Systematic Theology

What is systematic theology?" 

“Systematic” refers to something being put into a system. Systematic theology is, therefore, the division of theology into systems that explain its various areas. For example, many books of the Bible give information about the angels. No one book gives all the information about the angels. Systematic theology takes all the information about angels from all the books of the Bible and organizes it into a system called angelology. 

                  That is what systematic theology is all about organizing the teachings of the Bible into categorical systems. Theology Proper or Paterology is the study of God the Father. Christology is the study of God the Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Pneumatology is the study of God the Holy Spirit. Bibliology is the study of the Bible. Soteriology is the study of salvation.

                 Ecclesiology is the study of the church. Eschatology is the study of the end times. Angelology is the study of angels. Christian Demonology is the study of demons from a Christian perspective. Christian Anthropology is the study of humanity. Hamartiology is the study of sin. 

                  Systematic theology is an important tool in helping us to understand and teach the Bible in an organized manner. In addition to systematic theology, there are other ways that theology can be divided. Biblical theology is the study of a certain book (or books) of the Bible and emphasizing the different aspects of theology it focuses on. 

                    For example, the Gospel of John is very Christological since it focuses so much on the deity of Christ (John 1:1, 14; 8:58; 10:30; 20:28). Historical theology is the study of doctrines and how they have developed over the centuries of the Christian church. 

                 Dogmatic theology is the study of the doctrines of certain Christian groups that have systematized doctrine for example, Calvinistic theology and dispensational theology. Contemporary theology is the study of doctrines that have developed or come into focus in recent times. No matter what method of theology is studied, what is important is that theology is studied.

Biblical Theology

 What is Biblical Theology?

             Biblical theology is the study of the doctrines of the Bible, arranged according to their chronology and historical background. In contrast to systematic theology, which categorizes doctrine according to specific topics, biblical theology shows the unfolding of God’s revelation as it progressed through history. Biblical theology may seek to isolate and express the theological teachings of a specific portion of Scripture, such as the theology of the Pentateuch (first five books of the Old Testament) or the theology contained within John’s writings, etc.
                 Or it may focus on a particular period of time, such as the theology of the unified kingdom years. Another branch of biblical theology may study a particular motif or theme in the Bible: a study of “the remnant,” for example, might search out how that motif is introduced and developed throughout Scripture. Many credit J. P. Gabler, a German biblical scholar, with beginning the field of biblical theology. As he was being inaugurated to a professorship in 1787, Gabler called for a sharp distinction between dogmatic (systematic or doctrinal) theology and biblical theology.
                For Gabler, biblical theology must be strictly a historical study of what was believed and taught in the various periods of biblical history, independent of modern denominational, doctrinal, philosophical, or cultural considerations. In general, the principles that Gabler espoused were correct, and he influenced the development of biblical theology for many years to come. However, it should be noted that there is no such thing as a study of the Bible with complete objectivity.
                Every interpreter brings certain presuppositions to the task. These biases have considerable influence upon the process of interpreting the Scriptures. As a result, the field of biblical theology is checkered with every imaginable opinion and variation of what the Bible teaches. Biblical theology is utterly dependent upon the hermeneutics of the theologian. The methods employed in interpreting Scripture are crucially important to biblical theology.
               One’s biblical theology can be no better than the methods he uses to interpret Scripture. Here is a basic difference between systematic and biblical theology: systematic theology asks, “What does the Bible as a whole say about angels?” and then examines every passage that concerns angelic beings, draws conclusions, and organizes all the information into a body of truth called “angelology.” The final product is, from Genesis to Revelation, the totality of God’s revealed truth on the subject.
                      Biblical theology asks, “How did our understanding of angels
develop throughout biblical history?” and then starts with the Pentateuch’s teaching about angels and traces God’s progressive revelation of these

beings throughout Scripture. Along the way, the biblical theologian draws conclusions about how people’s thinking about angels may have changed as more and more truth was revealed. 

                          The conclusion of such a study is, of course, an understanding of what the Bible has to say about angels, but it also places that knowledge in the context of the “bigger picture” of God’s whole revelation. Biblical theology helps us see the Bible as a unified whole, rather than as a collection of unrelated doctrinal points

New Testament Theology vs Old Testament Theology.

What is New Testament theology?"

 New Testament theology is the study of what God has revealed about Himself in the New Testament. The system of New Testament theology takes the various truths that the New Testament books teach us about God and presents them in an organized fashion. 

