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Intro To Theology

Introduction to theology is provided for students and instructors in The Theology Program. This material may be quoted so long as the material is unaltered and credit is given to the Biblical Studies Press. Certified instructors in theology Program are allowed to add to the material.

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100% found this document useful (2 votes)

646 views157 pages

Intro To Theology

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epic777

We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.

Available Formats

Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

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The Theology Notebook

Introduction to Theology

Version 3
Last Edited 11/8/2005

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

Copyright ©2002–2005 The Theology Program.

Published by Biblical Studies Press, LLC, 11601 Plano Rd. Suite 108, Dallas, TX 75243.

This material is provided for students and instructors in The Theology Program. Use of this material is
encouraged for personal study and for use in preparation of lessons, sermons, or other oral communication.
This material may be quoted so long as the material is unaltered and credit is given to The Theology
Program. It may not under any circumstances be reprinted for any reason or any purpose without the prior
expressed written consent of the Biblical Studies Press.

Certified instructors in The Theology Program are allowed to add to the material so long as approval is
granted by The Theology Program developers. Pastors and teachers are encouraged to use the material in
their teaching, but it must remain unaltered.

Unless otherwise noted, Scriptures are taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE,
©Copyright The Lockman Foundation 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972,1973, 1975, 1977, 1995. Used
by permission. Scriptures are also taken from the NET Bible, © 1997–2003 by Biblical Studies Press,
L.L.C. and the authors, and from HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright ©
1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

Copyright © 2004-2005, The Theology Program. All rights reserved.
Introduction to
Theology
What is theology and why should I care?

“Jesus said to him, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul,
and with all your mind.’”
–Matthew 22:37
Question Outline
• Who are you and why are you • What truths are essential for
here? orthodoxy?
• What is The Theology • How certain are you about your
Program? beliefs?
• What is theology? • What is the essential difference
• Who is a theologian? in Roman Catholicism, Eastern
• How do we do theology every Orthodoxy, and Protestantism?
day? • Why are there so many
• What are the different Protestant denominations?
categories of theology? • What are the different sources
• What is the Theological for truth?
Process? • What are the benefits and
• What is epistemology? deficiencies of each source?
• What is postmodernism? • How do the different sources
• What questions are interact to form our theology?
postmoderns asking? • Does God still speak today?
• What is the postmodern view • What is the Continuationist
of truth? view of prophecy?
• What is the modern view of • What is the Hard Cessationist
truth? view of prophecy?
• What is the Christian view of • What is the Soft Cessationist
truth? view of prophecy?
• What truths are relative and • How do we do theology in our
what truths are objective? emerging context?

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

Course Outline

Syllabus ...................................................................................... v
Session 1: Introduction to The Theology Program ......................................... 1
Session 2: Defining Theology............................................................. 11
Session 3: Categories of Theology ....................................................... 23
Session 4: Postmodern Epistemology ................................................... 41
Session 5: Christian Epistemology ...................................................... 53
Session 6: Essentials of Theology ........................................................ 63
Session 7: Traditions of Christian Theology ........................................... 75
Session 8: Sources of Theology........................................................... 85
Session 9: Does God Still Speak Today? ..............................................101
Session 10: Unity and Diversity ..........................................................111
Appendix: “Representing Christ to a Postmodern World”..........................117
Key Terms ..................................................................................135

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

Course Description
This is a theological studies methods course. Its primary purpose is to teach you skills
for developing a Christian mind, by helping you construct a solid foundation for
thinking through life’s most important issues. We will begin by establishing the
reality and nature of truth and then learn that rightly interpreted Scripture is the final
arbiter of truth. You will learn the about various sources for theology and the way
that different people use and misuse these sources. This course endeavors to enable
people to think theologically and construct a biblical worldview that makes the
Christian’s witness relevant to all people in need. This course is a prerequisite to all
other required courses of theology.

Course Objectives
1. The student will understand that theology is more than just an academic
discipline reserved only for professional theologians, but that it is a fountain
from which all people may daily drink.

2. The student will know the different sources from which we derive our
understanding of truth and direction.

3. The student will develop a broader perspective of theology in general and

learn how theology is done within the Christian community.

4. The students will glorify God through their humble submission to His
command to love Him with “all their mind” (Matt. 22:37).

5. The students will critically evaluate their own theological method and
worldview by learning how to test and critique the validity of their core
beliefs.

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

6. The students will critique various sources from which they derive their beliefs
with the purpose of establishing the Scripture as their primary source for their
beliefs.

7. The students will place greater confidence in theology and the process of
doing theology.

8. The student will learn to value the unity and diversity of the Body of Christ.

Course Textbooks

Required:
Grudem, Wayne. Systematic Theology. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan,
1994.

Olson, Roger. Mosaic of Christian Beliefs. Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 2002.

Bible (preferably New American Standard or NET Bible)

Course Requirements and Grading

This course can be taken at two levels: Certificate or self-study.

1. Certificate Students: Certificate students take the course for a grade to

receive a certificate that can be applied towards the TTP diploma. You must
pay the tuition, attend or view all ten sessions, and complete enough of the
homework according to the grading system below to receive a passing grade.
This applies to both online and campus students.

2. Self-study: Self-study students take the course for enrichment only.

Homework is not required, although doing homework will obviously enrich
your learning from the course.

Continuing Education Units (CEUs) may be offered depending upon the venue.
Ask your instructor for more information.

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

Honors credit can be earned in this course by completing all the coursework and
completing an additional reading assigned by the teacher. See bibliography for
options.

Assignment Description - see course schedule for due dates

Viewing/Attending classes: Students are required to attend or view all ten
sessions of the course. (All sessions for every course are posted on the TTP
website and are available for viewing or for purchase.) Online certificate
students: It is preferred that you view only one session per week so you won’t get
too far ahead of the rest of the class. While attending or viewing the sessions is
required for all certificate students, it does not apply toward your grade and you
cannot receive credit without it.

Ten hours of theological community time (online certificate students

only): All online certificate students are required to spend one hour a week in the
online TTP forums or in the voice/chat rooms provided. Each course will have a
separate classroom in the TTP forums. In this classroom, you can accrue
theological community time by asking or answering questions of other students,
blogging your thoughts, discussing issues relevant to the course, or posting your
answers to the discussion questions at the end of each lesson. Voice and chat
rooms will be open each week where you can participate in live theological
conversation with other students in your class (see website for details). While
theological community time is required for all online certificate students, it does
not apply toward your grade and you cannot receive credit without it.

1. Reading: Various reading assignments will be given during the ten-week period.
Each student will be expected to read the material according to the ten-week-
session schedule provided in the syllabus.

2. Scripture memorization: Each student will memorize the passages provided

on the Scripture memorization sheet in the syllabus. Once completed, the student
will recite the memorized Scripture to a partner who will affirm the completion
by signing the Scripture memorization sheet.

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

The preferred translations for all memorization in English are listed below:
• New American Standard
• NET Bible (available at www.bible.org)
• English Standard Version
• New International Version

3. Case Studies: The two case studies in the Student Notebook must be completed
according to schedule. Online certificate students are to post their case studies
online on the TTP forums. Your instructor will grade them online, marking them
in red.

4. Vocabulary Quizzes: Two closed-book theological vocabulary quizzes will be

given during the course of the semester. Online students can find these quizzes on
the website. See schedule for due dates. Once the student looks at the quiz, he or
she must take the quiz. In other words, you cannot look at the quiz, study the
right terms, and then take the test.

Grading System
Complete 1 of 4 Complete 2 of 4 Complete 3 of 4 Complete 4 of 4 Complete all 4
plus honors
reading
D C B A A
with honors

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

Schedule
Session Session Due
Session Topic Assignments
No. Date Dates
Introduction to The Reading Assignment: Mosaic of Christian
1 Theology Program Belief, pp. 11–27; Systematic Theology pp. Session 2
21–43
Defining Theology
2 Session 3

Categories of Reading Assignment: Representing Christ to

3 Theology a Postmodern World (contained in Student Session 4
Notebook)

Postmodern
4 Epistemology Session 5

Christian Reading Assignment: Systematic Theology,

Epistemology pp. 105–126
5 Session 6
Case Study #1
Vocabulary Quiz #1
Essentials of
6 Theology Session 7

Traditions of Reading Assignment: Systematic Theology,

7 Christian Theology pp. 47–53; Mosaic of Christian Belief, pp. Session 8
49–69

8 Sources of Theology Read Assignment: Mosaic of Christian

Session 9
Belief, 71–88
9 Does God Still Reading Assignments: Mosaic of Christian
Session 10
Speak Today? Belief, 29–48
Unity and Diversity Case Study #2 One week
10 Vocabulary Quiz #2 after
session 10

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

Bibliography for
Introduction to Theology
Required Reading

Grudem, Wayne. Systematic Theology. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1994.

Olson, Roger. Mosaic of Christian Beliefs. Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 2002.

Essential Reading
Elwell, Walter A., ed. Evangelical Dictionary of Theology. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker
Book House Company, 2001.

*Moreland, J. P. Love Your God with All Your Mind. Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress,
1997.

Ryrie, Charles C. Basic Theology: A Popular Systematic Guide to Understanding Biblical

Truth. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1986.

Suggested Reading
Beckwith, Francis. Relativism: Feet Firmly Planted in Mid-Air. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker,
1998.

Berkhof, Louis. Systematic Theology. Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans

Publishing Company, 1996.

Carson, D. A., ed. Telling the Truth: Evangelizing Postmoderns. Grand Rapids, MI:
Zondervan Publishing House, 2000.

Erickson, Millard J. Christian Theology. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House
Company, 1998.

________. Postmodernizing the Faith. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House
Company, 1998.

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

Enns, Paul. The Moody Handbook of Theology. Chicago, IL: Moody Press, 1989.

Geisler, Norman. Systematic Theology: Volume One, Introduction, Bible. Minneapolis,

MN: Bethany House, 2002.

Grenz, Stanley and John Franke, Beyond Foundationalism. Louisville, KY: John Knox
Press, 2001.

* Groothuis, Douglas. Truth Decay: Defending Christianity Against The Challenges of

Postmodernism. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2000.

**Guiness, OS. Time for Truth: Living Free In A World Of Lies, Hype & Spin. Grand Rapids,
MI: Baker Book House Company, 2000.

John Hannah, Our Legacy. Colorado Springs, CO: Navpress, 2001.

House, H. Wayne. Charts of Christian Theology & Doctrine. Grand Rapids, MI:
Zondervan Publishing House, 1992.

McGrath, Alister E. Christian Theology, An Introduction. Malden, MA: Blackwell

Publishers, 1998.

Noll, Mark. Scandal of the Evangelical Mind. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1994.

*Sire, James. Habits of the Mind. Colorado Springs, CO: IVP, 2000.

**Stott, John. Your Mind Matters. Colorado Springs, CO: IVP, 1973.

Honors Reading

Read one book marked with a single asterisk (*) or read all books marked with
double asterisks (**).

