Introduction to Theology

Copyright © 2004, The Theology Program. All rights reserved.

Introduction to TheologyIntroduction to Theology

An Invitation to Theology?


““Jesus said to him, ‘Love the Jesus said to him, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your Lord your God with all your

heart, with all your soul, heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’”and with all your mind.’”

––Matthew 22:37Matthew 22:37


Question OutlineQuestion Outline• Who are you and why are you

here?• What is The Theology

Program?• What is theology?• Who is a theologian?• How do we do theology every

day?• What are the different

categories of theology?• What is the Theological

Process?• What is epistemology? • What is postmodernism?• What questions are

postmoderns asking? • What is the postmodern view

of truth? • What is the modern view of

truth?• What is the Christian view of

truth? • What truths are relative and

what truths are objective?

• What truths are essential for orthodoxy?

• How certain are you about your beliefs?

• What is the essential difference in Roman Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, and Protestantism?

• Why are there so many Protestant denominations?

• What are the different sources for truth?

• What are the benefits and deficiencies of each source?

• How do the different sources interact to form our theology?

• Does God still speak today?• What is the Continuationist

view of prophecy?• What is the Hard Cessationist

view of prophecy?• What is the Soft Cessationist

view of prophecy?• How do we do theology in our

emerging context?


Course OutlineCourse Outline

I. Introduction to The Theology Program

II. Defining TheologyIII. Categories of TheologyIV. Postmodern EpistemologyV. Christian EpistemologyVI. Essentials of TheologyVII. Traditions of Christian TheologyVIII. Sources of TheologyIX. Does God Still Speak Today?X. Unity and Diversity


Introduction to Introduction to the Theology Programthe Theology ProgramDefining the “Rules of

Engagement”


QuestionQuestion

Who are you and why are Who are you and why are you here?you here?


Introduction toIntroduction tothe Theology Programthe Theology Program

Who you are and why you are Who you are and why you are taking this course?taking this course?



Who are you and why are you Who are you and why are you taking this course?taking this course?

• Practical PricillaPractical 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.




2.2. Scared SusanScared 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.




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




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




5.5. Want-an-answer WillWant-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.




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




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




8.8. Struggling SamStruggling 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.




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



We are all We are all realreal people created people created by a by a realreal God, and we all God, and we all have have realreal struggles, struggles, realreal

questions, and questions, and realreal convictions.convictions.

We are glad that you are here!We are glad that you are here!


QuestionQuestion

What is The Theology What is The Theology Program?Program?


Introduction to Introduction to the Theology Programthe 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.


Introduction to Introduction to the Theology Programthe Theology Program

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 that is, but to teach people to think.”


Introduction to The Theology Introduction to The Theology ProgramProgram

What makes The Theology What makes The Theology Program different?Program different?

1. Intensity in studies2. Irenic theology3. Intentional program design4. Comprehensive coverage5. Doing theology in community


Intensity in StudiesIntensity 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.


Low Commitment High Commitment

SermonSermonFellowship/Fellowship/

Sunday SchoolSunday School Interactive ClassroomInteractive Classroom



Low Expectations High Expectations

•Attendance•Assigned readings•Books•Papers•Case studies•Memorization of Scripture•Grades




Devotional(Brings encouragement for the week)

Foundational(Builds theology for a lifetime)





Short-term life change Long-term life change






Exhortation Education





The education program of the The education program of the Church needs to include Church needs to include allall of of

these these in balancein balance..




Irenic TheologyIrenic Theology

Key TermsKey TermsIrenic 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.

Irenic TheologyIrenic Theology

Polemic Apologetic

Irenic

Peace

War Defense

Intentional Program DesignIntentional Program Design


Comprehensive CoverageComprehensive 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 CommunityDoing 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 column represents a pillar, communicating that our theology creates a strong foundation upon which our life, purpose, and actions exist.

The “T” stands for “Theology” in The Theology Program.

Notice how the draft goes outside the lines at times. This represents how our theology, while having a great respect for tradition, must break with tradition at times. This is the Reformers’ principle of semper reformanda (“always reforming”).

Notice how the draft is incomplete and erased at places. This illustrates how our theology is never finished in this life, but is always undergoing 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.


Discussion GroupsDiscussion Groups


Defining TheologyDefining Theology

“What does it mean to ‘do’ theology?”


QuestionQuestion

What is theology?What is theology?

Protestant

Eastern OrthodoxEastern

Orthodox

Prophecy

Postmodernism

TruthRoman CatholicRoman Catholic

Cessationism

Relativism

EpistemologyEpistemology

Special RevelationSpecial Revelation

ExclusivisExclusivismmExclusivisExclusivismm

DenominationsTraditions of Theology

Protestant Theology

RationalismModernism

Cessationism

PluralismPluralism

Experience



What is Theology?What is Theology?

Write a one or two sentence definition of theology:



“The study or science of God.”

–Millard Erickson Christian Theology (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 2001), 22

“The study or science of God.”

–Millard Erickson Christian Theology (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 2001), 22

“The Science of God and of the relations between God and the universe.”

–A. H. Strong

“The Science of God and of the relations between God and the universe.”

–A. H. Strong

“Rational discussionrespecting the deity.”