               The New Testament discloses the coming of the Messiah predicted in the Old Testament (Isaiah 9), the rejection of the Messiah by Israel, the fulfillment of the Law, the birth of the New Testament church (the body of Christ), the church age, the gospel of Jesus Christ, and instructions for believers in Jesus Christ. The phrase new covenant (or new testament) was spoken by Christ at the Last Supper (Luke 22:20). Paul cited the new covenant as the substance of the ministry to which he was called (2 Corinthians 3:6). 

              The Old Testament is the record of the calling and history of the Jewish nation, and it contains the Mosaic Law, the Old Covenant to which Israel was bound for many years. The New Testament deals with the history and application of the Christ’s redemption from the Law (Galatians 4:4–5), a redemption He provided through His death on the cross (Ephesians 1:7). 

              Being the New Covenant, it supersedes the Old (Hebrews 8:6, 13). Theology is the study of the doctrines of the Bible, following the progressive revelation that God made to man from the beginning of time to the end of the book of Revelation. New Testament theology primarily deals with the study of Christology, ecclesiology, and soteriology. Plus, it furthers our understanding of eschatology, pneumatology, angelology, hamartiology, and other fields of doctrine. 

What is Old Testament theology?" 

 Old Testament theology is the study of what God has revealed about Himself in the Old Testament. The system of Old Testament theology takes the various truths that the Old Testament books teach us about God and presents them in an organized fashion. 

                God's revelation of Himself begins in Genesis 1:1: "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." The presupposition of God and His creative work is something that all believers accept by faith and is emphasized throughout Scripture from Genesis to Revelation. 

             Old Testament theology is a rich and rewarding study of what God revealed of Himself, His character, His attributes, etc., in the Old Testament. The Old Testament focuses primarily on God's relationship with the Jews, starting with His call of Abraham in Genesis 12. He chose Israel and covenanted with them for the purpose of relaying His message to the world and ultimately bringing the Messiah to save us from our sin. 

           Through His relationship with the Jews, God blessed the entire world (Genesis 12:3). The Old Testament chronicles God's progressive revelation of Himself, specifically to His chosen people but also to those of Gentile heritage, in order that we might learn who He is and His plan in the world. 

                Into the very heart of the Old Testament is woven the idea of a covenant between God and man: the first was made with Adam and others with Noah, Abraham, the nation of Israel, and David. Old Testament theology is foundational to our understanding of God and His purposes in the world. 

            The seeds of the doctrines of substitutionary atonement, salvation, election, holiness, mercy, judgment, and forgiveness are all found in the Old Testament. A study of Old Testament theology includes a look at theology proper, anthropology, and eschatology, among other vital subjects.

"Theology proper / Paterology"( The study of God the Father.)

 Theology proper is the study of God and His attributes. Theology proper focuses on God the Father. Paterology comes from two Greek words which mean "father" and "word" - which combine to mean "the study of the Father." Theology proper answers several important questions about God: Does God exist? God exists and ultimately everyone knows that He exists. 
                   The very fact that some attempt so aggressively to disprove His existence is in fact an argument for His existence. What are the attributes of God? In the words of the hymn writer, “immortal, invisible, God only wise…most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days, Almighty, Victorious, thy great name we praise.” Knowing God’s attributes leads to glorifying and praising Him. 
                 What does the Bible teach about the Trinity? Though we can understand some facts about the relationship of the different persons of the Trinity to one another, ultimately, it is incomprehensible to the human mind. However, this does not mean it is not true or not based on the teachings of the Bible. Is God sovereign, or do we have a free will? When we talk about free will, we are usually concerned with the matter of salvation. 
                  Few are interested in whether we have the free will to choose salad or steak for our dinner tonight. Rather, we are troubled over who exactly is in control of our eternal destiny. Theology proper discusses God's omnipresence, omniscience, omnipotence, and eternality. It teaches us about who God is and what He does. 
                     Paterology focuses on how God the Father is distinct from God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. Only by knowing who God is and what He does can we properly relate to Him. Many people have unbiblical perceptions about God that affect how they understand Him. Some people see God as a brutal tyrant, with no love or grace. Other people see God as a loving friend, with no justice or anger. Both perceptions are equally incorrect. God is full of mercy, love, and grace - and at the same time righteous, holy, and just. God grants mercy and sends judgment. 
                  God punishes sin and forgives sin. God will grant believers entrance into Heaven and send unbelievers to Hell. Theology proper gives us a more complete understanding of who God is and what He does. Romans 11:33 is perhaps a good summary verse for theology proper / Paterology: "Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!" 