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

Student Name _______________________________

Scripture Memorization
Sheet

• Deut. 18:18-22 (summarize the message in your own words)

• Deut. 13:1-3

• Rom. 1:18-20

• Heb. 1:1-2

• Matt. 22:37-38

• Deut. 29:29

• Jn.17:17

• Num. 23:19

I ____ have listened to

and confirm that he or she has recited the above Scriptures to me without any aid.

Signature___________________________

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

Case Study 1:
The Theological Process
Introduction to Theology

This is going to be a “real life” case study. You are to find a person who would be
willing to sit down and talk to you for thirty minutes to an hour. This person may or
may not be a Christian. With your Student Notebook in hand the topic of your
conversation is going to be explaining the theological process in session 3.

• Ask these questions before you begin:

1. What is Theology?
2. How does a person come to an understanding of theology?
3. What common mistakes do you think that a person commits with regards
to the Bible and theology?

• After this, explain the different categories of theology.

• Then go through the theological process chart and the charts explaining the
common mistakes that people make with regard to the use of the Bible in this
process.

The object of this assignment is to help people understand the theological process in
relation to Scripture.

After you are done, write a half page to a page summary of the encounter and hand it
in. Online student are to post their summary in their class forum. Grades will be
based upon the completion of the assignment, not the effectiveness of the
presentation. Everyone who completes this will receive credit for the case study.

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

Case Study 2:
Essentials and Non-Essentials
Introduction to Theology

This is going to be a “real life” case study. You are to find a person who would be
willing to sit down and talk to you for thirty minutes to an hour. This is to be one
who professes to be a Christian. With your Student Notebook in hand, you are to
explain what you have learned concerning the distinction between the essentials and
non-essentials in session 6.

• Walk through the Quadrant of Objectivity and then ask the questions. Help
the person to think through where they place them.

• Explain the Concentric Circle of Importance.

• Finally, explain the Chart of Certainty and ask the questions on that follow.

The object of this assignment is to help your friend understand how to think through
issues that concern faith, objectivity, and certainty.

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

“Jesus said to him, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your
heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’”
–Matthew 22:37

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

Introduction to the
Theology Program
Defining the “Rules of Engagement”

Who are you and why are you here?

Who you are and why you are taking this course?
1. Practical Pricilla: You are a person who has never seen the practicality in deep theological
study. You are here to see if we can change your mind.

2. Scared Susan: Big words scare you. You don’t really think that you are smart enough to be
here. You are here this time, but you may not be here the next.

3. Know-it-all Nick: You already know everything. You are just here to see if we do—and to
pick up where we leave off.

4. Fundamental Fred: You are the God-ordained guardian of orthodoxy. You are here to sit,
with arms crossed, and protect.

5. Want-an-answer Will: You have a lot of questions. You are here not to do theology in
community, but to write theology down with a pen and paper.

6. Traditionalist Teri: You want to learn, but your traditions and preconceived notions bind
you. You are here to have your traditions confirmed to be true.

7. Confrontational Carl: You are not a believer in Christ or the Bible and have no intention of
becoming one. You are here to argue.

8. Struggling Sam: You are a believer in Christ, but you have a lot of doubts and struggles. You
have never had a safe place to express those doubts. You are here to see if this is the place.

9. Curious Carla: You are not really sure why you are here, but you’re excited to find out.

We are all real people created by a real God, and we all have
real struggles, real questions, and real convictions.

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

We are glad that you are here!

What is The Theology Program?

The Theology Program is an intense theological studies program, designed for busy
people who may never go to seminary but who want deep theological training. While
there are many great subjects, biblical and spiritual, that Christians can and need to
study, our focus is on seven specific courses of systematic theology. Our desire is to
teach people how to think by opening their minds to diverse views, learning from
history, wrestling with difficult issues, and graciously engaging an increasingly
relativistic and postmodern world.

Mission: Renewing minds and changing lives by purposefully

guiding people through a study of historic and biblical
Christian theology.

Goal: “Our goal is not so much to teach good theology, as

important as this is, but to teach people to think.”

What makes The Theology Program different?

1. Intensity in studies

2. Irenic theology

3. Intentional program design

4. Comprehensive coverage

5. Doing theology in community

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

Intensity in Studies

The Church must have an avenue of intense, interactive Christian

education through a program which gives people an opportunity to learn
at a level that other venues cannot provide. TTP endeavors to be this
avenue.

The education program of the Church needs to

include all of these in balance.

Irenic Theology

Key Terms
Irenic Theology: Theology that is done peaceably, accurately representing all views,
even when you oppose them.

Polemic Theology: Theology that is done in a warlike manner inside the Church,
prophetically speaking against those with whom there is disagreement.

Apologetic Theology: Theology that is done to defend the faith against those who oppose
outside the church.

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

Intentional Program Design

Comprehensive Coverage
In the courses, we will address all the relevant major issues, current and historic, of
which we think people need to be aware.

Doing Theology in a Community

We believe that truth is not found in Spirit-illuminated individuals, but in a

community of Spirit-illuminated individuals. Therefore, we believe that the Body of
Christ, both alive and dead, must come together to understand theology, shaping it
from many perspectives and differing experiences. This is doing theology in a
community.

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

The Theology Program Logo

Notice how the draft is incomplete and erased at

places. This illustrates how our theology is never
The “T” stands for “Theology” finished in this life, but is always undergoing
in The Theology Program. change and development.

The tablet upon which we construct our theology

is broken. This represents an imperfect people,
broken by sin, doing our best to understand God
in our state of imperfection.

The column represents a pillar,

Notice how the draft goes outside the lines at communicating that our theology
times. This represents how our theology, while creates a strong foundation
having a great respect for tradition, must break upon which our life, purpose,
with tradition at times. This is the Reformers’ and actions exist.
principle of semper reformanda (“always
reforming”).

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

Group Discussion
Questions
1. It was mentioned in class that the Christian faith is not a virtuous intellectual
leap into the dark, believing that trusting God means that you check your
brains in at the front door. How was Christian faith defined in the class
lecture?

2. Read Isaiah 45:18–22; 46:5–10.

Do these passages encourage or discourage “blind faith”? Explain.

Pay particular attention to God’s rebuke of the Israelites for worshiping other
gods. Which took more “blind” faith, to worship a carved idol or to worship a
God who predicts the future? Which kind of faith is God mocking them for
having?

3. How does this change your thinking about what it means to have faith?
Explain.

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

4. In the “Who are you and why are you taking this course” section, which of the
nine types of people do you identify with most? Explain.

5. How do you think having so many different types of people with different
perspectives, backgrounds, traditions, and passions will make this type of
study better?

6. Irenic theology was described as theology that is done in a peaceable manner,

accurately and humbly representing all views, even if you disagree with them.
Polemic theology was described as theology that is done in a warlike manner
inside the Church, prophetically speaking against those with whom there is
disagreement. Do you think that Irenic theology is a better starting point for
doing theology than Polemic theology? Explain.

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

7. Are there times when polemic confrontation is necessary? Explain.

Think of possible times when you have been personally rebuked for something
sinful, destructive, or selfish. Did you need someone to peaceably come and
represent your side, or did you need someone to give you stern rebuke?

8. How was your thinking most challenged by the lesson? Explain.

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

Defining Theology
What does it mean to ‘do’ theology?

What is theology?

What Is Theology
Write a one or two sentence definition of theology:

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

“The study or science of God.”

–Millard Erickson “Rational discussion
Christian Theology (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 2001), 22.
respecting the deity.”
–Augustine
“The Science of God and of
the relations between God “Thinking about God
and the universe.” and expressing those
–A. H. Strong thoughts in some way.”
–Charles Ryrie
Basic Theology (Wheaton, IL: 1986), 9.

“The science of God or of religion; the science which treats of the existence,
character, and attributes of God, his laws and government, the doctrines we are to
believe, and the duties we are to practice; divinity; (as more commonly
understood) the knowledge derivable from the Scriptures, the systematic exhibition
of revealed truth, the science of Christian faith and life.”
—Webster’s Dictionary

Who is a theologian?

Anyone who has asked the ultimate questions of life:

• Why am I here?

• What is life?

• What happens after death?

• What is the difference between right and wrong?

• Why is there something instead of nothing?

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

The question is not, “Who is a theologian?” but “What kind of

theologian am I going to be?” Are you going to be a good
theologian or a bad theologian? This is a more accurate
question because, as one writer put it, “not all theologies are
equal.”
–Source unknown

“We live in what may be the most anti-intellectual

period in the history of Western civilization. . . We
must have passion—indeed hearts on fire for the things
of God. But that passion must resist with intensity the
anti-intellectual spirit of the world.”
—R. C. Sproul
“Burning Hearts Are Not Nourished by Empty Heads,” Christianity Today 26 (Sept. 3, 1982), 100.

There are basically six arenas in which we can do theology:1

1. Tabloid Theology

2. Folk Theology

3. Lay Theology

4. Ministerial Theology

5. Professional Theology

6. Academic Theology

1
This is taken and adapted from Stanly Grenz and Roger Olsen’s excellent book Who Needs Theology?
(Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 1996), 22-35. The only addition is that of “Tabloid Theology.”

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

Tabloid Theologian: One who constructs his or her theology based

upon naïve hearsay information that has no basis
in fact and very little, if any, evidence to be
believed. Many times people are Tabloid
theologians because of the theology’s appearance
of originality. As well, it can be “cutting edge” in
many people’s minds.

What are some examples of Tabloid theology?

Folk Theologian: One who uncritically and unreflectively

constructs his or her theology according to
traditions and religious folklore. The Folk
theologian is often very dogmatic and militant
about his or her beliefs.

What are some examples of Folk theology?

Why do you think that it is so hard for Folk theologians to

learn?

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

Lay Theologian: A layperson, who constructs his or her theology

and who, unlike the folk and tabloid theologian,
is . . .
(1) more reflective upon learned theological
concepts
(2) likely to formulate a system of beliefs which
distinguishes between essential and non-essential
doctrine
(3) more critical of unfounded traditions
(4) willing to use study tools

Ministerial Theologian: A layperson who constructs his or her theology

and who, unlike the lay theologian is . . .
(1) educated in theological methodology
(2) able to use study tools and resources at a
more effective level
(3) able to openly critique personal theology
against competing models
(4) intent on devoting more time to reflection so
that theological integration can take place.

Professional Theologian: One who constructs his or her theology and

makes a living doing so. They usually. . .
(1) are didactically purposed toward lay and
pastoral theologians
(2) conduct practical original research
(3) critically evaluate common theological trends
and folk theology.

Professional theologians are often accused of “quenching the

Spirit.” Why do you think they receive this accusation?

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

Academic Theologian: A professional theologian who constructs his

theology with an overly speculative and critical
spirit. His dialogue can usually come only with
other theologians. It is often called “Ivory Tower
theology.”

What are some examples of Academic theology?

Why do you think someone would want to be an Academic

theologian?

