THE NATURE AND CHARACTER OF THEOLOGY

NATURE AND CHARACTER OF THEOLOGY

2003

LESSON NINE

I. Theology and Method (p. 149 et.seq.)

A. Every method must be rejected which sets up another principle of cognition outside Scripture, be it:

1. “the church dogma”, or

2. “the faith consciousness” of the theologian.

B. We will be discussing the order in which doctrines of Scripture should be presented for the purpose of instruction.

1. Using term “method” because it is customary to speak especially of the synthetic and the analytic method.

2. Also, will discuss the importance or relative importance of thus grouping the doctrines within a corpus doctrinae.

C. Synthetic method proceeds from cause to effect or by composing the whole from the given parts.

D. Analytical method proceeds from effect to cause or seeks to derive the whole from a particular part, e.g. from the purpose.

E. Synthetic method, applied to theology:

1. Treats first of God, the source of all things, including salvation.

2. Then of the causes and means by which fallen man is led to salvation.

3. Finally, of the last things, concluding with eternal life.

F. Analytical method.

1. Begins with the last things, eternal life.

2. Next considers man, who is to be led to salvation.

3. Finally presents the causes and means of salvation.

G. Representatives of each method:

1. Synthetic method: Melanchthon, Chemnitz, Hutter, Gerhard, Brochmand.

2. Analytical method: Dannhauer, Calov, Quenstedt, Baier, Hollaz.

H. The important issue:

1. Is not the method employed in grouping the doctrines.

2. Is that the theologian observe the principle of divine revelation and that he take all doctrines solely from Scripture.

3. Must be limited to arranging the matter given in the revelation of Scripture.

a. As done in the “local method”: all Scripture revelation on a certain doctrine collocated at one place, locus.

b. The underlying principle of the synthetic method.

I. The important question:

1. Is not the method chosen.

2. Is whether they still regard Holy Scripture as the Word of God and let Scripture alone be the source and norm of Christian doctrine.

3. If we begin with Scripture, abide by Scripture, and end with Scripture, we soon arrive at the heart of doctrine: the doctrine of the remission of sin by faith in Christ Jesus, who is the Propitiation for our sin and that of the whole world.

4. Reason for this lies in the compact inner unity inherent in the theology taken from Scripture.

J. Errors.

1. Using “the religious experience” as point of departure.

2. Use of “scientific” theology.

3. Use of “regenerate Ego” or “the illumined reason”.

4. Use of the “gradual construction” of dogmas.

K. Cautions:

1. Our “self-defense” must also constantly lead to a self-examination.

2. Must keep sight of the welfare of the Church Universal.

a. Can not isolate ourselves.

b. Must come to grips with current theological thinking and the resultant church life.

II. The Attainment of Theological Aptitude (p. 186 et. seq.)

A. From Ps 119, Luther found 3 rules for studying theology:

“Oratio, Meditatio, Tentatio”

B. Oratio (prayer)

1. Must despair of your own wit and intellect.

2. “Teach me, O Lord” e.g. Ps 119:33.

3. Without this, man will arrogantly deem himself superior to Scripture.

C. Meditatio (meditation on God’s Word)

1. Not in heart alone, but also externally.

2. i.e. Must also work on and ply the oral speech and the lettered words in the Book, reading and re-reading them, noting carefully and reflecting upon what the Holy Spirit means by these words.

3. Have a care of not tiring of it.

D. Tentatio (affliction)

1. Luther: This is the touchstone.

2. To not merely know, but also to experience how right, true, sweet, lovely, mighty, consoling, His Word is.

3. Where the Word blooms forth, the devil will visit.

4. Affliction will come from within and without.

E. Continuing in the Word is essential.

THE END