 "What is Christian Theology?" 

 The word “theology” comes from two Greek words meaning “God” and “word.” Combined, the word “theology” means “study of God.” Christian theology is the study of what the Bible teaches and what Christians believe. Many believers treat Christian theology as something that is dividing, something that should be avoided. In actuality, Christian theology should be uniting! 
               The Word of God teaches truth and we are to be united behind that truth. Yes, there are disagreements and disputes in Christian theology. Yes, there is freedom to disagree on the non-essentials of Christian theology. At the same time, there is much that Christians should be united over. A biblically-based Christian theology will enable us to better understand God, salvation, and our mission in this world. 
                For some, the word “theologian” conjures up images of crusty old men poring over dusty volumes of ancient texts in dimly-lit rooms, studying things completely removed from real life. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Second Timothy 3:16 tells us that all Scripture is inspired by God, literally God-breathed, and is indispensable to us because it makes us complete, lacking nothing. To be a theologian is to be one who seeks the face of God in order to encounter the creator of the universe and His Son, Jesus Christ, and embrace Him as Lord of our lives, so that He becomes the center of our desires, affections and knowledge. 
                 This intimacy spreads into all aspects of our lives thrilling us with its blessings, comforting us in times of loss, strengthening us in our weaknesses and upholding us to the end of our lives when we will see Him face to face. Scripture is God's story and the more we study His Word, the better we know Him. Below are the various categories of Christian theology. Understanding what the Bible says about the various areas of Christian theology is key to spiritual growth and effectiveness in the Christian life.

Christology(The study of the Person & work of Jesus Christ)

The word "Christology" comes from two Greek words meaning "Christ / Messiah" and "word" - which combine to mean "the study of Christ." Christology is the study of the Person and work of Jesus Christ. There are numerous important questions that Christology answers: Who is Jesus Christ? Almost every major religion teaches that Jesus was a prophet, or a good teacher, or a godly man. 
               The problem is, the Bible tells us that Jesus was infinitely more than a prophet, a good teacher, or a godly man. Is Jesus God? Did Jesus ever claim to be God? Although Jesus never uttered the words “I am God,” He made many other statements that can’t be properly interpreted to mean anything else. What is the hypostatic union? How can Jesus be both God and man at the same time? The Bible teaches that Jesus is both fully human and fully divine, that there is no mixture or dilution of either nature, and that He is one united Person, forever. 
               Why is the virgin birth so important? The virgin birth is a crucial biblical doctrine because it accounts for the circumvention of the transmission of the sin nature and allowed the eternal God to become a perfect man. What does it mean that Jesus is the Son of God? Jesus is not God’s Son in the sense of how we think of a father/son relationship. God did not get married and have a son. Jesus is God’s Son in the sense that He is God made manifest in human form (John 1:1,14). A Biblical understanding of Jesus Christ is crucial to our salvation.
                Many cults and world religions claim to believe in Jesus Christ. The problem is that they do not believe in the Jesus Christ presented in the Bible. That is why Christology is so important. It helps us to understand the significance of the deity of Christ. It demonstrates why Jesus is the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Christology teaches us that Jesus had to be man so that He could die - and had to be God so that His death would pay for our sins. It is perhaps the most important area of theology. Without a proper understanding of who Jesus Christ is and what He accomplished, all other areas of theology will be errant as well. 
                An in-depth study of Christology has incredible personal impact on the believer’s daily life. As we delve into the heart of Jesus, we begin to grasp the amazing concept that He, being fully Man and fully God, loves each of us with a never-ending love the extent of which is hard for us to imagine. The various titles and names of Christ in the Scriptures give insight into who He is and how He relates to us. 
                 He is our Good Shepherd, leading, protecting and caring for us as one of His own (John 10:11,14); He is the Light of the world, illuminating our pathway through a sometimes dark and uncertain world (John 8:12); He is the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6), bringing tranquility into our tumultuous lives; and He is our Rock (1 Corinthians 10:4), the immovable and secure base who we can trust to keep us safe and secure in Him.

Pneumatology (The study of the Person & work of the Holy Spirit.)

