THE NATURE AND CHARACTER OF THEOLOGY

THE NATURE AND CHARACTER OF THEOLOGY
2003
LESSON SIX

I.     The Church and Its Dogmas (p 96, et. seq.)

        A.     Essence and value of dogmas really demonstrated in prior lesson.
        B.     Needs of Christian dogmas challenged especially on two fronts.
                1.     Some call for an "undogmatic", creedless, Christianity.
                        a.     Reduces real work of church to "social gospel".
                        b.     Focus on the "present world".
                2.     Others, recognize need for dogma, but say they must be supplemented by a new set such as will be suited to present needs.
        C.     Some question whether ecclesiastical terminology as expresses the exact sense of Scripture without employing the express words of Scripture may be termed a dogma.
                1.     e.g., "Trinity" and "homoousia" (consubstantiality)
                2.     Question is really one of true meaning.
                3.     Sole source and norm of Scripture remains.
        D.     Pastors dare never forget that their paramount business is to preach doctrine, the divine doctrine of Holy Scripture.

II.     The Purpose of Christian Theology for Man (p 103, et. seq).

        A.     Is to save men from eternal damnation, i.e. to lead men to eternal salvation.
        B.     Is not to:
                1.     Spread culture.
                2.     Establish civil righteousness.
                3.     Satisfy the intellectual craving of human mind.
                4.     Enrich human knowledge in general.

III.     The Means by Which Theology Accomplishes Its Purpose (p 105, et. seq.)

        A.     Only the Gospel.
        B.     Therefore, God's Word alone rules and governs the Church.

IV.     Theology and Science (p 106, et. seq.)

        A.     If "science" defined as "a systemized natural knowledge".
                1.     One obtained through human observation.
                2.     Then, Christian Theology is not a science.
        B.     Nor is theology a science in sense that "theological science" represents a higher form of knowledge than the knowledge of faith.
        C.     If "science" denotes a certain knowledge, in opposition to mere opinions, etc., then theology is the perfect science, the only reliable science on earth.
                1.     Wrought by the Spirit through the divine Word itself.
                2.     Therefore, is absolute certainty.
                3.     Theology deals with certainties, not mere opinions.
                4.     Does not attempt to prove its truth by rational or philosophical arguments.
                5    . It just deals with realities!
                6.     The real business is not to demonstrate the truth of Christianity to the unbeliever, but to uncover the insincerity of unbelief. (Jn 3:19,20)