Systematic theology is defined as the attempt to create or to formulate a logical philosophy that can be applied to the necessary aspects and parts of a certain faith’s system of beliefs and ideologies. According to Walter Elwell, systematic theology is the definitive statement of dispensational theology. Systematic theology refers to the study of God which has to be put into a certain system. This is therefore the division of theology into several systems that explains its various areas – making it comprehensible and easier to understand.
Systematic theology needs to take into consideration the sacred texts of faiths, but it is not limited to only that. It also has to take into consideration several various aspects like history, philosophy, science, as well as ethics in order to come up with the best view of a philosophical approach possible (Got Questions Ministries, 2002). One of the disciplines of theology that is related systematic theology is the Biblical theology.
This is considered to be the discipline in the context of Christian theology which deals with the studies of the Bible from a chronological perspective. This understands the progressive history of God unveiling God’s self to the people following the fall all throughout the Old and New Testaments (Harmon, 2007). Systematic Theology is related to this because it creates a system concerning Biblical scriptures which needs to be properly ordered in order for it to show the progressive history of God and God’s works.
Another discipline of theology that is related to systematic theology is the Historical theology. This is defined as the aspect of theological studies which deals with and investigates the socio-historical aspects and cultural movements that resulted or gave rise to various theological ideas, belief systems as well as statements. In this field, what is being focused on is the research on the relationships between theology and context, which also includes all other major influences in theology, concerning various topics and figures being studied (McMahon, 1998).
In other words, historical theologians are more concerned with the development of theology through the course of history. This is related to systematic theology because it tackles historical information and events as it happened and how it happened, that’s why there is a need to be systematic as it involves process in history. The third discipline which is relates to the systematic theology is the philosophical theology. This is defined as the process of doing theology by using tools and supports provided by philosophical reflection, language as well as different methods.
This is often viewed as a sub-category of the philosophy of religion, wherein it provides certain ways of understanding various doctrines and concepts in theology by utilizing philosophy (Theopedia. com, 2007). This is related or associated to systematic theology because it creates a system of understanding which makes use of philosophy. It is different from other systems, and tries to explain theological concepts and concerns through a different method which is by using philosophy.
Of the four approaches, the most important for my future ministry context is the systematic theology, as it deals with formulating a coherent, easy to understand philosophy that is applicable to other disciplines. I am able to tackle other disciplines with systematic theology, since it develops a method that can be easily applied at broader aspects and concerns. With this, I don’t just deal with the sacred texts; I also take into consideration matters about history, philosophy, Biblical concerns, and much more.
References: http://www.gotquestions.org/systematic-theology.html