 The word Pneumatology comes from two Greek words which mean "wind, air, spirit" and "word" - combining to mean "the study of the Holy Spirit." Pneumatology is the study of God the Holy Spirit, the third Person of the Trinity. It answers numerous important questions about the Holy Spirit: Who / what is the Holy Spirit? There are many misconceptions about the identity of the Holy Spirit. 
               Some view the Holy Spirit as a mystical force. Others understand the Holy Spirit as the impersonal power God makes available to followers of Christ. What does the Bible say about the identity of the Holy Spirit? When / How do we receive the Holy Spirit? This discussion is controversial because the ministries of the Holy Spirit are often confused. 
                The receiving / indwelling of the Spirit occurs at the moment of salvation. The filling of the Spirit is an ongoing process in the Christian life. What is the baptism of the Holy Spirit? The baptism of the Holy Spirit may be defined as that work whereby the Spirit of God places the believer into union with Christ and into union with other believers in the Body of Christ at the moment of salvation. How can I be filled with the Spirit? 
                 It is important to distinguish between the indwelling and filling of the Spirit. The permanent indwelling of the Spirit is not for a select few believers, but rather for all believers. This is in contrast to the commanded filling of the Spirit found in Ephesians 5:18. Are the miraculous gifts of the Spirit for today? This is not a question of can the Holy Spirit give someone a miraculous gift. The question is does the Holy Spirit still dispense the miraculous gifts today. 
                   Above all else, we entirely recognize that the Holy Spirit is free to dispense gifts according to His will (1 Corinthians 12:7-11). Many Christians have an unbiblical perception of the Holy Spirit. Some understand the Holy Spirit as a power or force given to us from God. This is not Biblical. Pneumatology teaches us that the Holy Spirit is a Person, with a mind, emotions, and will. The Holy Spirit is Jesus' "replacement" on earth (John 14:16-26; 15:26; 16:7). 
               The Holy Spirit is received at salvation (Romans 8:9) and is the permanent possession of every believer in Christ (Ephesians 1:13-14). Pneumatology helps us to understand these issues and recognize the Biblical roles of the Holy Spirit in our lives today. The study of Pneumatology is of immense benefit to the Christian. In the pages of Scripture, we come face to face with the third Person of the trinity, God himself in spirit, and we see His very personal and intimate ministry to us. 
                       Through Him, we come to know God’s love for us “because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us” (Romans 5:5). To understand the ministry of the Holy Spirit is to find joy in His role as our Comforter (John 16:7; Acts 9:31) who not only helps and comforts us, but who comes to our rescue when our hearts are so burdened we cannot even pray for relief (Romans 8:26). 
                   When we pursue the knowledge of the Holy Spirit we find, to our great delight, that He not only lives within us, but He does so forever, never to leave or forsake us (John 14:16). All these truths are burned into our hearts when we study Pneumatology. A good summary verse for Pneumatology is John 16:8-11, "When He (the Holy Spirit) comes, He will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment: in regard to sin, because men do not believe in me; in regard to righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; and in regard to judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned."

Bibliology(The study of the Word of God.)

 Bibliology is the study of the Bible, the Word of God. The Bible is the inspired source of knowledge about God, Jesus Christ, salvation, and eternity. Without a proper view of the Bible, our views on these and other issues become clouded and distorted. Bibliology tells us what the Bible is. Common questions in Bibliology are: Is the Bible truly God's Word? 
                Our answer to this question will not only determine how we view the Bible and its importance to our lives, but also ultimately will have an eternal impact on us. What is the canon of Scripture? The basis of Christianity is found in the authority of Scripture. If we can't identify what is Scripture, then we can't properly distinguish any theological truth from error. 
                  What does it mean that the Bible is inspired? While there are different views as to what extent the Bible is inspired, there can be no doubt that the Bible itself claims that every word, in every part of the Bible, is inspired by God (1 Corinthians 2:12-13; 2 Timothy 3:16-17). Does the Bible contain errors, contradictions, or discrepancies? If you read the Bible, at face value, without a preconceived bias for finding errors - you will find it to be a coherent, consistent, and relatively easy-to-understand book. 
                    Is there proof for the inspiration of the Bible? Among the proofs for the divine inspiration of the Bible are fulfilled prophecy, the unity of Scripture, and the support of archeological findings. Its most important proof, however, is in the lives of those who read it, believe it, and live according to its precepts. Bibliology teaches us that the Bible is inspired, meaning it is "breathed out" by God. A proper Bibliology holds to the inerrancy of Scripture that the Bible does not contain any errors, contradictions, or discrepancies. 
               A solid Bibliology helps us to understand how God used the personalities and styles of the human authors of Scripture and still produced His Word and exactly what He wanted to be said. Bibliology enables us to know why other books were excluded from the Bible. For the Christian, the Bible is life itself. Its pages are filled with the very Spirit of God, revealing His heart and mind to us. 
            What a wonderful and gracious God we have! He could have left us to struggle through life with no help at all, but He gave His Word to guide us, truly a "lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (Psalm 119:105). A key Scripture on Bibliology is 2 Timothy 3:16-17, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."

