Monday 12 November 2012

Book review, Wayne Grudem part 4

It has been a while, but here is a continuation of my study of Wayne Grudem's Systematic theology.  And as usual, quotes from the book itself and from the Bible will take a huge role because it is already said SO well!

See part 1,2, and 3 here: Part 3   Part 2  Part 1

Continuation of the introduction....

We should study S.Theology by collecting and understanding ALL the Relevant passages of Scripture on any Topic. 

How many times do we sit down and discuss some moral issue (abortion, capital punishment, etc) and then each person throws out their favorite verse to answer the question if it is right or wrong?

It is so easy to do poorly and end up with wrong conclusions.

Here is what Grudem says is the best process:
1.  Find all the relevant verses. (a concordance is recommended). 
2.  Read, make notes on, and summarize the points of each verse. (look for themes)
3.  Summarize those teachings into one or more points that the Bible affirms about that subject. 
4.  cross check with what conclusions Christians have come up historically). (i.e. looking for warnings agains error).

THIS process is possible for ANY CHRISTIAN who can read his or her Bible and look up words in a concordance.

It would be a tremendous help to the church if Christians generally would give more time to searching out topics in Scripture for themselves and drawing conclusions in the way outlined above. 


Study Systematic Theology with Rejoicing and Praise??

That doesn't sound like dry stuffy theological study!

"The study of theology....is a study of the living God, and the wonders of all his works in creation and redemption."   "WE CANNOT STUDY THIS SUBJECT DISPASSIONATELY!" 

"The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart."  Psalm 19:8

End of chapter 1
    I enjoy how this book on studying theology gets really personal with application questions, scripture memory verses that fit the topic of the chapter, and a hymn that fits the chapter topic.

One powerful application question from this chapter:

"What is likely to happen to a church or denomination that gives up learning systematic theology for a generation or longer?  Has that been true of your church?"






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