–Augustine

“Rational discussionrespecting the deity.”

–Augustine

“Thinking about Godand expressing those thoughts in some way.”

–Charles RyrieBasic Theology (Wheaton, IL: 1986), 9

“Thinking about Godand expressing those thoughts in some way.”

–Charles RyrieBasic 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

“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.”



QuestionQuestion

Who is a theologian?Who is a theologian?



Who is a theologian?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?


Defining TheologyDefining TheologyThe 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

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


Defining TheologyDefining Theology“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

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

1. Tabloid Theology2. Folk Theology3. Lay Theology4. Ministerial Theology5. Professional Theology6. Academic Theology


TabloidTabloid LayLay MinisterialMinisterial ProfessionalProfessional AcademicAcademicFolkFolk

Defining theologyDefining theology

Describe this chart in relation to practicing medicine




Now describe this chart in relation to practicing theology




Tabloid Theologian: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 What are some examples of Tabloid theology? Tabloid theology?



• Tabloid theology examplesTabloid theology examples



• Hitchhiking angel• Growing fire hose• “I Saw Heaven”



Folk Theologian: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 about his or her beliefs.



What are some examples of What are some examples of Folk theology? Folk theology?



Folk theology examples:Folk theology examples:



Folk theology examples:Folk theology examples:• Views of Heaven

(clouds, harps) • Ghosts• Angels’ wings • Good works salvation• All people are good at

heart



Folk theology examples:Folk theology examples:• Peter’s gate• Devil’s pitchfork• “God helps those who help

themselves”• Demon possession• People who commit suicide

automatically go to Hell• When you die there will be a screen

in heaven which shows to the world all the bad things you have done

• Name-it-claim-it, health-and-wealth gospel



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



Lay Theologian: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: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: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 Professional theologians are often accused of “quenching often accused of “quenching the Spirit.” Why do you think the Spirit.” Why do you think they receive this accusation?they receive this accusation?



Academic Theologian: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 What are some examples of Academic theology? Academic theology?

Why do you think someone Why do you think someone would want to be an would want to be an

Academic theologian? Academic theologian?


SensationalSensational


SkepticalSkeptical

CriticalCritical

Gates permanently lockedGates permanently lockedGates wide open Gates wide open

NaïveNaïve


Acceptable range



Defining TheologyDefining Theology“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 RyrieBasic Theology (Wheaton, IL: 1986), 9.

“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 RyrieBasic Theology (Wheaton, IL: 1986), 9.



How do we “do” theology How do we “do” theology every day? every day?



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.



What is theology?What is theology?

credo ut intelligamcredo ut intelligam““faith seeking understanding”faith seeking understanding”

This is a Latin phrase coined by Anselm of Canterbury (1033-1109) meaning “faith seeking understanding.” This is one of the earliest definitions of theology. It starts with the assumption that we are believers and, as such, we are seeking to understand our beliefs better.

This is a Latin phrase coined by Anselm of Canterbury (1033-1109) meaning “faith seeking understanding.” This is one of the earliest definitions of theology. It starts with the assumption that we are believers and, as such, we are seeking to understand our beliefs better.



Discussion GroupsDiscussion Groups


Categories of TheologyCategories of Theology


QuestionQuestion

What are the different What are the different categories of theology?categories of theology?



1. Systematic2. Biblical3. Historical4. Philosophical5. Creedal/Dogmatic 6. Apologetic



Systematic TheologySystematic Theology• 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.



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

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



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

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



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

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

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



• Soteriology: The study of salvation.

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

• Eschatology: The study of the end times.


BiblicalBiblical• Restricts the formulation of

theology only to the Scripture.

• Sometimes will examine the individual parts of Scripture in order to formulate a particular theology that is restricted to a certain time period and a particular people (e.g., Pre-mosaic theology).

• Sometimes examines the theology of a certain author (e.g.,, John or Paul).

SystematicSystematic• Formulates theology from all

sources of theology, including Scripture.

• Correlates the entirety of Scripture to formulate a general theology for all time and for all people.

• Correlates information on a doctrine by examining the theology of all the authors.


HistoricalHistorical• Restricts the formulation of

theology only to the history of the Church.

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

SystematicSystematic• Formulates theology from

all sources of theology.

• Correlates the all of Church history to formulate a general theology for all time and for all people.


PhilosophicalPhilosophical• Restricts the formulation of

theology only to that which can be ascertained by reason.

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

SystematicSystematic• Formulates theology from

all sources of theology.

• Correlates the all of philosophical history to formulate a general theology for all time and for all people.


CreedalCreedal• Restricts the

formulation of theology only to that of a particular religious institution or denomination.

SystematicSystematic• Formulates

theology from all sources of theology including the creedal statement of many institutions and denominations.


ApologeticApologetic• Formulates

theology for the purpose of explaining and defending the faith to those outside the faith.

SystematicSystematic• Formulates

theology for the purpose of creating a comprehensive and coherent understanding of various doctrines.


QuestionQuestion

What is the Theological What is the Theological Process?Process?