Soteriology(The study of salvation through Jesus Christ.)

 Soteriology is the study of the doctrine of salvation. Soteriology discusses how Christ's death secures the salvation of those who believe. It helps us to understand the doctrines of redemption, justification, sanctification, propitiation, and the substitutionary atonement. Some common questions in studying Soteriology are: Once saved always saved? Perhaps the most heart-wrenching fear some believers live with is that we can do something to lose our salvation. 
                 But the Bible speaks clearly about the eternality of our salvation and how we are preserved by the One who bought us with His blood. Is salvation by faith alone, or by faith plus works? Am I saved just by believing in Jesus, or do I have to believe in Jesus and do certain things? Is baptism required for salvation? What is baptismal regeneration? Baptismal regeneration is the belief that a person must be baptized in order to be saved. 
                 While baptism is an important step of obedience for a Christian, the Bible is clear that baptism is not a requirement for salvation. What is repentance and is it necessary for salvation? Biblical repentance is changing your mind about Jesus Christ and turning to God in faith for salvation (Acts 3:19). Turning from sin is not the definition of repentance, but it is one of the results of genuine, faith-based repentance towards the Lord Jesus Christ. 
                    What does it mean to be a born again Christian? The phrase "born again" literally means "born from above." It is an act of God whereby eternal life is imparted to the person who believes—a spiritual transformation. Other than Christology, Soteriology is the area where Christianity is the most different from the cults and other world religions. Understanding Biblical Soteriology will help us to know why salvation is by grace alone (Ephesians 2:8-9), through faith alone, in Jesus Christ alone. No other religion bases salvation on faith alone. 
                  Soteriology helps us to see why. A clear understanding of our salvation will provide a "peace that passes all understanding" (Philippians 4:7) because we come to know that He who can never fail is the means by which we were saved and the means by which we remain secure in our salvation. If we were responsible to save ourselves and keep ourselves saved, we would fail. 
                 Thank God that is not the case! Titus 3:5-8 is a tremendous summary of Soteriology, "He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by His grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life."

Christian Anthropology(The study of the nature of humanity.)

 Anthropology is the study of humanity. Christian Anthropology is the study of humanity from a Christian / biblical perspective. It is primarily focused on the nature of humanity - how the immaterial and material aspects of man relate to each other. Here are some common questions in Christian Anthropology: What does it mean that man is made in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:26-27)? The image of God refers to the immaterial part of man. 
               It is that which sets man apart from the animal world, fits him for the “dominion” God intended (Genesis 1:28), and enables him to commune with his Maker. It is a likeness mentally, morally, and socially. Do we have three parts or two parts? Are we body, soul, and spirit - or - body, soul-spirit? Human beings were intended to have a relationship with God, and as such, God created us with both material and immaterial aspects. 
                  The material aspects are obviously those that are tangible and only exist as long as the person is alive. The immaterial aspects are those which are intangible: soul, spirit, intellect, will, conscience, etc. These characteristics exist beyond the physical lifespan of the individual. What is the difference between the soul and spirit? It is important to understand that both refer to the immaterial part of man, but only the "spirit" refers to man's walk with God. The "soul" refers to man's walk in the world, both material and immaterial. 
                     What is the origin of the different races? The Bible does not explicitly give us the origin of the different "races" or skin colors of humanity. In actuality, there is only one race - the human race. Within the human race, there is vast diversity in skin color and other physical characteristics. Christian Anthropology deals with who we are and how we relate to God. Whether people are inherently good or inherently sinful is crucial in determining how our relationship with God can be restored. Whether the souls of human beings carry on after death determines in large part our view of our purpose in this world.
               Christian Anthropology helps us to understand ourselves from God's perspective. When we delve into this subject, we get a clearer understanding of our fallen nature, and this leads to a sense of wonder at the love of the Savior who saw our helpless state and went to the cross to redeem us. When we accept that sacrifice and receive it as our own, our natures are transformed by God who creates in us a completely new person (2 Corinthians 5:17). 
               It is this new person who can relate to Him as we should, as His adored children. A key verse on Christian Anthropology is Psalm 139:14, "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." Crd:christianity.com/gotquestion/Chistianthoelogians

Hamartiology(The study of the nature and effects of sin.)