“Theology is for everyone. Indeed, everyone needs to be a

theologian. In reality, everyone is a theologian—of one sort or
another. And therein lies the problem. There is nothing wrong
with being an amateur theologian or a professional theologian,
but there is everything wrong with being an ignorant or
sloppy theologian.”
—Charles Ryrie
Basic Theology (Wheaton, IL: 1986), 9.

How do we “do” theology every day?

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

How do we “do” theology every day? In other words, how does

our theology influence our daily routine?

1) When we think about God.

2) When we share the Gospel.

3) When we interpret the Bible.

4) When we get sick.

5) When we defend the faith.

6) When we plan for the future.

7) When we choose schooling for our children.

8) When we vote.

9) When we attempt to deal with sin in our lives.

10) When we decide on who we marry.

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

Group Discussion
Questions:
1. Reference was made to the quote from R.C. Sproul that we live in an anti-
intellectual culture. Another person once said that the sins of the culture
become the sins of the Church. Further discuss the ways that the sin of anti-
intellectualism is evidenced in the Church.

2. Now discuss ways in which you tend to become anti-intellectual with regard
to spiritual matters.

3. Why is it so easy to separate the intellectual life from the spiritual life?
Discuss.

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

4. Many times I receive e-mails that include a short Scripture and prayer. The
sender then attempts to persuade me to forward the e-mail to a certain
number of people so that I can receive a blessing from God. How does this
evidence Tabloid theology? Explain.

5. Discuss ways in which you have been influenced by Tabloid theology. Why is
it so common for us to be Tabloid theologians?

6. Folk theology, unlike Tabloid theology, is rooted in traditions that have been
passed on through various sources. But like Tabloid theology, Folk theology is
baseless and naive. Further discuss and give examples of Folk theology.

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

7. In your notes there are examples of how theology affects a number of

different areas in a section entitled “How do we do theology everyday.” How
are the issues listed below influenced by our theology?

When we get sick.

When we choose schooling for our children.

When we vote.

When we decide who we will marry.

8. How was your thinking most challenged by the lesson?

9. In the coming week, in what ways can you apply the lesson learned? Write
them down.

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

Categories of Theology

What are the different categories of theology?

Categories of Theology:

1. Systematic
2. Biblical
3. Historical
4. Philosophical
5. Creedal/Dogmatic
6. Apologetic

Systematic Theology
1. Prolegomena:
Literally means “things which are spoken beforehand.” Deals with the
foundational issues of theology such as theological methodology, sources, and
reasons for the study of theology.

2. Bibliology:
The study of the nature, transmission, canonization, and purpose of Scripture.

3. Theology Proper:
The study of God’s existence, nature, and attributes. Sometimes called
“Trinitarianism.”

4. Christology:
The study of the person and work of Christ.

5. Pneumatology:
The study of the person and work of the Holy Spirit.

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

6. Anthropology:
The study of the purpose and nature of humanity, both in its pre-fall and post-
fall state.

7. Hamartiology:
The study of the nature, origin, and effects of sin on all creation.

8. Angelology:
The study of the nature and works of demons and angels.

9. Soteriology:
The study of salvation.

10. Ecclesiology:
The study of the nature of the Church.

11. Eschatology:
The study of the end times.

Biblical Systematic
• Restricts the formulation of theology • Formulates theology from all sources of
only to the Scripture. theology, including Scripture.

• Sometimes will examine the individual • Correlates the entirety Scripture to

parts of Scripture in order to formulate a formulate a general theology for all
particular theology that is restricted to a time and for all people.
certain time period and a particular people
(e.g., Pre-mosaic theology).

• Sometimes examines the theology of a • Correlates information on a doctrine

certain author (e.g., John or Paul). by examining the theology of all the
authors.

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

Historical Systematic
• Restricts the formulation of theology • Formulates theology from all sources of
only to the history of the Church. theology.

• Sometimes will examine the individual • Correlates the all of Church history to
periods of Church history in order to formulate a general theology for all
formulate a particular theology that is time and for all people.
restricted to a certain time period (e.g.,
Patristic, Medieval, and Reformation).

Philosophical Systematic
• Restricts the formulation of theology • Formulates theology from all sources of
only to that which can be ascertained by theology.
reason.

• Sometimes will examine the individual • Correlates the all of philosophical history
periods of philosophical history in order to formulate a general theology for all
to formulate a particular theology that time and for all people.
is restricted to a certain time period (e.g.,
enlightenment, modern, postmodern).

Creedal Systematic
• Restricts the formulation of theology • Formulates theology from all sources of
only to that of a particular religious theology including the creedal
institution or denomination. statement of many institutions and
denominations.

Apologetic Systematic
• Formulates theology for the purpose • Formulates theology for the purpose
of explaining and defending the faith of creating a comprehensive and
to those outside the faith. coherent understanding of various
doctrines.

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

What is the Theological Process?

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

Group Discussion
Questions:
1. Many would say that when Christians do theology, they should do so
objectively, using only the Bible as their source. Is this possible? Why or why
not?

2. Some Christian apologists (often called Classical apologists) believe that using
the Bible to convince an unbeliever of a Christian worldview is impossible
because the unbeliever does not believe the Bible. Do you believe that this is
true? Discuss.

3. Philosophical theology seeks to understand the world using nothing but what
all people have in common—our reasoning capability. If someone you know
did not believe the Bible but was searching for truth, how would Philosophical
theology be beneficial?

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

4. Historical theology seeks the contribution of past saints to formulate theology.

Some people do not seek the contribution of past saints, thinking that
Christians do not need tradition, since it has misled us so many times.

How is this attitude arrogant and fallacious?

How is this attitude wise and cautious?

5. Systematic theology seeks to draw from all sources of theology. How does
doing theology systematically help make the doctrine of God (for example)
more complete?

6. Review Subjective theology. How have you experienced Subjective theology

in your own personal life?

How have you experienced Subjective theology done in a small group?

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

7. It was said during the lesson that when reading the Bible “it does not matter
what it means to you. It matters what it meant.” How is this true? Discuss.

8. Discuss the difference between asking a) what does a Scripture mean to you?
and b) how does a Scripture apply to you?

9. Review Irrelevant theology. Read Acts 1:26. The Apostles cast lots in order
to replace Judas as an Apostle. How might an Irrelevant theologian apply this
passage?

Give some other examples of how Irrelevant theology might be practiced.

10. Review Eisegetical theology. Give some examples of how you have practiced
this type of theology.

Why do you think that we often interpret Scripture this way?

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

Postmodern Epistemology
Understanding Our Changing Culture

What is Epistemology?

“The theory or science of the method or

grounds of knowledge.”
—Webster’s Dictionary

“The branch of philosophy that is concerned with the theory of

knowledge. It is an inquiry into the nature and source of
knowledge, the bounds of knowledge, and the justification of
claims to knowledge.”
—Paul Feinberg
Walter A. Elwell ed., “Epistemology” in The Evangelical Dictionary of Theology (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 2001), 382.

Key Terms

Relativism: The belief that all truth is relative, being

determined by some group.

Subjectivism: The belief that all truth is subjective, being defined

by the perspective of the individual.

Skepticism: The belief that truth cannot be known with

certainty.
Perspectivism: The belief that truth is found in the combined
perspectives of many.

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

Pragmatism: The belief that truth is ultimately defined by that

which works to accomplish the best outcome.
“The end justifies the means.”

Objectivism: The belief that truth is an objective reality that

exist whether someone believes it or not.

Which best describes our culture today?

1. Relativism
2. Subjectivism
3. Skepticism
4. Perspectivism
5. Pragmatism
6. Objectivism

What is Postmodernism?

“Christian’s today cannot work with the same assumptions

that we did just 20 years ago. At that time, people would join
you in your search for absolute truth. It is different now.
Today, before we begin to lead people to the truth of Jesus
Christ, we may have to lead them to the truth of truth.
Common ground must be created before the Gospel can be
proclaimed”

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

“Apologetically, the question which arises in the postmodern

context is the following. How can Christianity’s claims to
truth be taken seriously, when there are so many rival
alternatives, and when ‘truth’ itself has become a devalued
notion? No-one can lay claim to possession of truth. It is all a
question of perspective. The conclusion of this line of thought
is as simple as it is devastating: ‘the truth is that there is no
truth”
–Alister McGrath
A Passion for Truth (Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 1996), 188

Conversation Between Protagoras and Socrates (4th B.C.)

Protagoras: Truth is relative. It is only a matter of opinion.

Socrates: You mean that truth is mere subjective opinion?

Protagoras: Exactly. What is true for you is true for you, and what is true for me is true for me.
Truth is subjective.

Socrates: Do you really mean that? That my opinion is true by virtue of its being my opinion?

Protagoras: Indeed I do.

Socrates: My opinion is: Truth is absolute, not opinion, and that you, Mr. Protagoras, are absolutely in error.
Since this is my opinion, you must grant that it is true according to your philosophy.

Protagoras: You are quite correct, Socrates.

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

Self-defeating Statements

“I cannot speak a word in English.”

“My wife has never been married.”

“We cannot know anything about God.”

“There is no such thing as truth.”

“Truth cannot be known with certainty.”

A short history of western civilization

Three periods:
1. Premodern (400-1600 A.D.)
2. Modern (1600-1900 A.D.)
3. Postmodern (1960-present)

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

Back

Stage of Truth

Front

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

Modernism Postmodernism
• Intellectual • Anti-intellectual
• Reason • Feeling
• Optimism • Pessimism
• Hope for the future • Despair for the present
• Objectivism • Subjectivism/relativism
• Exclusivism • Pluralism/inclusivism
• Science method • Distrust in science
• Man is evolving • Man is devolving

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

The Ideal Modern Man: 2

Mr. Spock
• Spock is always logical and objective.

• Never acts upon feeling, because that would be

“illogical.”

“Physical laws simply cannot be ignored. Existence cannot be without them.”

“Pain is a thing of the mind. The mind can be controlled.”

The Ideal Modern Man Mocked:

Data
• Data is the “perfect” modern human.

• Despite his “perfection,” Data . . .

• Wants to be human.
• Rebels against logic.
• Attempts to develop emotions and feelings.

2
The illustration of Spock and Data is adapted from Stanley Grenz Primer on Postmodernism (Grand
Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1996), 1-10.

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

• Premodern: “There’s balls

and there’s strikes and I call
them as they are.”
• Modern: “There’s balls and
there’s strikes and I call
them as I see them.”
• Postmodern: “They ain’t
nothing ‘til I call ‘em.”

“In Postmodernism, there is no objective, universal truth;

there is only the perspective of the group. . . . In
postmodernism, all viewpoints, all lifestyles, all beliefs and
behaviors are regarded as equally valid. . . . Tolerance has
become so important that no exception is tolerated.”
–Charles Colson
How Now Shall We Live? (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale, 1999), 23

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

Group Discussion
Questions:
1. Discuss the contact you have had with the postmodern mindset.

2. Some argue that those who say they believe that all truth is relative don’t
actually live this way. Explain why it is virtually impossible to live out a
relativistic worldview.