• Historical interpretation• Grammatical interpretation• Contextual interpretation• Literary Interpretation

1. Exegetical Statement“What did it mean then?”

2. Theological Statement“What is the timeless truth taught?”

3. Homiletical Statement“How does it apply to us?”

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TruthTruth

Extract timeless Extract timeless principlesprinciples

Contextualize

Contextualize

Principles for today


Timeless AudienceTimeless Audience

Time bound AudienceTime bound Audience

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Time-bound AudienceTime-bound Audience

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Biblical Biblical HermeneuticsHermeneutics

Systematic Systematic TheologyTheology

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Liberal TheologyLiberal Theology



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Subjective TheologySubjective Theology



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Irrelevant TheologyIrrelevant Theology



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Folk TheologyFolk Theology



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??Short-circuit TheologyShort-circuit Theology



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Eisegetical TheologyEisegetical Theology



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Exegetical TheologyExegetical Theology






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Scripture

Biblical Theology

Historical Theology

Philosophical Theology

Systematic Theology

Apologetic Theology Creedal/Dogmatic Theology


Postmodern Postmodern EpistemologyEpistemology

Understanding Our Changing Culture


Postmodern EpistemologyPostmodern Epistemology

What is Epistemology?What is Epistemology?



“The theory or science of the method or grounds of knowledge.”


“The theory or science of the method or grounds of knowledge.”



Postmodern EpistemologyPostmodern Epistemology“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 FeinbergWalter A. Elwell ed., “Epistemology” in The Evangelical Dictionary of Theology

(Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 2001), 382.

“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 FeinbergWalter A. Elwell ed., “Epistemology” in The Evangelical Dictionary of Theology

(Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 2001), 382.



Key TermsKey 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.

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 Which best describes our culture today?culture today?

1. Relativism2. Subjectivism3. Skepticism4. Perspectivalism5. Pragmatism6. Objectivism



Which is true?Which is true?1. Relativism2. Subjectivism3. Skepticism4. Perspectivalism5. Pragmatism6. Objectivism


QuestionQuestion

What is Postmodernism?What is Postmodernism?


Postmodern EpistemologyPostmodern Epistemology“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”

“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”


Postmodern EpistemologyPostmodern Epistemology“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 McGrathA Passion for Truth (Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 1996), 188

“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 McGrathA Passion for Truth (Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 1996), 188


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?

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



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.




Self-defeating Self-defeating StatementsStatements

“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 A short history of western civilizationcivilizationThree periods:

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


PremodernPremodern ModernModern PostmodernPostmodern400 1600 1960


Stage of TruthStage of TruthStage of TruthStage of Truth

Back

Front

Transition

1960-?


ModernModern

PostmodernPostmodern


Modern GenerationModern Generation–Preboomers–Boomers

Postmodern GenerationPostmodern Generation–Busters (Gen X)–Bridgers (Gen Y)

53%53%

57%57%


ModernismModernism• Intellectual• Reason• Optimism• Hope for the

future• Objectivism• Exclusivism• Science method• Man is evolving

PostmodernismPostmodernism• Anti-intellectual• Feeling• Pessimism• Despair for the present• Subjectivism/relativism• Pluralism/inclusivism• Distrust in science• Man is devolving



• 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 The Ideal Modern Man:Man:

Mr. SpockMr. Spock


• Data is the “perfect” modern human.

• Despite his “perfection,” Data . . .1. Wants to be

human.2. Rebels against

logic.3. Attempts to

develop emotions and feelings

The Ideal Modern Man The Ideal Modern Man Mocked:Mocked:

DataData


• PremodernPremodern: “There’s balls and there’s strikes, and I call them as they are.”

• ModernModern: “There’s balls and there’s strikes, and I call them as I see them.”

• PostmodernPostmodern: “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

“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



Christian EpistemologyChristian Epistemology


QuestionQuestion

What questions are What questions are postmoderns asking?postmoderns asking?



Modernist Objections to ChristianityModernist 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 are no such thing as miracles.

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


Postmodernist Objections to Postmodernist Objections to ChristianityChristianity

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 Postmoderni

st

FactsRationalityEvidence

FairnessRelationships

Emotion


QuestionQuestion

What is the modern view What is the modern view of truth?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 Law of non-contradiction appliesapplies

AA ≠≠ -A-A

at the same time and in the same relationship.


EpistemologyEpistemology

Key MottoKey Motto“Man can and will know all truth.”

Key MottoKey Motto“Man can and will know all truth.”


QuestionQuestion

What is the postmodern What is the postmodern view of truth?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 Law of non-contradiction does not applydoes not apply

A = -AA = -A

at the same time and in the same relationship.



Key MottoKey Motto“The truth cannot be known.”

Key MottoKey Motto“The truth cannot be known.”



Religious Spin on Postmodern Religious Spin on Postmodern EpistemologyEpistemology

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 inclusivismVatican 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.”


QuestionQuestion

What is the Christian view What is the Christian view truth?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 The law of non-contradiction is a foundational necessity to is a foundational necessity to all truth. all truth.

God cannot even violate this principle since it is a logical

impossibility.



Key MottoKey Motto“The secret thingssecret things belong to

the Lord our God, but the things revealedthings revealed belong to us and to our sons forever, that we may observe all the

words of this law” (Deut. 29:29).

