Foundations
for Christianity:
202
Foundations of Our Theology
and Hermeneutics
A Discussion of Systematic
Theology
And A Reading
Guide for This Website
It is inherently true that Christianity is a belief system.
As such, all the individual beliefs and topics within the
Christian faith must function as a whole without contradicting
one another. This notion that each topic area within Christian
beliefs must work together as a consistent whole is known
as Systematic Theology because each individual area works
coherently as part of a larger, overarching System.
Within modern Christianity there is no shortage of Systematic
Theologies generated by various institutions such as seminaries
and formal denominations. However, some Systematic Theologies
start with a particular focus or position on one area of doctrine
that is of defining importance to that institution. This focus
then produces a "theme" of sorts for the entire System. The
end result can be that this "theme" drives the interpretation
of other topic areas with the goal being that all areas are
interpreted consistently with the particular focus area. When
this happens the main "theme" of the Systematic Theology becomes
the driving influence of interpretation. When this occurs
a System of Theology can be arrived at which is internally
consistent and cohesive, but which does not accurately reflect
true Biblical teaching in all areas.
In contrast, we seek to avoid this pitfall and to approach
Systematic Theology in a different manner. We believe that
each topic area can and should be interpreted independently
without the prejudicial influence of trying to support a larger,
pre-existing theme. Instead, when each individual topic area
is interpreted correctly on its own (in accordance with the
grammatical historical method of interpretation), then all
individual topic areas will be consistent as a uniform whole.
In this way, no theme interferes with the interpretation of
each topic area. Consequently, the systematic consistency
of all topic areas acts as a confirmation that the theology
is sound.
We believe this is the proper way to develop a Systematic
Theology. And as the authors of this website, it is our hope
that as you examine this website you will find the Systematic
Theology that has resulted from this process to be valuable,
sound, and a benchmark for orthodox Christian Theology.
A Reading Guide for Our Website
In recognition of the fact that this website contains no small
amount of articles and information, we understand that deciding
where to start or how to proceed may be difficult.
The reading guide begins without presuming a person is already persuaded
of the truth of Christianity. As such, suggested reading order
begins with more fundamental questions that do not depend
upon the reader's acceptance of the Christian faith and builds
toward matters that deal more specifically with Christian
theology. After Christianity has been established as general
fact, the reading guide continues by introducing the reader to our
approach and the essential importance of proper Biblical interpretation.
From here, the reading guide delves into specific internal Christian
topics in order to establish the specific form of Christianity
that is correct. The intended result is a comprehensive worldview
build upon sound reasoning and evidence from the very beginning.
The reading guide is not meant as a strict rule, but only as suggestions
for dealing with more foundational questions and issues first
and building toward those issues, which rest upon those more
foundational matters.
The reading guide (suggested reading order) for our studies can be found on the Bible Studies Resource page under the heading "Study Topics". As you roll over each of the numbered study titles, descriptions will pop up (below the study titles) of the material found in the articles contained within that section of our website.
