
Someone asked a question about thoughts of Biblical Theology versus Systematic Theology. I don’t see the two should be against one another but rather both are important, though sometimes some see one is more important than the other in such a way that one is neglected or looked down upon.
Before going further, what is systematic theology and Biblical Theology?
Systematic Theology (I shall use the acronym ST) as defined by popular Systematic Theologian Wayne Grudem is Theology that “focuses on the collection and summary of all biblical passages on a subject, and attempts to summarize the teachings of Scripture in brief, understandable, and carefully formulated statements” (Source).
Biblical Theology (I shall use the acronym BT) as defined by Biblical Theologian Geerhardus Vos “is that branch of Exegetical Theology which deals with the process of the self-revelation of God deposited in the Bible” (Geerhardus Vos, Biblical Theology (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1948), 13).
Biblical Theology is not a term to say right theology that is from the Bible (hopefully one’s Biblical Theology and Systematic Theology is based upon truths from the Bible). Rather Biblical is focus on the process and progress of how God revealed Himself and other truths while Systematic Theology often focus on the finished and completed revelation of God in the Bible and tries to organize these truths logically.
Here’s my thought:
Good question. You captured how sadly many in academia can pit BT against ST. I think both can be in harmony. Some thoughts:
1. When I teach ST over the years I structure my teaching on doctrines with BT framework of a doctrine being developed in more details from Genesis to Revelation (or OT to NT). I do this as it’s better model than “proof texting” verses in isolation to prove a doctrine. From the world of BT we know Scripture has progressive revelation so I employ what is called antecedent theology of how any given passage is building up from previous passages in redemptive history and plus prior antecedent theology Leans one to interpret doctrine biblically with what came prior. I think especially teaching overseas many appreciate seeing how the Bible organically teach doctrines that we believe is biblical in the field of ST to the degree that a systematican employs BT. For example see my God’s attribute: The Omnipotence of God Part 1 and God’s attribute: The Omnipotence of God Part 2.
2. Yet ST isn’t reduced to BT. After showing a doctrine is taught and unfolded from the Old Testament to the New Testament questions arises, some of which concerning potential problems. This is where ST is the space to discuss about the Biblical data in a way that deals with the questions of how a doctrine works. As I have linked above how the doctrine of God’s omnipotence is taught in both the Old and the New Testament, see my God’s attribute: The Omnipotence of God Part 3 of how I tackle questions about what God cannot do, potential objections to the doctrine of God’s omnipotence and also applications.
3. As we retrieve doctrines from the Word the question will arise what is the relationship of one doctrine with other doctrines. I’m going to use an analogy that those from BT would appreciate (since I know BT guys that look down on ST guys): just as BT talk about inter-textuality of a passage in relations to a passage (NT use of the OT, OT use of the OT) so also we can discuss the inter-relationship of doctrines. Fitting doctrines together and seeing how the inter-relationship of doctrines to support, presupposes, fortify or clarify and nuanced other doctrines is important and if ST is involved with this then there is a role of ST. As an example there is the doctrine of Perichoresis. See my outline God’s attribute: Perichoresis in which I look not only at the biblical data to establish this doctrine but also other doctrines help make the case for Perichoresis.
4. Both my BT and ST are also tools not only for retrieving biblical doctrines and applications but also shapes and informs my apologetics methodology. Sometimes unbelievers attack with misinterpretation of Scripture and sound BT helps correct misinterpretation. But most attacks isn’t exegetical in nature but with wrong “theologizing” and here ST with awareness and critique of how doctrines relate to other doctrines will pay great dividends in one’s apologetics. Presuppositional Apologetics stresses rightly that one’s doctrine of God will shape what kind of apologetics’ methodology that one employ in defense of the true God and here Systematic Theology impact also one’s theological method. See for example my “VAN TILLIAN TRINITARIAN THEOLOGY: IT’S ORTHODOX STATUS AND APPLICATION TO THE ONE AND THE MANY.”
4. Also pitting BT against ST seems rather unfortunate if we realize how many specialize fields are mutually reinforcing outside of BT and ST. Here I think Frame’s perspectivalism left a big impression on me. It isn’t only BT and ST that is important but one can have better BT and ST with contributions from other fields and specialization. BT will benefit from the NT/OT studies department, and Canonical Approach, etc, while ST can benefit from those doing Analytic Theology, Historical Theology, etc. I am noting how interrelated many disciplines are and how we need each other so that when we look at BT vs ST it seems like a false dichotomy that it is.