Key MottoKey Motto“The secret thingssecret things belong to

the Lord our God, but the things revealedthings 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 Christian truth must have a balance between the “balance between the “things things revealedrevealed” and ” and mystery mystery (“secret things”).(“secret things”).



Apophadic Theology: Lit. “negative theology.” Apophadic Theology emphasizes mystery. Often called the “way of negation” (via negativa) or “negative theology,” apophadic 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: Lit. “affirmative theology.” Cataphatic Theology 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”).


Cataphatic Theology

“things revealed”

Apophatic Theology“secret things”

ModernismWest

RationalistsRoman

Catholic/Protestants

PostmodernismEast

MysticsEastern Orthodox

Responsible theology


PerspectivisPerspectivism m Prov. 12:15

Soft Soft Skepticism Skepticism Prov. 8:5

Objectivism Objectivism Prov. 23:23

CataphatiCataphatic c

TheologyTheology

Apophatic Apophatic TheologyTheology

Pers

pic

uPers

pic

uit

yit

y







TheologyTheology


Pers

pic

uPers

pic

uit

yit

y

“You who are naive, discern

wisdom! And you fools, understand

discernment!”

“You who are naive, discern

wisdom! And you fools, understand

discernment!”







TheologyTheology


Pers

pic

uPers

pic

uit

yit

y

“The way of a fool is right in his own

opinion, but the one who listens to advice

is wise.”

“The way of a fool is right in his own

opinion, but the one who listens to advice

is wise.”







TheologyTheology


Pers

pic

uPers

pic

uit

yit

y

“Acquire truth and do not sell

it . . .”

“Acquire truth and do not sell

it . . .”


Defining Essentials Defining Essentials and Non-essentialsand Non-essentials


QuestionQuestion

What truths are relative What truths are relative and what truths are and what truths are

objective?objective?


Essentials and Non-EssentialsEssentials and Non-Essentials

Discussion of paper Discussion of paper “Representing Christ to a “Representing Christ to a Postmodern World”Postmodern World”


Essentials and Non-essentialsEssentials and Non-essentials

Quadrant of ObjectivityQuadrant of Objectivity

True RelativityTrue Relativity True ObjectivityTrue Objectivity


Going to the

movies

Going to the

movies

Wearing a head

covering

Wearing a head

coveringEating meat

sacrificed to idols

Eating meat

sacrificed to idols

Home schooling

Home schooling

Drinking a glass of

wine/beer

Drinking a glass of

wine/beer

True RelativityTrue Relativity

SituationSituational al

RelativityRelativity



True ObjectivityTrue Objectivity


Going to the

movies

Going to the

movies

Wearing a head

covering

Wearing a head

coveringEating meat

sacrificed to idols

Eating meat

sacrificed to idols

Home schooling

Home schooling

Drinking a glass of

wine/beer

Drinking a glass of

wine/beer






Coke or PepsiCoke or Pepsi

Church musicChurch music Temperature

of a room (hot or cold)

Temperature of a room (hot

or cold)

Best songBest song

Best kind of food

Best kind of food

AutonomoAutonomous us






Going to the

movies

Going to the

movies

Wearing a head

covering

Wearing a head

coveringEating meat

sacrificed to idols

Eating meat

sacrificed to idols

Home schooling

Home schooling

Drinking a glass of

wine/beer

Drinking a glass of

wine/beer










or cold)

Best songBest song

Best kind of food

Best kind of food






Date of Christ’s coming


Young earth/Old

earth

Young earth/Old

earth Continuation of tongues Continuation of tongues

Canon of ScriptureCanon of Scripture

Views of Predestinatio

n


n

Non-Non-Essential Essential

ObjectivityObjectivity




Going to the

movies

Going to the

movies

Wearing a head

covering

Wearing a head

coveringEating meat

sacrificed to idols

Eating meat

sacrificed to idols

Home schooling

Home schooling

Drinking a glass of

wine/beer

Drinking a glass of

wine/beer










or cold)

Best songBest song

Best kind of food

Best kind of food






Essential Essential ObjectivitObjectivit

yy


yy



Young earth/Old

earth

Young earth/Old




n


n






Going to the

movies

Going to the

movies

Wearing a head

covering

Wearing a head

coveringEating meat

sacrificed to idols

Eating meat

sacrificed to idols

Home schooling

Home schooling

Drinking a glass of

wine/beer

Drinking a glass of

wine/beer










or cold)

Best songBest song

Best kind of food

Best kind of food





Existence of God

Existence of God



yy


yy



Young earth/Old

earth

Young earth/Old




n


n






Going to the

movies

Going to the

movies

Wearing a head

covering

Wearing a head

coveringEating meat

sacrificed to idols

Eating meat

sacrificed to idols

Home schooling

Home schooling

Drinking a glass of

wine/beer

Drinking a glass of

wine/beer










or cold)

Best songBest song

Best kind of food

Best kind of food





Christ’s deityChrist’s

deity

Existence of God

Existence of God



yy


yy



Young earth/Old

earth

Young earth/Old




n


n






Going to the

movies

Going to the

movies

Wearing a head

covering

Wearing a head

coveringEating meat

sacrificed to idols

Eating meat

sacrificed to idols

Home schooling

Home schooling

Drinking a glass of

wine/beer

Drinking a glass of

wine/beer










or cold)

