Systematic Theology Divisions?
Question
Into how many areas is theology divided into? What is your favorite Systematic Theology?
Answer
The answer to this question is very dependent upon which background someone comes from. Commonly, we see: (1) the Doctrine of the Word of God, (2) the Doctrine of God, (3) the Doctrine of Man, (4) the Doctrine of the Person and Work of Christ, (4) the Doctrine of Redemption, (6) the Doctrine of the Church, and (7) the Doctrine of Last things. Each of these areas contains subsections that incorporate the majority of the Churches’ doctrine.
I believe there is need for improvement in these divisions – that is they need to be added to. Practical theology – that is, “how then shall we live” – would appear to be a very important part of the divisions above. Though covered somewhat in terms such as “sanctification” this does not seem to do justice to the field of Christian ethics.
My go-to Systematic Theology to date is Louis Berkhof’s. However, I have over seventy-five I refer to on a regular basis among which are John Frame’s, Salvation is of the Lord and Wayne Grudem’s, Systematic Theology.
Answer by: Joseph R. Nally, Theological Editor, on behalf of the staff at IIIM. The opinions expressed by the author are not necessarily the “official position” of Third Millennial Ministries.