In his thoughts on Chapter 1 (http://criddlekitchentable.blogspot.com/2006/12/chapter-1-introduction-to-systematic.html) , Richard posed a couple of questions:

1. What do you think would be the implications for a church which gave up learning systematic theology?
2. Are there any doctrines you're particularly looking forward to? Nervous of? Looking through the contents, some things are already getting my heart racing!

The first one is interesting in that it presumes that churches are learning systematic theology which in many cases is probably not true! It also assumes that learning theology in a systematic way is the 'best way' and that other forms of learning are inferior. Having said that, the risks of not having a systematic view of theology is that certain passages are given more emphasis than others which can lead to divergent views of doctrine. Arguably this is why we have some of the major (and minor) denominations today. While the denomination structure provides a framework for doctrinal belief there is clearly the opportunity for churches to move in different directions if they do not have a good approach to the understanding of scripture (such as presented by a systematic one).
Without a good understanding of what scripture says about major areas of doctrine and what it has to say about big issues facing Christians today churches and Christians will be weaker and less able to make the impact on this world that we are here for.

In terms of particular doctrines I am looking forward to, most of them look interesting. Some that particularly catch my eye include:

• The Knowability of God
• Election and Reprobation
• Death and the Intermediate State
• The Power of the Church
• the New Heavens and New Earth

What is a decree?

In Chapter 2 we are introduced to various forms of the word of God.

One of these is described as God's decrees which are "a word of God which causes something to happen" and this is applied particularly to the act of creation (initial and ongoing).

I don't think that this covers completely the scope of God's decrees - see for example:

Exodus 15:25,26 - 'There the LORD made a decree and a law for them, and there he tested them. He said, "If you listen carefully to the voice of the LORD your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the LORD, who heals you."'

1 Chronicles 16:17,18 - 'He confirmed it to Jacob as a decree,to Israel as an everlasting covenant: "To you I will give the land of Canaan as the portion you will inherit."'

Romans 1:32 - 'Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.'

Chapter 1 - Introduction to Systematic Theology

After a brief preface outlining the way Grudem is going to go about his book (and laying out on p16 his own convictions on "disputed points" - which I'm sure will be helpful to come back to when looking at those chapters) the first chapter is an introduction to the whole subject. I thought the whole thing was very well written and easy to follow, and the fact he's not introducing doctrine yet means there's not much to argue about! There were a few points I found myself pondering, though:

The first was Grudem's definition of systematic theology (meaning, with lower case, the discipline rather than the book) - that it 'answers the question "What does the whole Bible teach us today?" about any given topic' (p21). This sounds great, but it does leave the risk that we pull certain passages out of their context (or miss important passages altogether) while putting together our view. Of course, we trust that Grudem will have done his utmost to be biblical but it's important to make sure that we only accept what he says if his scriptural arguments are convincing (as he says on p25).

Secondly, the objection that the choice and arrangement of topics will pre-determine the outcome (p31). It seems that if each topic is given a fair airing then this shouldn't be so, and the order of the doctrines do look sensible. The Word of God is first - without it we would know very little about anything else so it seems sensible to start by defining exactly what the word is and isn't. The rest seem to flow in a natural enough order.

Finally, from p32-37, the importance of how we go about our study. Hopefully it will be with prayer, with humility (which often go together), with reason, with help from others (which is why I have you guys!), looking at all relevant Bible passages and with rejoicing and praise to the great God we learn about.

So, what about you? Anything jump off the page? In case not, here are a couple of questions I'd be interested to hear your answers to (nicked from the questions on p38):
1. What do you think would be the implications for a church which gave up learning systematic theology?
2. Are there any doctrines you're particularly looking forward to? Nervous of? Looking through the contents, some things are already getting my heart racing!

Thoughts on Chapter 1 - Introduction to Systematic Theology

One of the first things that Grudem does is to define the term Systematic Theology that he will use in the book as 'any study that answers the question "What does the whole Bible teach us today?" about any given topic.'

This is clearly a major undertaking as it requires a grasp of the whole of scripture to ensure that any relevant passages are included in the understanding of doctrine. It is also very exciting in that it envisages a thorough treatment of the text and should lead to a position that takes into account all of the different perspectives presented in the Bible.

It is an important approach in that it does not focus on particular verses or passages but more seeks to ensure that the entirety of scripture is considered.

There may - however - be an issue with the approach outlined on pages 35-36 in section 5 of outlining how we should study systematic theology. The method presented seems to focus on looking at the key verses that provide insight to a particular subject and ensuring that the doctrine around that subject takes these into account. While this is clearly important there is a risk of just focussing on the verses and not the context in which they are written (context is mentioned as a way of increasing understanding).

The question which this raises is whether it is appropriate to just take verses from different passages and use them to develop a doctrine or whether it is important to understand what 'story' the writer was trying to tell when he wrote them and to ensure that this is taken into account when developing the systematic theology around a subject.

It will be interesting to see how this issue is addressed as the book unfolds.

Systematic Theology

This blog has been setup for the Criddle family to discuss things online - the initial subject for discussion will be the book 'Systematic Theology' by Wayne Grudem.