Best songBest song

Best kind of food

Best kind of food






deity

Faith alone

Faith alone

Existence of God

Existence of God



yy


yy



Young earth/Old

earth

Young earth/Old




n


n






Going to the

movies

Going to the

movies

Wearing a head

covering

Wearing a head

coveringEating meat

sacrificed to idols

Eating meat

sacrificed to idols

Home schooling

Home schooling

Drinking a glass of

wine/beer

Drinking a glass of

wine/beer










or cold)

Best songBest song

Best kind of food

Best kind of food






deity

Faith alone

Faith alone Death,

burial, and resurrection

of Christ

Death, burial, and

resurrection of Christ

Existence of God

Existence of God



yy


yy



Young earth/Old

earth

Young earth/Old




n


n






Going to the

movies

Going to the

movies

Wearing a head

covering

Wearing a head

coveringEating meat

sacrificed to idols

Eating meat

sacrificed to idols

Home schooling

Home schooling

Drinking a glass of

wine/beer

Drinking a glass of

wine/beer










or cold)

Best songBest song

Best kind of food

Best kind of food






deity

Faith alone

Faith alone Death,

burial, and resurrection

of Christ

Death, burial, and

resurrection of Christ

The atonemen

t

The atonemen

t

Existence of God

Existence of God



yy


yy



Young earth/Old

earth

Young earth/Old




n


n







Where would you place these on Where would you place these on the quadrant?the quadrant?

1. Belief in the doctrine of the Trinity? Why?

2. Smoking? Why?3. Eating healthy and exercising?

Why?4. Getting intoxicated? Why?5. Having your mind altered by anti-

depressants? Why?


QuestionQuestion

What truths are essential What truths are essential for orthodoxy?for orthodoxy?



Concentric Circle of Concentric Circle of ImportanceImportance

Essential Essential for for

SalvationSalvation

Essential Essential for for

OrthodoxOrthodoxyy

Important, Important, but Not but Not

EssentialEssential

Not Not ImportantImportant

Pure Pure SpeculationSpeculation



“For the Christian, beliefs matter, but not all beliefs matter equally.”

–Roger OlsenMosaic of Christian Beliefs (Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 2002), 33

“For the Christian, beliefs matter, but not all beliefs matter equally.”



QuestionQuestion

How certain are youHow certain are you

about your beliefs?about your beliefs?



“There are those dogmatic Christians who seem to overdefine Christianity such that being authentically Christian includes (for them) firm adherence to a detailed set of extrabiblical beliefs, some of which are quite outside the Great Tradition itself.”


“There are those dogmatic Christians who seem to overdefine Christianity such that being authentically Christian includes (for them) firm adherence to a detailed set of extrabiblical beliefs, some of which are quite outside the Great Tradition itself.”



Essentials and non-essentialsEssentials and non-essentials

““Certain” (Certain” (Webster’sWebster’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.


The Existence of GodThe Existence of God

Types of CertaintyTypes of Certainty1.Mathematical certainty

(scientific method)2.Empirical certainty (weight of

evidences)3.Logical certainty (what is

reasonable)4.Moral certainty (what is

demanded)



Chart of CertaintyChart of Certainty


1100

00 1100

112233445566778899 998877665544332211

–– ++

I believeI believe

Chart of Chart of CertaintyCertaintyI Do not I Do not

believebelieve



How certain are you that . . .How certain are you that . . .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

Tribulaton?5. That 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?


Essentials and Non-essentialsEssentials and Non-essentials“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.

“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.



“In essentials unity, in non-essentials liberty, in all things charity.”

–Rupertus Meldenius

“In essentials unity, in non-essentials liberty, in all things charity.”

–Rupertus Meldenius



Guiding Principles and ApplicationGuiding 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.


Traditions in Christian Traditions in Christian TheologyTheology


QuestionQuestion

What is the essential What is the essential difference in Roman difference in Roman Catholicism, Eastern Catholicism, Eastern

Orthodoxy, and Orthodoxy, and Protestantism?Protestantism?


Traditions in TheologyTraditions in Theology

Traditions in Christian Traditions in Christian TheologyTheology

1. Roman Catholic2. Eastern Orthodox 3. Protestant



ProtestantRoman CatholicOrthodox

349 million943 million211 million


QuestionQuestion

What is the Protestant What is the Protestant view of Church history?view of Church history?

100 AD100 AD 12001200 15001500500500

GospelGospel

FormulationFormulation

Protestant View of Ecclesiastical Protestant View of Ecclesiastical HistoryHistory

Roman CatholicRoman Catholic

Loss of GospelLoss of GospelCorruptionCorruption

Greek OrthodoxGreek Orthodox

10541054

RestorationRestoration

Protestant ChurchProtestant Church



“Justification is the hinge upon which true Christianity stands.”

–John Calvin

“Justification is the hinge upon which true Christianity stands.”

–John Calvin

“Christianity stands or falls upon the doctrine of justification.”

–Martin Luther

“Christianity stands or falls upon the doctrine of justification.”

–Martin Luther


QuestionQuestion

What is the Roman What is the Roman Catholic view of Church Catholic view of Church

history?history?