3. Discuss the validity of this statement: “People are only relativistic when it
comes to the issues of morals and metaphysics (God, spiritual things, etc.).
They are not relativistic when it comes to the mundane.”

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

4. Do you still see modernism’s overly optimistic worldview in our society

today? Give examples.

5. Empathize with people’s despair caused by the failed claims of modernism.

6. Which way of thinking do you identify with most: Modernism or

Postmodernism? How?

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

7. Why do you think that postmoderns are described as people who are in
despair? How have you observed this?

8. In what ways would having a subjective or relative worldview cause you

despair?

9. How was your thinking most challenged by the lesson? Explain.

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

Christian Epistemology
How does a Christian come to know truth?

What questions are postmoderns asking?

Modernist Objections to Christianity

1. What about all the contradictions?

2. God is just a crutch. Religion was invented by man.

3. Jesus was just a man.

4. The Bible we have today is not the same as when it was written 2000 years
ago.

5. I don’t believe in what I can’t see.

6. Evolution has proven Christianity to be wrong.

7. The Bible is a myth full of fairy tales.

8. How did Noah get all of the animals on the Ark?

9. There is no such thing as miracles.

10. Do you really believe in the story of Adam and Eve?

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

Postmodernist Objections to Christianity

1. If God exists, why is there evil?

2. The Inquisition and the Crusades show that Christianity is oppressive.

3. Christianity is a way to God but not the only way.

4. Christianity is arrogant and exclusive.

5. How do you know that your Bible is better than other religious writings?

6. Why does God allow bad things to happen to good people?

7. What about those who have never heard?

8. The church is full of hypocrites.

9. Why would God send anyone to Hell?

10. The God of the OT is cruel, partial, and unjust.

Modernist Postmodernist
Facts Fairness
Rationality Relationships
Evidence Emotion

What is the modern view of truth?

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

Modern View of Truth

Correspondence view of truth: (1) Truth is an objective reality that
exists whether someone believes it or not, (2) and that objective reality is
grounded in nature.

True statements are those which correspond to that objective reality.

False statements are those which do not correspond to that objective reality.

Law of non-contradiction applies

A ≠ -A
at the same time and in the same relationship.

K ey M o t t o
“Man can and will know all truth.”

What is the postmodern view of truth?

Postmodern View of Truth

Relative view of truth: (1) Truth is a perspective reality that exists in the
perspective of the individual or group, (2) and that perspective reality is
grounded in time.
Law of non-contradiction does not apply

A = -A
at the same time and in the same relationship.

K ey M o t t o
“TheNotebook
The Theology truth cannot be known
– Introduction to Theology
Copyright © 2004-2005, The Theology Program. All rights reserved.
56 5. Christian Epistemology

Religious Spin on Postmodern Epistemology

Universalism: The belief that all people, good or bad, will eventually make it to Heaven.

Pluralism: The belief that there are many ways to God that are equally valid.

Syncretism: The assimilation of differing beliefs and practices.

Inclusivism: The belief that salvation is only through Christ, but Christ may be revealed
in other religions.

Vatican II (1962-1965) and inclusivism

“But the plan of salvation also includes those who acknowledge the creator. In the
first place among these there are the Moslems, whom professing to hold the faith
of Abraham, along with us adore the one and merciful god, who on the last day
will judge mankind. Those also can attain salvation who through no fault of their
own do not know the gospel of Christ or his church, yet sincerely seek god and,
moved by grace, strive by their deeds to do his will as it is known to them through
the dictates of conscience.”

What is the Christian view truth?

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

Christian View of Truth

Correspondence view of truth: (1) Truth is an objective reality that

exists whether someone believes it or not, (2) and that objective reality is
grounded in an eternal God.

The law of non-contradiction is a foundational necessity

to all truth.

God cannot even violate this principle since it is a logical impossibility.

K ey M o t t o
“The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the
things revealed belong to us and to our sons forever, that we
may observe all the words of this law” (Deut. 29:29).

Christian truth must have a balance between the “things

revealed” and mystery (“secret things”).

Apophatic Theology: Theology that emphasizes mystery. Often called the “way
of negation” (via negativa) or “negative theology,”
apophatic theology sees God, and much of theology, as
beyond our understanding and, therefore, beyond
defining through positive assertations. Finite people
cannot say what the infinite God is but only what He is
not. God is “uncreated,” “immutable,” “infinite,”
“immortal.”

Cataphatic Theology: Theology that emphasizes revelation. Often called

“positive theology,” cataphatic theology seeks to
understand God in positive terms, understanding that
God communicates to us through language and concepts
that are analogous to who and what He truly is (“analogy
of language”).
The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology
Copyright © 2004-2005, The Theology Program. All rights reserved.
58 5. Christian Epistemology

“Resolved, when I think of any theorem in divinity to

be solved, immediately to do what I can towards
solving it, if circumstances do not hinder.”
—Jonathan Edwards
Resolutions, 11

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

Objectivism
Prov. 23:23

Perspicuity
Cataphatic Apophatic
Theology Theology

Soft Skepticism Perspectivism

Prov. 8:5 Prov. 12:15

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

Group Discussion
Questions:
1. Reread the modernist objections to Christianity. Which objections have you
heard the most? Which objections do you find the most difficult? Why?

2. Reread the postmodernist objections to Christianity. Which objections have

you heard the most? Which objections do you find the most difficult? Why?

3. Do you know anyone who has died who you believe may be in Hell? How do
you deal with this?

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

4. The following question was asked during the last group discussion: “Which
mindset do you identify with most: Modernism or Postmodernism?” Which
do you identify with most now? If your position has changed, explain why.

5. How does the distinction between Cataphatic theology and Apophatic

theology help you to understand how to approach theology? Explain.

6. Read Prov. 3:7; 12:1, 15; 18:1; 19:20. Why do you think that the Bible is so
emphatic about having many advisors or counselors?

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

7. How does the individualism of America conflict with the instruction of the
Proverbs concerning having advisors and counselors? Give examples.

8. To be perspicuous means “plain to the understanding especially because of

clarity and precision of presentation” (Webster’s). Name some teachings of
Scripture that are plain to the understanding.

9. How was your thinking most challenged by the lesson? Explain.

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

Defining Essentials and

Non-essentials
What is the sine quo non of Christianity?

What truths are relative and what truths are objective?

Discussion of paper “Representing Christ to a Postmodern

World”

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

Quadrant of Objectivity

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

Where would you place these on the quadrant?

• Belief in the doctrine of the Trinity? Why?

• Smoking? Why?

• Eating healthy and exercising? Why?

• Getting intoxicated? Why?

• Having your mind altered by anti-depressants? Why?

What truths are essential for orthodoxy?

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Concentric Circle of Importance

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

“For the Christian, beliefs matter, but

not all beliefs matter equally.”
–Roger Olsen
Mosaic of Christian Beliefs (Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 2002), 33

“There are those dogmatic Christians who seem to over define

Christianity such that being authentically Christian
includes (for them) firm adherence to a detailed set of
extrabiblical belief, some of which are quite outside the Great
Tradition itself.”
–Roger Olsen
Mosaic of Christian Beliefs (Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 2002), 33

How certain are you about your beliefs?

“Certain” (Webster’s)
• Definite; fixed.
• Sure to come or happen; inevitable.
• Established beyond doubt or question; indisputable.
• Capable of being relied on; dependable.
• Having or showing confidence; assured.

Types of Certainty
1. Emotional Certainty
2. Absolute Certainty
Mathematical certainty (scientific method)
Analytical certainty (true by analysis)
3. Intellectual Certainty
Empirical certainty (weight of evidences)
Logical certainty (what is reasonable)
4. Moral certainty (what is demanded)

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

How certain are you that . . .

Level of
Question
Certainty
1. There is a God?
2. That Christ rose from the grave?
3. That God loves you?
4. That Christ is going to come and Rapture the Church before the
Great Tribulation?
5. Christ is coming back to reign on the earth for a thousand years?
6. That Christ is coming back?
7. That God wants you to trust that He will protect you from all
physical harm?
8. That God wants you to trust that He will protect you from all
emotional harm?
9. That God wants you to trust in Him in every circumstance?
10. That the Bible does not have any historical errors?
11. That Adam and Eve were real people?
12. That there was really a snake in the garden?
13. That God created the earth in seven literal days?
14. The God created the earth?
15. That Christ paid for the sins of all mankind?
16. That Christ died for you?
17. That the Apocrypha (15 books in the Roman Catholic Bible)
should not be included in Scripture?
18. That the book of 3 John should be included in Scripture?
19. That the book of Genesis should be included in Scripture?
20. That the gift of tongues ceased in the first century?

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

“When you overstate, readers will be instantly on guard and

everything that has preceded your overstatement as well as
everything that follows it will be suspect in their minds
because they have lost confidence in your judgment or your
poise. Overstatement is one of the common faults. A single
overstatement, wherever or however it occurs, diminishes the
whole, and a single carefree superlative has the power to
destroy, for readers, the object of your enthusiasm.”
–Strunk and White
Elements of Style, (Needham Heights, MA: Allyn and Bacon), 7.

Guiding Principles and Application:

1. Don’t divide over non-essentials no matter how convicted you are about their
truth.

2. Never compromise the essentials no matter what the consequence.

3. There is no shame in being less certain about some things than others. The
Bible does not teach all things with the same clarity.

4. Showing honest uncertainty about difficult issues makes your witness more
authentic and powerful to a postmodern world.

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

Group Discussion
Questions:
1. Where would you place “getting intoxicated” in the quadrant chart? What is
the chief principle that it violates? Are you consistently applying this principle
in other parts of your own life? Explain.

2. Many Postmoderns call the Church hypocritical because of inconsistency in

what the Church condemns and how Christians live. Explain how someone
who does not eat healthy, but who condemns a person for smoking, might be
thought of a hypocrite. What can we do to be more consistent?

3. Further discuss which doctrines you believe are essential for salvation. Place
them in the center of the Circle of Importance.

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

4. Further discuss which doctrines you believe are essential for orthodoxy, other
than those you placed in the “essential for salvation” category.

5. Discuss the Chart of Certainty and the answers that you gave to each question.

6. Did your group find essential unity even though you disagree upon minor
issues? How does this help you to understand the essential unity of the Body of
Christ?

7. How was your thinking most challenged by the lesson? Explain.

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

Traditions in Christian
Theology
Where are your roots?

What is the essential difference in Roman Catholicism, Eastern

Orthodoxy, and Protestantism?

Traditions in Christian Theology

1. Roman Catholic
2. Eastern Orthodox
3. Protestant

Protestant 349 million

Roman Catholic 943 million
Orthodox 211 million

“Justification is the hinge upon which true

Christianity stands.”
–John Calvin

“Christianity stands or falls upon the

doctrine of justification.”
–Martin Luther

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

Why are there so many denominations?

