What Is The Difference Between Systematic Theology and Biblical Theology?
In the pursuit of learning and a deeper connection with God, many people use the terms theology and Bible or biblical studies interchangeably. While they are related, the two areas of study are quite different.
What is Theology?
Theology is a widely used term. Theology in a Christian context seeks to understand God as He is revealed in the Bible. So, the study of God is a study of God's revelation of Himself. Theology is essentially a study of scripture. Theology combines Greek words: theos, meaning God, and logos, meaning word or rational thought. So theology is God-thought or rational reasoning about God. It is the human effort to understand the God of the scriptures.
Theology is the activity of thinking and speaking about God. These God thoughts reflect the ultimate questions of life that involve God. Theology is for doxology (praise) and devotion (the practice of godliness).
What is Biblical Theology?
Biblical theology focuses on the teachings of the individual authors and books of the Bible and places each teaching in the Scriptures' historical development. It presents the Old and New Testament writers' theological teachings within their historical setting and examines how the understanding of Christian doctrine developed throughout the Old Testament and New Testament.
A Biblical theologian may ask, "What is the historical development of the teaching about the kingdom of God as seen throughout the history of the Old Testament and then of the New Testament?" The Biblical theologian analyzes the development of each doctrine through the historical development of scripture. They organize the topics historically, and in the order the Bible presents them. Biblical theology's main task is expounding the theology found in the Bible in its historical setting and its terms, categories, and thought forms. Biblical theology is concerned with the viewpoints found in different biblical authors and seeks to understand each author's theological perspective in its own right.
The biblical theologian seeks to learn what the authors of the Bible believed and taught in the context of their historical setting. It is primarily a descriptive type of theology. It is not initially concerned with the final meaning of the Bible's teachings or their relevance for today. This meaning and relevance is the task of systematic theology.
What is Systematic Theology?
Systematic theology uses biblical theology, but it focuses on collecting and summarizing the teaching of all the biblical passages on a particular topic. In the broadest sense, theology encompasses a range of interrelated disciplines, including exegetical theology, historical theology, and the relationship between systematic theology and other theological disciplines.
The systematic theologian may ask, "What does the Bible teach us today about the person and work of Jesus Christ?" Systematic theology attempts to summarize the Bible's teaching on a subject with a concise statement or definition. It aims to develop a logically coherent and rationally defensible system of biblical teachings on theological topics such as the Trinity, the church's doctrine, or spiritual gifts. Systematic theology takes the various teachings found throughout the Bible on a given topic and organizes them into a coherent whole, seeking to resolve any apparent tensions or contradictions.
Systematic theology is highly practical. Biblical theology synthesizes the teachings of the Scriptures, and systematic theology formulates these teachings for today. Biblical theology seeks to apply the Bible through the history of redemption, and systematic theology seeks to use the Bible for today. Biblical theology is simply theology that is biblical and based on the Scriptures' teachings. Systematic theology will be contemporary biblical theology. The systematic theologian draws from the biblical theologian's work. Biblical theology is the foundation from which systematic theology summarizes each doctrine as present-day followers of Jesus should understand it. The systematic theologian will sometimes use terms and concepts that the individual biblical writers did not use but are the proper result of combining the biblical authors' teachings on a specific topic. The terms Trinity and incarnation are not found in the Bible, but they are helpful biblical concepts that summarize the Scriptures' biblical theology.
Which Program Best Meets Your Educational Goals?
Consider your goals and interests when deciding whether to pursue biblical or theological studies. Biblical studies may be the best fit if you want to focus on how Christian doctrine developed through the Bible historically.
The Master of Arts in Biblical Studies program at Colorado Christian University will help you develop a strong foundation for Biblical interpretation, theology, and spiritual formation.
A theological studies program will likely be ideal if you are more interested in systematically understanding and formulating Christian theology for today. Both paths provide valuable ministry training and a deeper understanding of God's Word through the illumination of the Holy Spirit.
CCU's online Master of Arts in Theological Studies will provide a theological exploration of God, humanity, and human relationships with God and the world.
This online Theology master's degree will prepare you for Christian ministry with knowledge and skills to strengthen your biblical understanding from a theological perspective. This degree in theology may also appeal to you if you desire personal enrichment and a deeper understanding of God's Word.