Systematic Theology: HISTORY AND DEFINITION, written by Joshua Schachterle, Ph.D. Posted August 6th, 2024.
Most systematic theologians continue to use their method of biblical interpretation, almost always through the lens of the principles of John Calvin. This paper also provides an understanding of Calvinism and cites theologians who defend it.
It is important to note that Hodge, like most other writers on systematic theology, was a committed Calvinist in his theology which, of course, affected how he interpreted the biblical texts. The Calvinist church is called the Reformed Church, which is why systematic theology is often called Reformed systematic theology.
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Extracts from his article are below.
What is systematic theology? It’s a modern branch of Christian theology based on certain presuppositions about the Bible. As we investigate its history and key figures, I’ll explore where this type of theology began, how it has evolved, and who some of its most influential proponents are. In addition, I’ll explain the differences between systematic theology and biblical scholarship, two disciplines which are sometimes mistaken for each other.
When biblical scholars study the Bible, they look for its historical value, interpreting each writing in light of what they know about the culture and languages from which it emerged, the sociopolitical situation in which it was written, and a host of other historical factors. When systematic theologians write about the Bible, on the other hand, they are looking for advice on how to live today and what to believe.
His concluding paragraphs:
What is systematic theology? Classically, it begins with the doctrine of sola scriptura, the idea that the Bible is the only source of divine revelation. Systematic theologians choose topics and then search out biblical texts which tell them what to believe, according to Wayne Grudem. [In his book Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine,]
This type of systematization relies on two assumptions:
- first, it assumes that the Bible is inerrant, having no errors of any kind, factually, doctrinally, or otherwise;
- second, it assumes that the Bible is univocal, with every biblical writing agreeing with every other biblical writing.
Nevertheless, most systematic theologians continue to use their method of biblical interpretation, almost always through the lens of the principles of John Calvin, an early Protestant reformer. Calvin had controversial views even among other Christians. Among these was predestination, the doctrine that God has already decided who will be saved and who will be damned, making human choice all but superfluous.
Prominent Calvinist theologians still propagate this version of theology, rejecting the insights of biblical scholars and interpreting biblical texts not to understand their origins but to determine what modern Christians should believe and how they should live.