Sub-traditions:
• Reformed

• Arminian

• Liberal

• Fundamental

• Charismatic

• Evangelical

• Postmodernist

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

Group Discussion
Questions:
1. What confusion or misconceptions have you had in the past concerning
division in the Christian Church?

2. Do you agree with the Roman Catholic argument that the Church could not
have a canon of the Bible without the authoritative proclamation of the
Church? Why or why not?

3. Did this lesson help you understand your own tradition? Explain.

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

4. Why do you think the Protestant Reformers believed that the Gospel was the
main essential that determines the true Church? Do you agree? Explain.

5. Do you think the Gospel is preserved in the Protestant Church today? Why or
why not?

6. Many are pushing for a “modern reformation.” Do you think that the Church
is in need of another major reform? Why or why not?

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

7. Fundamentalism can be used both positively and negatively. Positively,

Fundamentalism is the twentieth-century movement that sought to preserve
the essentials of Christianity in its fight against liberalism. Negatively,
Fundamentalism is thought of as a legalistic sect that, like the Pharisees of
Christ’s day, places unnecessary burdens on the backs of people. In what ways
have you been exposed to Fundamentalism in its negative sense? What can be
done to correct this characterization of the Church?

8. Read Matt. 10:34–36. Should the Church continue to be Fundamentalist in

the positive sense, even if it divides?

9. How was your thinking most challenged by the lesson? Explain.

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

Sources of Theology
“Where do we go for truth?”

What are the different sources of truth?

Martin Luther’s Trilateral

Scripture

Tradition Reason

John Wesley’s Quadrilateral

Reason Experience

Tradition Scripture

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

1. Tradition
2. Reason
3. Experience
4. General Revelation
5. Emotions
6. Special Revelation (Scripture)

Stage of Truth
Back
Tradition
Reason
Experience
Emotions
General Revelation
Special Revelation (Scripture)

Front

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

Roman Catholic Stage of Truth

Eastern Orthodox Stage of Truth

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

Protestant Reformation Stage of Truth

Liberal Stage of Truth

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

Charismatic Stage of Truth

Fundamentalist Stage of Truth

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

Postmodern Stage of Truth

What are the benefits and deficiencies of each source?

Tradition: Religious information that has been handed down to us from

various sources.

Examples:

Benefits:

Deficiencies:

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

“Tradition is the living faith of those

now dead. Traditionalism is the
dead faith of those now living.”
–Jar0slav Pelikan
The Vindication of Tradition (New Haven: Yale Univ. Press, 1984), 65

Reason: Information that comes through the human mind’s capacity for
logical, rational, and analytic thought.

Examples:

Benefits:

Deficiencies:

“All truth is given by revelation, either general or

special, and it must be received by reason. Reason
is the God-given means for discovering the truth
that God discloses, whether in his world or his
Word. While God wants to reach the heart with
truth, he does not bypass the mind.”
–Jonathan Edwards

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

“The truth of the Christian faith

surpasses the capacity of
reason.”
–Thomas Aquinas

Experience: Information that comes through direct encounter,

participation, or observation.

Examples:

Benefits:

Deficiencies:

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

Emotions: Information that comes through subjectively experienced

psychological feelings.

Examples:

Benefits:

Deficiencies:

General Revelation: Revelation about God given through the

created order (Ps 19:1–6; Rom 1:18–20;
2:14–15).

Examples:

Benefits:

Deficiencies:

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

Special Revelation: Revelation given by God’s supernatural

intervention in history through Scripture,
miraculous events, divine speech, visible
manifestations, etc.

Examples:

Benefits:

Deficiencies:

Proposed Stage of Truth

How do the different sources interact to form our theology?

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

Group Discussion
Questions:
1. Read Rom. 8:28. How has your experience helped you to better understand
this passage?

2. Read Rom. 10:13. How has your experience affected the way you read this
passage?

3. Read 1 Tim. 2:11–14. How could both your experience and emotions affect
the way you interpret this passage? Explain.

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

4. Tradition is the easiest and most accessible way to acquire information.

Further discuss some of the values and dangers of tradition.

5. Sola Scriptura is the reformation principle that Scripture alone is the primary
and only infallible source for truth. In what ways do we deny this principle in
our own lives? What can be done to correct this?

6. What have you learned about God from General Revelation?

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

7. How can you have a respect for tradition while at the same time avoiding
traditionalism?

8. Which stage of truth do you aspire to, and which stage of truth do you
actually live according to? How can you correct this?

9. How was your thinking most challenged by the lesson? Explain.

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

Excursus: Does God still

Speak Today?
Should we seek out a prophet?

Has Special Revelation ceased, or does God still communicate to

people through prophets, dreams, visions, and audible encounters?

Three positions:
1. Continuationism
2. Hard Cessationism
3. Soft Cessationism

Temporary Gifts Permanent Gifts

Supernatural Sign
Speaking Serving
Revelatory Confirmatory
• Apostleship • Healings • Evangelism • Service
• Prophecy • Miracles • Teaching • Showing Mercy
• Discerning of spirits • Tongues • Pastor-teacher • Giving
• Word of wisdom • Exhortation • Administrations
• Word of knowledge • Helps
• Tongues
• Interpretation of
tongues

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

What is the Continuationist view of Prophecy?

Continuationism: The view that miraculous sign gifts are still

being given and, therefore, God still speaks
directly in various ways today.

Adherents: Wayne Grudem, Jack Deere, Craig

Keener, Jack Hayford, John Piper, J.P.
Moreland

Defense of Continuationism:

1. Acts 2:14-21 seems to teach that supernatural occurrences such as tongues and
prophecy would be normative for the Church era.

2. The entire book of Acts seems to show that the supernatural gifts are common
within the Church.

3. All of Scripture supports the idea that it is God’s nature to work in supernatural
ways.

4. The New Testament never explicitly states that the supernatural sign gifts would
cease.

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

“If you were to lock a brand-new Christian in a

room with a Bible and tell him to study what Scripture
has to say about healings and miracles, he would never
come out of the room a cessationist.”
–Jack Deere
Surprised by the Power of the Spirit (Grand Rapids, Mi: Zondervan, 1997), 54

What is the Hard Cessationist view of Prophecy?

Hard Cessationism: The view that miraculous sign gifts ceased

with the death of the last apostle and the
completion of the New Testament.
Therefore, God does not speak directly to
people today.

Adherents: Charles Hodge, Charles Ryrie, John

MacArthur, majority of Church history

Defense of Hard Cessationism:

1. The Bible implicitly supports the idea that the supernatural sign gifts were for
the establishment of the Church era.

Eph. 2:19-20
“So then you are no longer foreigners and noncitizens, but you are fellow
citizens with the saints and members of God's household, because you have
been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus
himself as the cornerstone.”

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

2 Cor. 12:12
“Indeed, the signs of an apostle were performed among you with great
perseverance by signs and wonders and powerful deeds.”

Heb. 2:3-4
“How will we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was first
communicated through the Lord and was confirmed to us by those who heard
him, while God confirmed their witness with signs and wonders and various
miracles and gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.”

1 Cor. 13:8-10
“Love never ends. But if there are prophecies, they will be set aside; if there
are tongues, they will cease; if there is knowledge, it will be set aside. For we
know in part and we prophesy in part; but when the perfect comes, the partial
will be done away.”

2. It is agreed that the Bible never explicitly states that the sign gifts have ceased.
But the Bible never explicitly states that Scripture is complete, yet both
cessationists and non-cessationists agree that it is.

3. If God is still speaking supernaturally through prophecy, tongues, word of

wisdom, etc., then the Canon of Scripture is still open.

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

4. If one were to examine the Scripture closely, it becomes evident that God’s
direct intervention through prophecy and supernatural signs and wonders was
not the norm as it may seem. The Bible, as theological history (not exhaustive
history), only records the times when God does intervene, thereby giving the
impression that God’s direct encounters through prophets, dreams, visions,
etc. are God’s modus operandi when they are not.

5. History convincingly suggests that the supernatural sign gifts have ceased. We
do not see evidence of confirmed prophets after the death of the last apostle.
Only fringe groups here and there have claimed that God still speaks through
prophets, tongues, etc., until the twentieth century when the charismatic
revival began.

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

“This whole place [1 Cor. 12 on spiritual gifts] is

very obscure . . . but the obscurity is produced by our
ignorance of the facts referred to and by their
cessation, being such as then used to occur, but now
no longer take place.”
–John Chrysostom (347-407)
ECF 2.12.1.1.29.0

What is the Soft Cessationist view of Prophecy?

Soft Cessationism: Or “Soft Continuationist.” The view that

the miraculous sign gifts could still be
given today, but believers need to be
careful about outright acceptance of
people’s claims of possession.

Adherents: D. A. Carson, Robert Saucy, Millard

Erickson

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

Defense of Soft Cessationism:

1. Neither side’s arguments are conclusive. We must therefore proceed with

great caution.

2. While it may be true that Church history has not seen the continuation of God
speaking directly, this does not mean that it is not possible.

“God, in his ordinary providence, makes use of means,

yet is free to work without, above, and against them, at
his pleasure.”
–Westminster Confession of Faith
5.3

3. Those who adhere to a futuristic interpretation of Revelation must concede

that there are going to be prophets in the future as represented by the Two
Witnesses (Rev. 11:3) and, possibly, the 144,000 Israelites (Rev. 7:4).
Therefore, we must be open to further direct revelation from God.

Guiding Principles:
• God’s Word is not something to be trifled with (Ex. 20:7).

• If you are a prophet, you must show convincing signs of a prophet (Deut 18:15-
22).

• If you are a prophet, you must have orthodox theology (Deut. 13:1-3).

• If someone believes that they have a word from the Lord, they had better be
certain and be ready to live by the consequences if it turns out false.

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

Group Discussion
Questions:
1. In what ways have you experienced what you thought might be the “voice of
God,” either through experience or emotion? How certain can you be that it
was in fact God’s voice?

2. Many people become more desirous to hear the “voice of God” outside of
Scripture when there are difficulties in their lives. What is the danger in this?
Explain.

3. How have you been mislead by what you thought was God’s voice? In what
ways did this confuse you?

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

4. Hard cessationists have been falsely accused of denying that God can work
miracles today, when in reality they do not deny that God can work miracles,
but that God gifts particular people to work miracles. A hard cessationist may
pray for God to miraculously heal someone of cancer just as hopefully as a
continuationist. Does this clear up some misunderstanding? Explain.

5. A verified prophet is one who performs an incredible sign or wonder, leaving

no doubt in the minds of the observer that he or she is a prophet. Have you
ever witnessed this? Explain.

6. God speaks in many different ways. The argument of this lesson is that we
cannot be certain that we are hearing “God’s voice” unless it is verified
through rightly interpreted Scripture or a verified prophet. How important
does this make our study of Scripture? Explain.

