integrative theology class - clover...

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?

• The organized study (logos) of God (theos). Definition 1

What is Theology?

• The organized study (logos) of God (theos). Definition 1

• The topical and logical study of God’s revealed nature and purposes.

Definition 2

Different Types of Theology

Are all approaches the same?


Biblical Theology

HistoricalTheology

Systematic 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.


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 pastshould always help form the background of currentthinking and belief.


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.


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

• Identify the problem (question) under consideration.Step 1


• 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.

Step 2


• Go to the prime source for theological knowledge – the Word of God!

• This is Biblical Theology.

• Employ a sound hermeneutic.

Step 3


• 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.

Step 4


• Consider and defend your doctrine in light of contrary doctrines, philosophy’s and religions.

• This is the apologetic.

Step 5


• Apply the theology to specific life situations.Step 6


Step 1 – Identify the question

Step 2 – Historical Theology

Step 3 – Biblical Theology

Step 4 – Systematic Theology/Thesis

Step 5 – Apologetic

Step 6 - Application

integrative theology class - clover...

Documents