Great read! Would you agree that BT focuses on the plot of the story (redemptive-historical) while ST focuses on the actors of the story (soteriology, Christology, etc.)?
A thoughtful question! I think there is as a generality that BT focus more on the plot of redemptive history more than ST and ST can get into more elaborate details of the actors than BT such as theology Proper, Christology, etc. So good observation noted in your question. But I am hesitant to say those are absolute rules about BT and ST. I see the doctrines of order of salvation has a plot like aspect to it and it falls under soteriology in ST. Furthermore depending on how one define BT some can think we can have an BT of other subjects beyond the plot though being informed by the plot of Scripture. I think of biblical theology of the motif of marriage, priesthood, etc tracking how these these unfold from Genesis to Revelation and also how they point to the Gospel. What do you think?
Wow. That’s a great insight!
Well stated. Any thoughts you’d like to share on how ST and BT relate to PT?
Wow that might be a question that’s worth a blog length answer, is it ok that I blog about that another time?
Anytime
Very well said. It is not “either / or” but “Yes / And”.
Regardless, we know “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,”
Blessings for an amazing day in paradise.
Agreed Jim. I also love BT/ST and love how they compliment and inform each other. It’s a shame that some pit them against each other.
Indeed it is a shame they are pitted one against the other. Blessings to you brother, keep on being a light online, encouraged by that!
They should indeed be complimenting each other!
Biblical theology defines WHAT I believe about God. Systematic theology, seeing the Genesis to Revelation ‘system’ of the thoughts of God informs the WHY of what I believe.
I love how you point out the why dimension of ST. Has the base near you open up more with their restrictions with your ability to minister?
I went to Chapel last Sunday and will again tomorrow. Wrote an article about Sunday’s visit for he May CMF newsletter. Tomorrow the chaplains will begin a series from Psalm 119. I would like to work with/through the chaplains for access to the troops. Please pray. Will get my 2d vaccination 30 April.
Thank you for introducing us to ST and BT. These are new comcepts to me. Blessings to you and your family, Jim!
Thanks for reading this! I hope this is helpful in some ways. Have a blessed Lord’s day when you wake up tomorrow!
I am a BT person who has experienced lack of grace and charity from ST folks! This is a needed discussion. I think BT is the foundation for ST. If one does not have the proper exegetical and hermeneutical framework of Scripture, will be hard (impossible) to develop sound ST. I do think there’s more animosity in ST debates than BT debates. I am thankful for your theologian mind for ST and for God growing your pastoral heart for BT.
Thanks for sharing this as I never knew ST people giving BT people a hard time! But it shouldn’t surprise me given human sinful nature. I’ve experience the opposite with BT guys sniping ST. At the end of the day I feel more at home with the Word more than anything. Which should be that way as I can see some ST guys is all about a system’ coherence versus the Biblical data. Late to your comment until after youth group! How is your day going??
Was praying for youth! How did it go?! Did you happen to see my email?! My post-mil guy that I mentioned before is Reformed ST all the way. I finally had enough and was like do we follow Jesus or the Fathers and Reformers? I am thankful that God has called me more to BT than ST!
We are having dinner with friends tonight (one has NAR leanings) and I am so thankful for friendship!! What are you guys up to for Saturday?!
Thanks for this discussion although it’s over my T-101 head! ⛅️✈️
You are welcome! I was tying to make it as understandable for all, honestly! How is your shift going? Hope its not too taxing today but I suspect you super busy with orders
Not your fault. Some of us are stuck in T-101 this side of eternity.
RE: shift
Thanks! Work was a bear. A new steps record…22K today. Zzzzz 😴
How was your prep day?
Well said.
Thanks! Hope your Saturday is going well?
It went well.
Reblogged this on Talmidimblogging and commented:
So appreciate this Pastor Jim!! Blessings!!
I never did believe that there was a tension–both are necessary, and each informs the other. J.
Thanks…both are necessary in words and ways that others can understand and relate…so thankful that the Holy Spirit is our true Teacher!
How many disciplines in studying about the Bible?
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A good discussion. It all comes together in Christ
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