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

7. How do you often “put God in a box” in your own life? Explain.

8. How was your thinking most challenged by the lesson? Explain.

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

Unity and Diversity

Doing Theology in the Emerging Context

Apostles Creed
I believe in God the Father, Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth
And in Jesus Christ, his only begotten Son, our Lord
Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary
Suffered under Pontius Pilate; was crucified, dead and buried; He descended into hell
The third day he rose again from the dead
He ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty
From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead
I believe in the Holy Ghost
I believe a holy catholic church; the communion of saints
The forgiveness of sins
The resurrection of the body
And the life everlasting. Amen.

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

Unity and Diversity among the Traditions

Doctrine of Man and Grace

(fifth century)
Doctrine of Christ
Definition of Chalcedon (451)
Trinity (325) Doctrine of the Atonement
Counsel of Nicea (325) (eleventh century)

100 A.D. 400 A.D. 1100 A.D. 1600 A.D. 2000 A.D.

Unity and Diversity among Protestant

Denominations

Five “Solas” of the

Protestant Reformation
Reformed Sola Soli deo
Solus Christus Sola Gratia Sola Fide
Understanding Scriptura Gloria
Meaning The “Scripture The work of Justification is “Faith alone” is All is done
alone” “Christ alone” by means of the only for “God’s
contains is the basis for God’s “grace instrumental glory alone.”
primary justification. alone.” cause of
authority to justification.
dictate the
lives of
believers.

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

Doctrine of Scripture
Doctrine of Man and Grace (sixteenth century)
(fifth century) Doctrine of Justification
Doctrine of Christ (sixteenth century)
Definition of Chalcedon (451)
Trinity Doctrine of the Atonement
Counsel of Nicea (325) (eleventh century)

100 A.D. 400 A.D. 1100 A.D. 1600 A.D. 2000 A.D.

Unity and Diversity among the Sexes

Unity and Diversity among the Nations

Luke 8:5-18

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

Group Discussion
Questions:
1. How doe the concept of Unity and Diversity help you to better understand the
Church today?

2. Why is it that we have required Introduction to Theology as a prerequisite to all

other courses?

3. Briefly outline the proposed method that this course has suggested for “doing
theology.”

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

4. What is the advantage of doing theology this way?

5. What is the risk involved and is it worth is? Explain.

6. What ways has this class caused you to do theology differently? Be specific.

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

7. Concerning the Parable of the Soils, give examples when you have failed to
believe or apply God’s word to your life and you moved further away from God
as a result. What can you do to avoid this?

8. What is the most significant thing that you have learned in this class that has made
you change the way you think?

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

Representing Christ to a
Postmodern World

A Peanuts cartoon depicted a conversation between Linus and Charlie Brown.

Charlie Brown was confused and disillusioned by his failing beliefs when Linus
comforted him with these timely words: “It doesn’t matter what you believe as long
as you are sincere.” I also recently heard a religious leader on television state that if
the bones of Christ were to be discovered in Palestine today, this would not alter his
Christian faith; his faith was not bound by objective truths.
Surveys are becoming emphatically more clear that the majority of our culture
believes that truth is relative.3 It has been clear for some time now that our world is
going through a major cultural shift. The illustrations stated above are all too
common in today’s postmodern4 society. We have moved from a world of absolutes,
objectivity, and dogmatism to one of relativism, subjectivism, and tolerance. The
greatest commandment in this postmodern society is this, THOU SHALT TOLERATE ONE
5
ANOTHER. Springing forth from this relativistic epistemology, tolerance has become
preeminent. As one writer has put it, “Tolerance has become so important that no
exception is tolerated.”6 A person may have his or her religion, and may believe it,
but he or she has no right to try to persuade another of his or her belief. Why?

3
Subjective, pluralistic, and pragmatic also accurately describe our culture, but for this study we
will primarily use the term relative and its cognates assuming a tight relationship between all the terms.
4
This term will be further defined as we proceed in our study. Most briefly, “postmodern”
describes a current trend within our culture that began in the late 20th century that is relativistic in its
thinking concerning truth and knowledge.
5
Epistemology describes the way we understand the nature and grounds of knowledge.
6
Charles Colson, How Now Shall We Live (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale, 1999) p. 23.

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Because what you are saying is that your belief is superior to their belief. This is the
supreme act of intolerance, the primary postmodern taboo.
It is not my purpose here to outline and detail the rise of postmodernism as
many others have sufficiently done.7 Neither is it my purpose to critique
postmodernism as a movement. What I shall attempt to do is to give the Christian
some practical direction on how to represent Christ in a postmodern world.
I shall deal with three primary issues with which the Christian needs to
wrestle. The first of these is the issue of tolerance. This is the question: How are we
to react to a culture whose battle cry is tolerance? Are we to join in? Does the Bible
have anything to say about whether we are to tolerate each other and in what ways?
Secondly, we need to briefly and practically tackle the postmodern idea that all truth
is relative. Many churches are joining hands with our culture and embracing this view
of relativity. Others compensate by rejecting any notion of relative truth whatsoever,
claiming that all truth is objective. What does the Bible have to say about truth and
relativity? Are there truths that are relative as the postmodern claims? Or is all truth
absolute and objective? And third, among the truths that are objective (assuming that
there is objective truth), what are the essentials and non-essentials? The early Church
during the Diocletian persecutions (AD 302-305) was forced to begin to define the
canon of Scripture.8 The Romans were arresting and killing Christians who possessed
Scriptures. Nobody wanted to give up his life for a book that was not inspired; it was
not worth dying for. In our postmodern age, it is more important than ever to define

7
See Millard Erickson, Truth or Consequences (Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 2001); Douglas
Groothuis, Truth Decay (Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 2000); J. Grenz, A Primer on Postmodernism (Grand
Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1996); J. Richard Middleton & Brian J. Walsh, Truth is Stronger Than it Used To
Be (Downers Grove, IL: Intervarsity Press, 1995). Also see Walter Truitt Anderson, Reality Isn’t What it
Used to Be (San Francisco, CA: Harper Collins, 1990).
8
John Hannah, Our Legacy (Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress, 2001) p. 41.

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what truths are worth dying for. We need to be able to distinguish between what is
essential for the Christian faith and what is non-essential.

Christian Tolerance?
Often when false claims are promoted, the reaction is to defend the truth by
going to the opposite extreme. The early church, when battling with Pelagius’ false
view of anthropology, in order to defend the doctrine of depravity (as they should
have done), went to the opposite extreme and promoted the doctrines of purgatory
and limbo to account for the children who, although depraved, could not exercise
faith.9 Many Calvinists in the 17th century countered the Arminians by emphasizing
God’s sovereignty to such an extent that they seemed to support the idea that God
was the author of sin and evil. Often times it is human nature to counter false beliefs
by promoting equally false beliefs of the opposite extreme. If you don’t believe me,
just think to the last argument you had with your spouse where he or she told you
that you were overreacting to a situation. You respond by stating that you were NOT
overreacting and that you NEVER overreact. It may have been true that you were
not overreacting in that instance, but it is probably not true that you NEVER
overreact. In order to prove what you believe to be a false statement to be false (“you
are overreacting”), you offer an equally false statement in its place (“you NEVER
overreact”). It is the classic pendulum effect. We all do this in many ways. But
tragically, today this is often the result when Christians counter a postmodern
relativistic epistemology. When we hear that the culture is stating that there are no
absolute truths, it is our tendency to clinch our fists and promote objectivity at all
costs. When we find that tolerance has become the most important virtue of a

9
See Jacques Le Goff, The Birth of Purgatory (Chicago: University of Chicago, 1984) who states
that Augustine was the “true father of purgatory” (p. 61).

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godless society, it is our tendency to throw out tolerance all together.10 But what
does the Bible have to say about tolerance? Are we to tolerate each other?
This question must be asked more exactly before its answer can benefit our
present study. Two different groups of people need to be in focus: (1) those who are
part of the body of Christ (the Church) and believe in absolute truth11 and (2) those
who are outside the body of Christ and have bought into the postmodern fad of
relativity. There is a difference between asking “Are we to tolerate the sin of a
Christian?” and “Are we to tolerate the sin of a non-Christian?” We will meet the
challenge of the non-Christian first; then we will move on to the Christian.

Tolerance of those outside the Church

Practically speaking, the only truth that the postmodern believes is that there
is no truth, or at least no objective access to that truth. We are all confined to our
own ideas of what is right or wrong, true or false. But whatever our conclusions may
be, they are merely our opinions, and our opinions are no better than those of
another. Therefore, to the postmodern, all of us are imprisoned behind the
unbreakable walls of this subjective reality, and therefore we must all “tolerate” each
other. It is not uncommon to hear statements like this: “If you believe that the Bible
is God’s Word, that is fine and good, but you must also tolerate the person who
believes in the Quran or any other religious literature they may choose.” But here is
where the problem arises: What do the postmoderns mean by “tolerate”? Do they

10
Please understand that I am not demoting the Christian’s need to stand for truth. Christianity is
not a religion that can exist without the doctrine of absolute truth. I commend many within the Church
today who have been equipping Christians to stand up for absolute truth. I am simply attempting to place a
buffer between the extremes so that we can stay faithful to the truth of Scripture in a relevant way.
11
I am not implying that all Christians believe in absolute truth. In fact, I believe that there are a
lot who don’t. In my ministry to single adults, both young and old, I am having my eyes opened to the truth
of Stanley Toussaint, a former professor of mine at Dallas Seminary, who taught me that “the sins of the
culture become the sins of the Church.” The postmodern philosophy of the culture is beginning to flood our
pews.

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mean that we are simply to live together without killing each other? Do they mean
the same as the American Heritage Dictionary’s definition of what it means to tolerate:
“To allow without prohibiting or opposing; permit”? Do they simply mean that if I
have a neighbor who adheres to a belief system other than mine that I am supposed to
live at peace with him, not prohibiting or oppressing him? If this is the case, I agree. I
am “tolerant” and should be. I concede that, at least in this case, the postmodern
objective is good because I do not have the authority or power to prohibit anyone
from believing whatever they choose. If this is the case, then all is well.
But in reality, this is not what typical postmoderns mean when they cry for
“tolerance.” They are not asking people to simply tolerate and get along with the
opposing belief. The fact is that they are asking people to compromise their beliefs.
They are asking me to concede that my neighbor’s beliefs are just as true as mine, to
forfeit my notion of objectivity, and to surrender my view of exclusivism. The result
would accomplish nothing less than to render a death blow to my belief in the
Scriptures. What they are implying when they push their definition of “tolerance” is
that people should never stand up for their beliefs, if standing up for them means
stating that their beliefs are the only true beliefs—that they are exclusive. They are
not asking people to tolerate the homosexual, but to change their belief that
homosexuality is wrong for everyone. But, again, this is not asking someone to be
tolerant; it is asking someone to compromise his or her beliefs and convert to the
postmodern faith. This is something that the Christian cannot do.
Christians should join hands with the postmodern in this cry for tolerance if
tolerance means that we live at peace with those of other faiths, not prohibiting them
from believing something unbiblical—that is God’s job. But, of course, this is not
what they are asking. By tolerance, the postmodern means that we compromise the
objectivity of God’s Word. By tolerance, the postmodern cries for us to stop
reaching out to others with the Gospel. By tolerance, the postmodern demands that

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we approve of their lifestyles. By tolerance, the postmodern is essentially asking us to

give up our faith. This we cannot do.
The first step in understanding and reaching out to the postmodern non-
Christian is for us all to be able to understand and compellingly argue that it is not
tolerance that they want, but compromise.