100 AD100 AD 12001200 15001500500500

ChurchChurch


Roman Catholic View of Ecclesiastical Roman Catholic View of Ecclesiastical HistoryHistory

EstablishingEstablishing

Greek OrthodoxGreek Orthodox

10541054

ProtestantsProtestants

Corruption of MoralsCorruption of Morals RestorationRestoration

Roman Roman Catholicism Catholicism

RomeRomeConstantinopleConstantinople

AntiochAntioch

JerusalemJerusalem

AlexandriaAlexandria

Five Bishoprics of the Early Church


AntiochAntioch

JerusalemJerusalem


Five Bishoprics of the Early Church


AntiochAntioch

JerusalemJerusalem


Invasion of Islam612

Invasion of Islam612

RomeRomeConstantinopleConstantinopleFilioqueFilioque

Fight for SupremacyFight for SupremacyFight for SupremacyFight for Supremacy

Split1054Split1054

Eastern OrthodoxEastern OrthodoxEastern OrthodoxEastern OrthodoxCatholicCatholicCatholicCatholic


Invasion of IslamInvasion of Islam14531453

Invasion of IslamInvasion of Islam14531453

RomeRome

RomeRome

Eastern Church moves north.Eastern Church moves north.Russian Orthodoxy becomes primary Russian Orthodoxy becomes primary

Orthodox Church.Orthodox Church.

Eastern Church moves north.Eastern Church moves north.Russian Orthodoxy becomes primary Russian Orthodoxy becomes primary

Orthodox Church.Orthodox Church.


QuestionQuestion

What is the Eastern What is the Eastern Orthodox view of Church Orthodox view of Church

history?history?

100 AD100 AD 12001200 15001500500500

ChurchChurch


Eastern Orthodox View of Ecclesiastical Eastern Orthodox View of Ecclesiastical HistoryHistory

DisruptionDisruption

WestWest

EastEastEastern OrthodoxEastern Orthodox

PurificationPurification

ProtestantsProtestants

Roman CatholicsRoman Catholics


QuestionQuestion

Why are there so many Why are there so many Protestant Protestant

denominations?denominations?



Sub-traditionsSub-traditions:– Reformed– Arminian– Liberal– Fundamental– Charismatic– Evangelical – Postmodernist

1500 1700 1900

Reformed Tradition

Arminian TraditionPen

tecos

tals

Meth

odist

s

Wes

leyan

s

Church

of C

hrist

Nazare

nes

Free-w

ill B

aptis

ts

Calvini

sts

Presby

terian

s

Luthera

ns

Reform

ed

Baptis

ts Fundamentalist Tradition

Liberal Tradition

Charismatic Tradition

Evangelical Tradition

2000

Brief History of the Protestant Brief History of the Protestant MovementMovement

Postmodern Tradition


Sources of TheologySources of Theology

“Where do we go for truth?”


QuestionQuestion

What are the different What are the different sources of truth?sources of truth?



John Wesley’s QuadrilateralJohn Wesley’s Quadrilateral

TraditionTradition ScriptureScripture

ReasonReason ExperienceExperience



1. Tradition2. Reason 3. Experience 4. General Revelation5. Emotions 6. Special Revelation (Scripture)




1. Tradition2. Reason 3. Experience 4. Emotions 5. General Revelation6. Special Revelation

(Scripture)

Stage of TruthStage of TruthBack

Front

Roman CatholicRoman Catholic

ScriptureScripture

ReasonReason

TraditionTradition

ExperienceExperience

General RevelationGeneral Revelation

Back

Front


Eastern Orthodox Eastern Orthodox Stage of TruthStage of Truth

ScriptureScriptureTraditionTraditionExperienceExperience


Back

Front

Protestant Reformation Protestant Reformation Stage of TruthStage of Truth

ScriptureScripture

TraditionTradition



ReasonReason

Back

Front

Liberal Liberal Stage of TruthStage of Truth

ReasonReason



EmotionsEmotions

Back

Front

Charismatic Charismatic Stage of TruthStage of Truth

Special RevelationSpecial RevelationExperienceExperienceEmotionsEmotions

Back

Front

Fundamentalist Stage of TruthFundamentalist Stage of Truth

ScriptureScripture


Back

Front

Postmodern Stage of TruthPostmodern Stage of Truth

Back

Front


QuestionQuestion

What are the benefits and What are the benefits and deficiencies of each source?deficiencies of each source?



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



Examples:

Benefits:

Deficiencies:



“Tradition is the living faith of those now dead. Traditionalism is the dead faith of those now living.”

–Jarislav Pelikan

“Tradition is the living faith of those now dead. Traditionalism is the dead faith of those now living.”

–Jarislav Pelikan



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

“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 truth of the Christian faith surpasses the capacity of reason.”

–Thomas Aquinas

“The truth of the Christian faith surpasses the capacity of reason.”

–Thomas Aquinas

credo quia absurdumcredo quia absurdum““I believe because it is absurd”I believe because it is absurd”

This Latin phrase coined by Tertullian (150-225) evidences some of the early Church’s disdain for the Greek philosophers’ reliance upon reason for truth. He said, “What does Athens have to do with Jerusalem, or the academy with the Church?” He sought to return the element of mystery to the Christian faith.

