, church history follows the reception of this truth throughout the centuries. Now let's break that down in chart form:

Exegesis	Biblical Theology	Systematic Theology	Apologetics	Practical Theology	Church History
Draws out meaning	Follows revelation as it unfolds in Scripture	Applying the Bible to all of life	Defends the truth	Communicates the truth	Traces the truth throughout the centuries

Is Theology Important?

Theology has fallen on hard times. People cry out for experience and good religious feelings but often fail to anchor such desires in biblical truth. Then, when the church proceeds to communicate its message to the neighboring communities, she doesn't always have a clear message. She, like Ahimaaz (2 Sam. 18:19-29), has nothing to share or something less than the full message of the gospel.

In addition, we live in pluralistic days where "progressive" voices have substituted the right to be heard with the "truth" that all religions and systems of thought were created equal. They would submerge the entire corpus of biblical revelation (or truth) into a pond of blended beliefs. The church will face greater pressures as we hurdle forward and she must respond with a constant and faithful message. Now an incomplete message will do her no good, for the forces of evil welcome such compromise with open arms. In fact, popular church sentiment seems to steer in the direction of "reconciliation" with the world's philosiphical and theological thought, forgetting that the only reconciliation we need consider is reconciliation with God (2 Cor. 5:20).

Let the budding theologians and faithful stewards of God's mysteries (1 Cor. 4:1) take heart, and their Bibles, and present its timeless truths that alone can set hearts free to a weary generation (John 8:32, 36). When we offer anything less we fall short of our commission and prove ourselves unfaithful to the task.

Why Study Theology?

Why should someone study biblical truth? Good Christians balk at that question knowing that the Bible is our source of knowledge and light in this world. Why, then, should we study theology? My simple answer is we live in this present world (Tit. 2:12) and need to apply the teachings of Scriptures to all of life. Some have roughly defined systematic theology as such (see John Frame, Salvation Belongs to the Lord, 3, and Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology, 21), which is another ways of asking, "What does the Bible say about a given topic?"

The Bible commands us to know the Word of God and follow it (Matt. 28:19-20; 2 Tim. 3:16-17).
We gain wisdom for life by knowing what God says about life's situations (Pro. 1:2-7; 7:1-5).
We can teach others (Deut. 6:1-9; 2 Tim. 2:2).
The church desperately needs trained theologians, whether professional or lay.
"Theology" means the study of God, and we need to study God.

Advantages of Knowing Theology

We will have an arsenal of knowledge at our hands.
It will teach us how to live, preparng the way for sound ethics.
It alerts us when we or others go astray.
It prevents us from becoming imbalanced in emphasizing one doctrine over another.
It helps us to grow.

In the last several decades we have witnessed a gradual devaluing of theology in favor of "life-oriented" teaching (whatever that means) or popular techniques for living, often borrowed from the secular world. But what we fail to emphasize in one generation will be lost to the next. Bibletruth exists to help God's people develop a love for truth and give them the tools to grow. Whether you're an experienced Christian or a new convert, challenge yourself to grow deeper in God's truth and develop a plan to learn God's Word in a systematic way (so you will be able to apply it to your life).

Major Categories of Theology

Theologians sometimes differ on what should be included in the major divisions of theology, but here is a basic approach:

Apologetics: Justifying Christian beliefs (not included in most theologies).
The doctrine of the Bible, including revelation and inspiration.
The doctrine of God.
The doctrine of man, including sin.
The doctrine of Jesus Christ.
The doctrine of the Holy Spirit.
The doctrine of salvation.
The doctrine of the church.
The doctrine of final things, or eschatology.