Tolerance of those Within the Church

As I stated earlier, it is important for us to separate what it means for us to be
tolerant to those outside the Church from what it means to be tolerant to those
within the Church. We have already concluded that we are to tolerate those outside
the Church, as long as tolerance means that we live at peace with those of different
beliefs than ours. But how is it different within the Church? Does the Bible have
anything to say about tolerance among believers?
The answer is “yes.” In chapter four of his epistle to the Ephesians, Paul begins
to tell his readers how they are to live the Christian life. Speaking on the importance
of unity, Paul states, “Therefore, I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a
manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and
gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to
preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Eph. 4:1-3, emphasis added).
Here Paul tells us that one of the primary ways the Church preserves unity is by
showing tolerance. The participle avnecomenoi here has the meaning “to endure,
bear with, to put up with.”12 The King James often translates it, “to suffer with.” This
word is used by Christ when He cries over Israel, “how long shall I put up with you”
(Matt 17:17, emphasis added). It almost always carries a negative connotation. In 2
Maccabees 9:12, it is used of an unbearable stench; the smell was said to be
intolerable. In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul is telling the Church that it will

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

sometimes be necessary to tolerate the “stench” of one another. This presupposes

something negative about the ones we are to tolerate. Someone may have a repulsive
personality—Paul tells us to endure them! Another has a bad temper—bear with
them! Someone differs with you in some non-essential doctrine—tolerate them!
Let’s face it, when we all get to heaven we will all find out that we were wrong
about a few things. Some more than others, but we will all have some surprises.
So, the question is not whether we, as Christians, are to show tolerance to
fellow believers, but to what extent are we to be tolerant? Is there a difference in
tolerating a Christian who smokes a pipe and tolerating a Christian who is involved in
a homosexual relationship? Should we distinguish between tolerating one who is a
non-cessationist and one who denies the Trinity? These are the issues that will
inevitably arise when discussing the issue of tolerance in a postmodern society. The
first thing that we, as Christians, need to establish is that some type of tolerance is
mandated in Scripture. We will shortly decide what this tolerance looks like and how
it plays out.

Christian Relativism?
Before we can begin to define the ways in which Christians are to be tolerant,
we must first fit another piece into the puzzle. This piece is the issue of relativism.
Again, relativism is at the heart of the postmodern epistemology. It is not uncommon
to hear one say, “Christ is my way to God, but I don’t push my beliefs on others.” Or,
“Western Christianity has no right to push its beliefs on others who are perfectly
comfortable with their religion and have been for hundreds of years.” Relativism is
the idea that truth is contained only in the eye of the beholder. Like the Peanuts
cartoon I referred to earlier, “It doesn’t matter what you believe as long as you are

12
BAGD, 65

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sincere.” To the relative postmodern, all truth is contingent upon the situation,
culture, or language of the person. With relativism, a moral truth can be true and
binding for one person, while for another it is not. Having an abortion may be wrong
for one person and right for another. Likewise, the true relativistic postmodern may
claim that two conflicting statements can both be true at the same time. For
example, one may claim that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and another could claim
that He is not the Son of God. To the postmodern, both of these statements could be
true at the same time. The law of non-contradiction is not binding to the relativist. A
new law has taken its place, the law of relativism.
This proposal from the postmodern that all truth is relative has again caused
the Church to be on the defensive. The tendency for the Christian is to fight absolute
relativism with the opposite extreme, absolute objectivism. Absolute objectivism
believes that all truths are objective in the same way absolute relativism believes that
all truths are relative. Objective truths are just the opposite of relative truths. They
do not depend upon the situation, culture, language, or any other variable. Objective
truths are truths that exist in and of themselves. They are true even if nobody
believes them to be true. An example of an objective truth may be the fact that I have
daughters named Katelynn and Kylee or that the sun shines. These are truths that
exist independently. They do not need anything to affirm them in order for them to
be true. As Christians we emphatically affirm the existence of objective truths. It is
one of the bedrocks of Christianity. It is because of the objective truth of the
atonement that you and I can have access to God. It is because of the objective truth
that God created us that we exist. There is no room for relativity in these matters. It
is our job to defend many of these objective truths at all costs. But this is usually
where we, and our extremist nature, often take things too far. While it is our job to
defend certain truths at all costs, it is not our job to defend all truth at all costs. In

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

order to counter the one who believes that all truth is relative, we may state that all
truth is objective. But is that true? Is all truth objective?
Paul, writing to the Romans, deals with a situation that is relevant to our
question. Young believers were often convinced that it was wrong to eat foods that
were considered unclean. Paul emphatically states that all foods were clean: “I know
and am convinced in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself” (Rom. 14:14a).
Paul was saying that it was OK to eat ham! This is the objective truth, right? Not
quite. The objective reality was that all foods were clean, but there was a relative
situation which determined whether or not it was right or wrong to eat these foods:
“But to him who thinks anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean” (14:14b).
Therefore, if someone thought that it was a sin to eat ham, but did it anyway, this
was a sin to him. Not because God would be angry that the person ate what was
unclean, but because he consciously believed it was wrong and therefore rebelled
against his conscience and God. Not only this, but Paul goes on to state that whatever
is done without full conviction that it is right is sin (v. 23). This means that if I
believe that wearing brown slippers is a sin, but I do it anyway, it becomes sin for
me. Not that wearing brown slippers is wrong, but because I am in conscious
rebellion against God. Likewise, if I believe that listening to a certain type of music
on the radio is wrong but I do it anyway, to me this is wrong. But while it is wrong
for me, it may not be wrong for the person in the passenger seat next to me who has
no conviction whatsoever that it is wrong. In this situation, the postmodern is
correct—the truth, right or wrong, is relative. It is relative upon whether or not the
person was acting against their conscience. For one person it was wrong to listen to
the music, for the other it was not. For one person it may have been wrong to eat
ham, for another it was not. There are many other situations like that just described
which occur in our lives everyday. The point that I am trying to make is that truth is

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sometimes relative. We as Christians need to realize this if we are to speak intelligently

to a postmodern world.
But how does one tell which truths are relative and which are objective? It is not
always easy. There are some things that are not clearly spoken of as right or wrong in
Scripture. Therefore, the person must prayerfully revert to his or her own
conscience for guidance. But the reality is that the Scriptures speak truthfully and
objectively in the principles that they cover. All Christians are subject to the truth of
God’s Word—no exceptions.

Emphasizing the Essentials

Now we return to the question of tolerance within the Church. To what
extent are we to tolerate the objective sinful behavior of a believer? What beliefs are
the sine qua non (without which, not) of the true Christian? In other words, bare
minimum, what does a person have to believe to be saved? This is one of the most
important exercises that we can endeavor to accomplish in representing Christ to a
postmodern world. We must recognize the difference between the essentials of the
Christian faith and the non-essentials. Concerning salvation, we need to be able to
state exactly what the Bible says is essential for salvation — what exactly is the content
of what a person needs to believe to be saved. Does one simply have to “believe in the Lord
Jesus” (Acts 16:31)? If so what does that entail? What does one have to know about
Christ? Does he have to know that He is God? Does he have to believe that Christ
vicariously took his place on the cross? Does he have to believe and turn from his sin?
Or does he just have to believe, as the thief on the cross did, that Christ was the
messianic King going to His Kingdom? What about the Holy Spirit? Must one believe
in Him before he or she is born again? Do you have to believe in the Trinity, the
virgin birth, the inspiration of Scripture, the Second Coming of Christ, or the
existence of Hell? The list could go on and on. The question is this: Are these all

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doctrines that the unbeliever must accept before he or she is considered a believer?
There is not time here to fully exhaust this vital study. I apologize, but it is not my
intention to define exactly the essentials for salvation.13 There are many, even within
evangelicalism, who disagree as to what exactly is essential and what is not. My
intention is to put forth the relevancy of this subject. It is extremely important that
we categorize just exactly what the Bible says about salvation.
Likewise, it is also important for us to determine what is essential for
sanctification. Is it essential that people hold to the correct eschatology
(understanding of the future things) for them to grow in Christ-likeness? If so, how
important is it? Is it essential that a believer be baptized? How essential is it if a
believer continually neglects to share the Gospel? This list could also go on and on.
And again, it is not my purpose to bring you to a conclusion on these matters. It is
my purpose, however, to help you to understand the importance of struggling with
these issues and to have a grid through which to filter them. It is to this we now turn.
Take a look at the attached quadrant chart. It is a key to understanding what
we are talking about. I have found it to be very useful in many situations. It is very
simple, yet extremely helpful in creating a mental grid through which one can filter
many of these issues. It has two broad categories, each divided into two sections.
Following are the category definitions. Observe the patterns on the chart as you read.
1. True Relativity: Everything that exists on the left side of the quadrant is truly
relative. It is either completely independent of right or wrong, or the right or
wrong is determined by the situation.
a. Situational Relativity: The right and the wrong of those in this category are
dependent upon the culture, time, situation, or some other variable. Women

13
Although it seems clear that the most vital of all the essentials is the death, burial, and
resurrection of Christ. Paul seems to have made that abundantly clear in 1 Corinthians 15, “For I delivered
to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures,

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

not wearing a head covering (1 Cor. 11:5) is a good example. While the
women who did not wear a head covering were expressing an underlying
sinful principle, the wearing of the head covering itself was not right or
wrong. Its sinfulness was dependent upon the cultural expression. The same
sin may be expressed in our culture but in a different way.
b. Autonomous Relativity: This category contains those that are truly relative.
There is no right or wrong. This category is filled primarily with opinions and
autonomous customs that are not related to right or wrong. One’s opinion on
the best song is an example of something that is autonomously relative. There
is no one correct answer that exists by itself — it is always relative.
2. True Objectivity: All that is on the right side of the quadrant is the objective
side. Everything on this side has a definite right or wrong. There is always an
objective truth that is true no matter whether one believes it. It is not dependent
upon time, culture, or any situation. It exists as true or false in and of itself. All
biblical principles and doctrines belong on this side.
a. Essential Objectivity: In our current chart, this category contains only those that
are essential for salvation.14 This should contain only those truths which you
believe a person must accept to be considered a true Christian.
b. Non-Essential Objectivity: This category contains both doctrinal and non-
doctrinal issues which are not necessary for one’s salvation. A good example
might be whether one believes in the cessation of the gift of tongues. Tongues
either ceased or they did not cease. The truth is objective. But at the same
time, it is non-essential because it is not necessary to believe one way or the
other as a prerequisite to salvation.

and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures” (1 Cor 15:3-4,
emphasis added).

