(Insert Institute)
The general meaning of theology finds basis in an organized and coherent study of God within a religious setting. In addition, theology can be used to define the action of seeking out facts surrounding religion. In “The Moody Handbook of Theology: Revised and Expanded,” Enns (2008) concurs with this when he states that, “The word “theology” comes from two Greek words that combined mean “the study of God.” With regard to Christianity, theology revolves around the bible and known historic events that are believed to have occurred among the Christian body.
The use of the Bible in the understanding of God’s nature is Biblical Theology while that of implementing recorded chronological events is Historical Theology. In a bid to find a connection between the two, there is need to understand the ideas of both forms of theology. In addition, the while the two are executed with regard to Christianity, there are bound to be differences as well.
Historical theology covers the recorded growth of Christianity as a doctrine. With regard to this, historical theology covers the ideas of Christianity through the New Testament as a period rather than as entailed in the Bible. For instance, the Bible has the apostle creed that is applicable in the lives of all who opt to follow Christ. Historical theology will concentrate on the development of said creed based on the contents and events leading to the same. in other words, the church’s past events play a major part in historical theology and in turn, allow an understanding of present ideas, practices and views among Christians.
Ideas revolving around Christianity originate from the book of Acts where scholars believe the religion was birthed. Allison (2011) attests to this in his book “Historical Theology: An Introduction to Christian Doctrine” as he points out that Luke’s records of what Jesus began to teach the masses is recorded from the first verse of the first chapter in Acts (p. 15). Therefore, while the doctrine originates from what led to the existence of scriptures and ideas, its whole existence revolves around the Bible. This is so because without said scriptures, Historical Theologians will have no basis from which derivations can be founded.
Biblical theology like Historical theology involves the study of the Biblical principles with accordance to the historical background of the same. However, Biblical Theologians may opt to concentrate on a specific part of the scriptures in drawing conclusions in Christian teachings. In addition, Biblical theology can be focused on a message in the Bible and in turn, develop said message explicitly throughout the research. Beale (2011) argues the same point in “A New Testament Biblical Theology: The Unfolding of the Old Testament in the New” and suggests confusion in Biblical theology as every scholar brings forth a new idea. This in turn he attributes to the notion of studying a topic independently.
Biblical theology as a doctrine concentrates solely on the Bible and its teachings. All conclusions made must be in accord with specific verses or chapters in the Holy book. In addition, the foundation of this form of theology as the name suggests is formed in ideas originating from the bible itself. A good example is in the view of the Devil and his workings. Biblical theologians can opt to comb through the whole Bible for specific passages about the devil. This means that there will be no ideas outside the topic and will that other passages without the devil but with his influence will be dismissed. Therefore, Biblical theologians will opt for the passage of the devil tempting Jesus in the dessert and overlook that of Judas betraying Jesus. This is so because of the degree of the devil’s manifestation in both parts of the scriptures.
Both approaches to theology have an advantage to the subject. Both doctrines have an advantage to the Christian religion, especially so if they are jointly utilized in a study. For instance, if for instance historical theologians seek to identify the start of certain beliefs and practices, the Bible plays a major role in confirming emerging ideas. Biblical theologians play the role of providing the needed information especially so as it will be in a wider scope because of the complete Biblical cover.
References
Allison, G. (2011). Historical Theology: An Introduction to Christian Doctrine. Michigan: Zondervan.
Beale, G. (2011). A New Testament Biblical Theology: The Unfolding of the Old Testament in the New. Michigan: Baker Academic.
Enns, P. (2008). The Moody Handbook of Theology: Revised and Expanded. Illinois : Moody Publishers.
