Discussion Thread: Disciplines of Theology
Systematic theology, according to Millard Erickson, is the branch of knowledge that
attempts to give a unified account of Christian doctrine with its roots in Scripture, anchored in
the world of modernity, and applicable in practical life. This thorough theological approach is the
integrative core, which capitalizes on and engages with other three theological fields: biblical,
historical, and philosophical theology. The systematic theology relies on the biblical theology for
its content in the foundation. Biblical theology examines the theological structures of the bible
either in the overall bible or isolated within individual biblical books (Erickson, 2013).
Systematic theology systematizes the content in such a way that it is coherent and logically
cohesive in its entirety and this ensures that the doctrinal system is true to the comprehensive
testimony of Scripture. Although biblical theology is descriptive and text-oriented, systematic
theology is constructive and contextual, in that it tries to put timeless truths in terms relevant to
the present day problems.
In terms of historical theology, systematic theology plays a role in considering how
Christian beliefs evolved over time. Historical theology reveals as to how doctrinal changes,
clarifications, and controversies have been established from the early church down to the modern
era (Erickson, 2013). Through this historical perspective, systematic theology finds ways of
avoiding old mistakes and understanding how theological language and thought have been
changing. As Erickson points out, historical theology promotes self-awareness of our own
presuppositions, and of our cultural biases, so as to be able to relate in a more critically reflective
doctrinal way.
Philosophical theology helps in testing the rational consistency of the theological
constructs while assessing philosophical consequences. Although Erickson notes that philosophy
Systematic theology, according to Millard Erickson, is the branch of knowledge that
attempts to give a unified account of Christian doctrine with its roots in Scripture, anchored in
the world of modernity, and applicable in practical life. This thorough theological approach is the
integrative core, which capitalizes on and engages with other three theological fields: biblical,
historical, and philosophical theology. The systematic theology relies on the biblical theology for
its content in the foundation. Biblical theology examines the theological structures of the bible
either in the overall bible or isolated within individual biblical books (Erickson, 2013).
Systematic theology systematizes the content in such a way that it is coherent and logically
cohesive in its entirety and this ensures that the doctrinal system is true to the comprehensive
testimony of Scripture. Although biblical theology is descriptive and text-oriented, systematic
theology is constructive and contextual, in that it tries to put timeless truths in terms relevant to
the present day problems.
In terms of historical theology, systematic theology plays a role in considering how
Christian beliefs evolved over time. Historical theology reveals as to how doctrinal changes,
clarifications, and controversies have been established from the early church down to the modern
era (Erickson, 2013). Through this historical perspective, systematic theology finds ways of
avoiding old mistakes and understanding how theological language and thought have been
changing. As Erickson points out, historical theology promotes self-awareness of our own
presuppositions, and of our cultural biases, so as to be able to relate in a more critically reflective
doctrinal way.
Philosophical theology helps in testing the rational consistency of the theological
constructs while assessing philosophical consequences. Although Erickson notes that philosophy