This Latin phrase coined by Tertullian (150-225) evidences some of the early Church’s disdain for the Greek philosophers’ reliance upon reason for truth. He said, “What does Athens have to do with Jerusalem, or the academy with the Church?” He sought to return the element of mystery to the Christian faith.




Experience: Information that comes through direct encounter, participation, or observation.



Examples:

Benefits:

Deficiencies:



Emotions: Information that comes through subjectively experienced psychological feelings.



Examples:

Benefits:

Deficiencies:

sensus divinitatussensus divinitatus““Sense of the divine”Sense of the divine”

The sensus divinitatus is the inward persuasion all people have that directs them to a belief in God and a propensity to worship. While the sensus divinitatas can contribute to and shape our theology (natural theology), the information is insufficient to bring a person into a right relationship with God.

The sensus divinitatus is the inward persuasion all people have that directs them to a belief in God and a propensity to worship. While the sensus divinitatas can contribute to and shape our theology (natural theology), the information is insufficient to bring a person into a right relationship with God.




General Revelation:

Revelation about God given through the created order (Ps. 19:1–6 ; Rom. 1:18–20; 2:14–15).



Examples:

Benefits:

Deficiencies:



Special Revelation:

Revelation given by God’s supernatural intervention in history through (1) miraculous events, (2) divine speech, and (3) visible manifestations.



Examples:

Benefits:

Deficiencies:

norma normans sed non normatanorma normans sed non normata““A norm which norms but is not normed”A norm which norms but is not normed”

This is a Latin phrase of the Protestant Reformation that stresses the importance of Scripture above all other sources of theology. The Scripture, according to the Reformers, is the standard (norm) against which all other sources for theology must be judged, but this standard cannot be judged by them.

This is a Latin phrase of the Protestant Reformation that stresses the importance of Scripture above all other sources of theology. The Scripture, according to the Reformers, is the standard (norm) against which all other sources for theology must be judged, but this standard cannot be judged by them.


Proposed Stage of TruthProposed Stage of Truth

ScriptureScripture

TraditionTradition



ReasonReason

EmotionsEmotions

Back

Front


QuestionQuestion

How do the different How do the different sources interact to form sources interact to form

our theology?our theology?



2. Theological Statement“What is the timeless truth taught?”




Conte

mp

ora

ry A

ud

ience

Conte

mp

ora

ry A

ud

ience

Ancie

nt A

udie

nce

Ancie

nt A

udie

nce

TraditionTradition EmotionsEmotions ExperienceExperience

ReasonReason General RevelationGeneral Revelation

Tradition Reason Experience EmotionsGeneral Revelation

ObjectiObjectiveve

SubjectiSubjectiveve

Acts 17:11 Acts 17:11 These Jews were more open-minded than those in

Thessalonica, for they eagerly received the message, examining the Scriptures carefully every day to see if these things were so.


Excursus: Excursus: Does God still Speak Today? Does God still Speak Today?


Excursus: Excursus: Does God Still Speak Today?Does God Still Speak Today?

Has Special Revelation Has Special Revelation ceased, or does God still ceased, or does God still communicate to people communicate to people

through prophets, dreams, through prophets, dreams, visions, and audible visions, and audible

encounters?encounters?



Three positions:Three positions:1. Continuationism2. Hard Cessationism3. Soft Cessationism

Temporary Gifts Permanent GiftsTemporary Gifts Permanent GiftsSupernatural SignSupernatural Sign SpeakinSpeakin

ggServingServingRevelator

yConfirmat

ory• Apostleshi

p• Prophecy• Discerning

of spirits• Word of

wisdom• Word of

knowledge• Tongues• Interpreta

tion of tongues

• Healings• Miracles• Tongues

• Evangelism

• Teaching• Pastor-

teacher• Exhortati

on

• Service• Showing

Mercy• Giving• Administrat

ion• Helps


QuestionQuestion

What is the What is the Continuationist view of Continuationist view of

Prophecy?Prophecy?



Continuationism: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



Defense of ContinuationismDefense 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.



“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

“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


QuestionQuestion

What is the Hard What is the Hard Cessationist view of Cessationist view of

Prophecy?Prophecy?



Hard Cessationism: 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, John MacArthur, majority of Church history



Defense of Hard CessationismDefense of Hard Cessationism:



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



Eph. 2:19-20Eph. 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.”



2 Cor. 12:122 Cor. 12:12“Indeed, the signs of an apostle were performed among you with great perseverance by signs and wonders and powerful deeds.”



Heb. 2:3-4Heb. 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. 13:8-101 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 cessetionists and non-cessetionists 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.


Excursus: Excursus: Does God Still Speak Today?Does God Still Speak Today?“It might, indeed, be a priori conceivable that God should deal with men [individually], and reveal Himself and His will to each individual, throughout the whole course of history, in the [depths] of his own consciousness. This is the mystics dream. It has not, however, been God’s way. He has chosen rather to deal with the race in its entirety, and to give this race His complete revelation of Himself in an organic whole.”

