Systematic Theology
Systematic Theology is widely understood as the attempt to offer an account of Christian belief and teaching that is coherent and systematic. It usually follows one of several possible sequences, usually beginning with the (Christian) doctrine of God, i.e. the doctrine of the Holy Trinity, and covering the range of beliefs named in the Nicene or the Apostles’ Creed. It may concern itself mainly with a body of official church teaching, and thus reflect a Catholic, Orthodox, Reformed, Lutheran or other denominational character. It may also take the form of an ecumenical theology, not committed to set out or defend the teachings of any particular church. Or it may have particular regard to how such teachings are perceived in the wider cultural context, such as secularism or postmodernism.
Whether the mode of Systematic Theology is more declaratory, explanatory or ‘apologetic’ (offering a defence of Christian belief), the content is in each case dependent on that which the church takes as ‘given’ or revealed, definitively in the person and history of Jesus of Nazareth, understood as Jesus the Christ, the Son of God, the Saviour or Deliverer. In some way or other, this revealed ‘given’ controls the content of every part of a Systematic Theology. This is why the Bible, in both its parts, the Old and New Testaments, often referred to as the Hebrew and Greek Scriptures, is often referred to in the course of the exposition of Christian teaching. This is the case, even though particular theologians may understand and explain the authority of the Bible in quite different ways.
Sometimes differences between particular Systematic Theologies can be accounted for by whether they are addressed to particular readers or ‘publics’. Three such publics are typically described as the church, the academy and the society. Theologies addressed to the church may take more for granted, e.g. the truth of the Christian gospel or the existence of God; they will assume faith. Theologies addressed to the academy may be more academic or philosophical in style and will give an account of Christian belief which addresses difficulties or objections. Theologies addressed more to the society aim at social or political change rather than deepening understanding. The boundaries between them should be regarded as fluid rather than firm.
