What is the difference between Systematic & biblical theology

[mrhappy3]

My understanding on a basic level is that, systematic theology allows for speculation, where as the other doesn't.

I am probably wrong , please advise.

thanks

 

[mrhappy3]

fancy a stab at this - I know Matt the Kerux would

cheers

 

[Elijah2]

Well there are so many theologies.

A theology for theologians in regards to belief systems, Gods, and Religions.

A theology of experience and experiences.

A functional theology as being God's servant and presupptions of prosperity and faith.

Status quo theology.

Traditional theology.

Unrealistic theology.

Western theology and Eastern theology.

Oh boy, it's never-ending, and it all full of empty deceit and tradition of men, see Col. 2:8.

 

[mrhappy3]

Well there are so many theologies.

A theology for theologians in regards to belief systems, Gods, and Religions.

A theology of experience and experiences.

A functional theology as being God's servant and presupptions of prosperity and faith.

Status quo theology.

Traditional theology.

Unrealistic theology.

Western theology and Eastern theology.

Oh boy, it's never-ending, and it all full of empty deceit and tradition of men, see Col. 2:8.

lol

never realised......

bit of a mind boggler

 

[mrhappy3]

systematic theology - study of subject over several books of bible - ie angels

biblical theology - studying theme of one book only

 

[Jesusong]

The following is from the book "Systematic Theology" by Stanely Horton, available through the Assemblies of God:

Chapter 2: Theological Foundations

Good theology is written by those who are careful to allow their perspectives to be shaped by the biblical revelation. Therefore, throughout this book we shall keep in mind the following biblical assertions: God exists, He has revealed himself, and He has made that revelation available to humankind.
In the Bible we see God coming down into the stream of human life and history to carry out His great plan of redemption. In other words, the Bible presents its truths in the midst of historical situations, rather than giving us a systematized list of what it teaches. Yet its teachings need to be systematized for greater understanding and for application to our lives.
That systematizing must, however, be done very carefully, paying attention to both the context and content of the biblical material being used. The subtle temptation is for theologians to select only texts that agree with their positions, ignoring others that seem to disagree, and to use texts without proper concern for their context. The Bible must be allowed to speak with clarity, unclouded by the preconceptions and misconceptions of the individual.
(from Systematic Theology © 1994, 1995 by Gospel Publishing House. All rights reserved.)

The book also gives a definition for biblical theology as such:

BIBLICAL THEOLOGY
Biblical theology. The study of the teachings of the Bible, book by book or writer by writer, usually with an emphasis on progressive revelation.
(from Systematic Theology © 1994, 1995 by Gospel Publishing House. All rights reserved.)

I hope this was helpful.

 

[mrhappy3]

The following is from the book "Systematic Theology" by Stanely Horton, available through the Assemblies of God:

The book also gives a definition for biblical theology as such:


I hope this was helpful.

TOP MAN, thank you

 

[NorrinRadd]

At Theopedia:

Systematic Theology

Biblical Theology

Here is the challenge:

ST can overemphasize the "system," losing sight of the fact that the Scriptures were not written in a systematic fashion. It will sometimes try to impose meanings on them that are foreign to the author or context.

BT can lose sight of the fact that the disparate authors were all inspired and overseen by one ultimate Author, so that their works DO have to fit together in SOME semblance of order.