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

Read the categories carefully. After you have finished, construct your own
chart. Keep it with you for a few weeks. When issues arise, decide the category in
which you think they belong. Be critical of yourself. This chart is extremely valuable
in understanding that these categories exist. It is not an ironclad never-fail chart that
you can use in all situations. In fact, your chart will probably look different from
mine in some areas. The value of this chart is to express the necessity of thinking
about these areas more deeply. We live in a postmodern culture in which people live
their lives on the left side of the quadrant (relativism). We have a Church that wants
to counter by living on the right side (objectivism). By becoming familiar with the
principles of this chart, we will be able to express truth in a more relevant fashion.
Another key value of this chart is to better place emphasis where emphasis is
due. Many Christians overly stress their views (many of which are relative) on certain
issues to an unbelieving postmodern, giving them the wrong impression. We express
our opinions about having a glass of wine, rock-and-roll or some other area just as
emphatically as we would the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. We do so as
if we believe that convincing someone that rock-and-roll is wrong is the same as
convincing them of the Gospel. We must understand that convincing someone of any
area outside of the objective essential will not save them. That is a big problem
within the Church — we major in the minors. We will argue all day long with the
unbeliever about the theory of evolution and never tell them about Christ. We never
even give them a chance to believe what is most important. Let me make this clear:
There is nothing wrong with discussing or even debating the non-essentials, but we
must keep in mind that the non-essentials do not save. They can be used as primers
and springboards for the Gospel, but they cannot replace it. We must get to the
Gospel in every witnessing opportunity we have. Eleven of the twelve sermons in
Acts contain the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. The only one that did not

14
This quadrant could also be used for the things that are essential for sanctification.

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

was Stephen’s, and if it were not cut short, he surely would have presented the risen
Christ to the Sanhedrin. It is imperative that we emphasize the Gospel; it is the only
message that contains eternal life.

Look and see what the matter with this paragraph is. It is taught in
writing class that you do not emphasize too many words. You save your
emphasis for times that really matter. If you emphasize too much, then
when you come to a word or a statement that you really want to stress,
you have no stronger way to express your emphasis. All the emphases will
look as if they carry the same importance.

This is precisely what the Church does with many issues and doctrines. We
may emphasize some non-essential so much that when we come to the things that are
really important, we have no more stress left—it is called overstatement. Strunk and
White, in their excellent book on writing, The Elements of Style, warn concerning
overstatement:

“When you overstate, readers will be instantly on guard and everything that
has preceded your overstatement as well as everything that follows it will be
suspect in their minds because they have lost confidence in your judgment or
your poise. Overstatement is one of the common faults. A single
overstatement, wherever or however it occurs, diminishes the whole, and a
single carefree superlative has the power to destroy, for readers, the object of
your enthusiasm.”15

15
Strunk and White, Elements of Style, (Needham Heights, MA: Allyn and Bacon), 7.

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

If too much emphasis is placed on the non-essentials, this does not make the
non-essentials more important, but it makes the essentials less important. We end up
destroying the “object of our enthusiasm”— the Gospel of Christ. Once this happens,
the unbelieving postmodern may then accept the essentials only because they have
taken on a lower status of relativity. We have to continually ask ourselves what
things we have placed in italics in our lives and if they deserve to be there. Most
people’s lives are filled with opinions, pet peeves, disputes, and hang-ups. When the
unbelieving postmodern looks at you, what would he say that you have in italics in
your life? We should have very few things that we greatly emphasize in order to save
our stress for the things that really matter. We can give no greater honor to Christ
than to emphasize the things that He emphasized.

Conclusion
Can we tolerate the postmodern? What are the issues which we are to
tolerate? These are questions that have not yet been fully answered. Tolerance is a
difficult issue, and interrogation of some of the more specific issues must be
postponed for now. It is my prayer that interest in learning and teaching the essential
fundamentals of the Faith has been stirred within. Progress has been made. We
understand that tolerance is a mandate within the Church. We also understand that
the Bible teaches that there are many situations in which truth is relative. These steps
are vital to our witness to a postmodern culture. If we are to evangelize in the world
today, we need to be relevant. We do not panic when someone says that truth is
relative, we explain that they are right, but only some truth is relative. When they cry
for tolerance, we cry with them, and explain to them the difference between
tolerance and compromise.
Having done this, it is important to remember that we, as believers, will still
be rejected. As Christ said, “Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A slave is not

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you…”
(John 15:20). What we, as Christians, need to make sure of is that we are being
persecuted for the right thing. We do not want to give the unbeliever any more
reason for rejecting Christ then he or she already has.
How do we represent Christ to the postmodern? We approach them like we
do any other unbeliever of any time, or culture, or language — we hand them the
crucified and risen Savior. We bring them the essential.

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

Key Terms for Introduction

to Theology (1)
1. Irenic Theology: Theology that is done peaceably, accurately representing all views,
even when you oppose them.
2. Polemic Theology:: Theology that is done in a warlike manner inside the Church,
prophetically speaking against those with whom there is disagreement.
3. Apologetic Theology: Theology that is done to defend the faith against those who
oppose outside the church.
4. Prolegomena: Literally means “things which are spoken beforehand.” Deals with the
foundational issues of theology, such as theological methodology, sources, and reasons for
the study of theology.
5. Bibliology: The study of the nature, transmission, canonization, and purpose of
Scripture.
6. Theology Proper: The study of God’s nature, sometimes called “Trinitarianism.”
7. Christology: The study of the person and work of Christ.
8. Pneumatology: The study of the nature and work of the Holy Spirit.
9. Anthropology: The study of the nature of humanity, both in its pre-fall and post-fall
state.
10. Soteriology: The study of salvation.
11. Ecclesiology: The study of the nature of the Church.
12. Hamartiology: The study of sin.
13. Eschatology: The study of the last things.
14. Evangelical: A transdenominational term used to describe those within Christianity who
believe that salvation is found in faith alone through Christ alone, and a commitment to
Scripture as the inspired and infallible rule of life.
15. Doctrine: A theological formation that summarizes belief about a particular theological
discipline.
16. Dogma: A statement of belief which carries with it the authority of a particular religious
institution.
17. Systematic Theology: A system of studying theology which draws from all sources of
revelation in order to come to systematic conclusions about what has been revealed about
the various theological disciplines.
18. Biblical Theology: A system of studying theology that uses the Bible as its only source.
Biblical theology can be done by looking at particular books, testaments, theology of a
particular author, or the entire Bible as a whole.

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

Key Terms for Introduction

to Theology (2)
1. Epistemology: The study of the nature, existence, and acquisition of truth.
2. Postmodernism: A movement in modern society that devalues truth, believing all truth
is relative.
3. Universalism: The belief that all will make it to Heaven.
4. Pluralism: The belief that there are many ways to God, most of which are equally valid.
5. Syncretism: The assimilation of differing beliefs and practices.
6. Inclusivism: The belief that salvation is only through Christ, but Christ may be revealed
in other religions.
7. Pragmatism: The belief that truth is relative to its usefulness.
8. Relativism: The belief that truth is relative, dependent upon the situation or culture.
9. Subjectivism: The belief that truth is subjective, dependent upon the individual.
10. Skepticism: The belief that truth cannot be known with certainty.
11. Objectivism: The belief that truth is an objective reality that exist whether someone
believes it or not.
12. Perspectivism: The belief that truth is found in the combined perspectives of many.
13. Credo ut intelligum: Lat. “Faith seeking understanding.” This phrase was coined by St.
Anselm and describes the Christian’s endeavor to understand what he or she already
believes. It is a good concise definition of what Christian theology truly is.
14. Correspondence View of Truth: The belief that truth corresponds to objective reality.
15. Apophatic Theology: Theology that emphasizes mystery.
16. Cataphatic Theology: Theology that emphasizes revelation.
17. Special Revelation: Revelation given by God’s supernatural intervention in history
through (1) miraculous events, (2) divine speech, and (3) visible manifestations.
18. General Revelation: Revelation that is natural and displayed by creation. It is available
to all people of all times in all places.
19. Hard Cessationism: The view that the supernatural spiritual gifts ceased with the death
of the Apostles.
20. Continuationism: The view that miraculous-sign gifts are still being given and,
therefore, God still speaks directly in various ways today.
21. Soft Cessationism: The view that the miraculous-sign gifts could still be given today, but
believers need to be careful about outright acceptance of people’s claims of possession.
22. semper reformanda: The reformation principle that theology is “always reforming.”

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

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Intro To Theology

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Intro To Theology

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The Theology Notebook

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

Copyright ©2002–2005 The Theology Program.

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

3. The student will develop a broader perspective of theology in general and

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

 Bible (preferably New American Standard or NET Bible)

Course Requirements and Grading

1. Certificate Students: Certificate students take the course for a grade to

2. Self-study: Self-study students take the course for enrichment only.

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

Assignment Description - see course schedule for due dates

Ten hours of theological community time (online certificate students

2. Scripture memorization: Each student will memorize the passages provided

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

4. Vocabulary Quizzes: Two closed-book theological vocabulary quizzes will be

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

Categories of Reading Assignment: Representing Christ to

Christian Reading Assignment: Systematic Theology,

Traditions of Reading Assignment: Systematic Theology,

8 Sources of Theology Read Assignment: Mosaic of Christian

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

Grudem, Wayne. Systematic Theology. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1994.

Ryrie, Charles C. Basic Theology: A Popular Systematic Guide to Understanding Biblical

Berkhof, Louis. Systematic Theology. Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

Geisler, Norman. Systematic Theology: Volume One, Introduction, Bible. Minneapolis,

* Groothuis, Douglas. Truth Decay: Defending Christianity Against The Challenges of

John Hannah, Our Legacy. Colorado Springs, CO: Navpress, 2001.

McGrath, Alister E. Christian Theology, An Introduction. Malden, MA: Blackwell

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

Student Name _______________________________

• Deut. 18:18-22 (summarize the message in your own words)

I __________________________ have listened to ______________________

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

• Ask these questions before you begin:

• After this, explain the different categories of theology.

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

• Explain the Concentric Circle of Importance.

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

Who are you and why are you here?

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

We are glad that you are here!

What is The Theology Program?

Mission: Renewing minds and changing lives by purposefully

Goal: “Our goal is not so much to teach good theology, as

What makes The Theology Program different?

3. Intentional program design

5. Doing theology in community

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

The Church must have an avenue of intense, interactive Christian

The education program of the Church needs to

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

Intentional Program Design

Doing Theology in a Community

We believe that truth is not found in Spirit-illuminated individuals, but in a

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

The Theology Program Logo

Notice how the draft is incomplete and erased at

The tablet upon which we construct our theology

The column represents a pillar,

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

2. Read Isaiah 45:18–22; 46:5–10.

Do these passages encourage or discourage “blind faith”? Explain.

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

6. Irenic theology was described as theology that is done in a peaceable manner,

The Theology Notebook – Introduction to Theology

Bible (preferably New American Standard or NET Bible)

I ____ have listened to