–B.B. WarfieldCounterfeit Miracles (Carlisle, PN: Banner of Truth, 1972), 26

“It might, indeed, be a priori conceivable that God should deal with men [individually], and reveal Himself and His will to each individual, throughout the whole course of history, in the [depths] of his own consciousness. This is the mystics dream. It has not, however, been God’s way. He has chosen rather to deal with the race in its entirety, and to give this race His complete revelation of Himself in an organic whole.”

–B.B. WarfieldCounterfeit Miracles (Carlisle, PN: Banner of Truth, 1972), 26



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.

NoahNoah MosesMoses2000+ yrs of apparent silence

Elijah & Elisha Elijah & Elisha

500 yrs of apparent si

lence

Christ andChrist andThe ApostlesThe Apostles900 yrs of apparent silence



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 20th century when the charismatic revival began.



“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

“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


Excursus: Excursus: Does God Still Speak Today?Does God Still Speak Today?“In the earliest time the Holy Ghost

fell upon them that believed: and they spoke with tongues which they had not learned ‘as the Spirit gave them utterance.’ These were signs adapted to the time. For it was proper for the Holy Spirit to evidence Himself in all tongues, and to show that the Gospel of God had come to all tongues [languages] over the whole earth. The thing was done for a authentication and it passed away.”

–St. Augustine (354-430)Ten Homilies on the first Epistle of John VI, 10

“In the earliest time the Holy Ghost fell upon them that believed: and they spoke with tongues which they had not learned ‘as the Spirit gave them utterance.’ These were signs adapted to the time. For it was proper for the Holy Spirit to evidence Himself in all tongues, and to show that the Gospel of God had come to all tongues [languages] over the whole earth. The thing was done for a authentication and it passed away.”

–St. Augustine (354-430)Ten Homilies on the first Epistle of John VI, 10


QuestionQuestion

What is the Soft What is the Soft Cessationist view of Cessationist view of

Prophecy?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



Defense of Soft Cessationism: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.


Excursus: Excursus: Does God Still Speak Today?Does God Still Speak Today?“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

“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 PrinciplesGuiding Principles:1. God’s Word is not something to be

trifled with (Ex. 20:7).2. If you are a prophet, you must show

convincing signs of a prophet (Deut 18:15-22).

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

4. 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.


Unity and DiversityUnity and Diversity

Doing Theology in theEmerging Context



How do we do theology in How do we do theology in our emerging context?our emerging context?

semper reformandasemper reformanda““Always reforming”Always reforming”

This is the Reformation principle that Christian theology is always undergoing change, enhancement, and development. the Reformers understood that if theology was, at any point, thought to be solidified and one person’s, group’s, tradition’s, or denomination’s perspective was thought of to be “above all reproach” and, therefore, unable to be developed, the task of doing theology would be severely grieved. Our theology must be reforming itself continually.

This is the Reformation principle that Christian theology is always undergoing change, enhancement, and development. the Reformers understood that if theology was, at any point, thought to be solidified and one person’s, group’s, tradition’s, or denomination’s perspective was thought of to be “above all reproach” and, therefore, unable to be developed, the task of doing theology would be severely grieved. Our theology must be reforming itself continually.




Apostles’ CreedApostles’ CreedI believe in God the Father, Almighty, Maker of heaven and

earthAnd 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 the grave

The third day he rose again from the deadHe ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of God

the Father AlmightyFrom thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead

I believe in the Holy GhostI believe a holy catholic church; the communion of saints

The forgiveness of sinsThe resurrection of the body

And the life everlasting. Amen.



Unity and Diversity Unity and Diversity among the among the TraditionsTraditions


2000 A.D.

100 A.D.

Trinity (325) Trinity (325) Counsel of Nicea (325)

Doctrine of the Doctrine of the Atonement Atonement (eleventh century)

400 A.D.

1600 A.D.

Doctrine of Christ Doctrine of Christ Definition of Chalcedon (451)

Doctrine of Man and Doctrine of Man and Grace Grace (fifth century)

1100 A.D.



Unity and Diversity among Protestant

Denominations


Five “Solas” of the Protestant Five “Solas” of the Protestant ReformationReformation

Reformed Reformed UnderstanUnderstandingding

Sola Scriptura

Sola Christus

Sola Gratia Sola Fide Sola deo Gloria

MeaningMeaning The “Scripture alone” contains primary authority to dictate the lives of believers.

The work of “Christ alone” is the basis for justification.

Justification is by means of God’s “grace alone.”

“Faith alone” is the only instrumental cause of justification.

All is done for “God’s glory alone.”


2000 A.D.

100 A.D.

Trinity (325) Trinity (325) Counsel of Nicea (325)

Doctrine of the Doctrine of the Atonement Atonement (eleventh century)

400 A.D.

1600 A.D.

Doctrine of Christ Doctrine of Christ Definition of Chalcedon (451)

Doctrine of Doctrine of Justification Justification (sixteenth century)

Doctrine of Scripture Doctrine of Scripture (sixteenth century) Doctrine of Man and Doctrine of Man and

Grace Grace (fifth century)

1100 A.D.



Unity and Diversity Unity and Diversity among the Sexesamong the Sexes



Unity and Diversity Unity and Diversity among the Nationsamong the Nations



Unity and Diversity Unity and Diversity among the Peoplesamong the Peoples



Luke 8:5-18Luke 8:5-18

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Introduction to Theology

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