 Hamartiology is the study of sin. Hamartiology deals with how sin originated, how it affects humanity, and what it will result in after death. To sin essentially means to "miss the mark." We all miss God's mark of righteousness (Romans 3:23). Hamartiology, then, explains why we miss the mark, how we miss the mark, and the consequences of missing the mark.
            These are some important questions in Hamartiology: What is the definition of sin? Sin is described in the Bible as transgression of the law of God (1 John 3:4) and rebellion against God (Deuteronomy 9:7; Joshua 1:18). Did we all inherit sin from Adam and Eve? Romans 5:12 speaks to this, “Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned.” Are all sins equal to God? There are degrees to sin some sins are worse than others.
               At the same time, in regards to both eternal consequences and salvation, all sins are the same. Each and every sin will lead to eternal condemnation (Romans 6:23). How can I know if something is a sin? There are things that the Bible specifically mentions and declares to be sin.
                    The more difficult issue is in determining what is sinful in areas that the Bible does not directly address. It might seem that studying a depressing subject like sin would be counter-productive for the Christian. After all, aren’t we saved from sin by the blood of Christ? Yes! But before we can understand salvation, we must first understand why we need salvation.
               That is where Hamartiology comes in. It explains that we are all sinners—by inheritance, by imputation, and by our own personal choice. It shows us why God must condemn us for our sins. Hamartiology points to the solution for sin the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
                 When we truly come to grips with our sinful natures, we begin to fathom the depth and breadth of the nature of our great God who, on the one hand, condemns sinners to hell in righteous judgment, then, on the other hand, satisfies His own requirement for perfection.
                Only when we understand the depth of sin can we understand the height of God’s love for sinners. A key Scripture on Hamartiology is Romans 3:23-24, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus."

Angelology(The study of angels.)

Angelology is the study of angels. There are many unbiblical views of angels today. Some believe angels are human beings who have died. Others believe that angels are impersonal sources of power. Still others deny the existence of angels entirely. A biblical understanding of angelology will correct these false beliefs. Angelology tells us what the Bible says about angels. 
                 It is a study of how the angels relate to humanity and serve God's purposes. Here are some important issues in angelology: What does the Bible say about angels? Angels are an entirely different order of being from humans. Human beings do not become angels after they die. Angels will never become, and never were, human beings. 
                    God created the angels, just as He created humanity. Are angels male or female? The Bible does not necessarily support the gender of angels being male or female. Whenever gender is “assigned” to an angel in Scripture, it is male (Genesis 19:10,12; Revelation 7:2; 8:3; 10:7), and the only names assigned to angels are Michael and Gabriel, generally considered masculine names. 
                Do we have guardian angels? There is no doubt that good angels help protect believers, reveal information, guide people, and, in general, minister to God’s children. The difficult question is whether each person or each believer has an angel assigned to him/her. 
                  Who / What is the angel of the Lord? The precise identity of the “angel of the Lord” is not given in the Bible. However, there are many important "clues" as to his identity. What are cherubim? Are cherubs angels? Cherubim / cherubs are angelic beings involved in the worship and praise of God. In addition to singing God's praises, they also serve as a visible reminder of the majesty and glory of God and His abiding presence with His people. What are seraphim? 
             Are seraphs angels? Isaiah chapter 6 is the only place in the Bible that specifically mentions the seraphim. The seraphim ("fiery, burning ones") are angelic beings associated with the prophet Isaiah's vision of God in the temple. Angelology gives us God's perspective on angels. Angels are personal beings who worship and obey God. God sometimes sends angels to "interfere" in the course of humanity. 
               Angelology helps us to recognize the warfare that exists between God's angels and Satan and his demons. A proper understanding of angelology is very important. When we understand that angels are created beings, just as we are, we realize that worshipping or praying to angels robs God of the glory that belongs to Him alone. It was God, not angels, who sent His Son to die for us, who loves and cares for us, and who alone is worthy of our adoration.

Christian Demonology (The study of demons.)

Demonology is the study of demons. Christian demonology is the study of what the Bible teaches about demons. Closely related to angelology, Christian demonology teaches us about the demons, what they are and how they attack us. Satan and his demons are fallen angels, real personal beings who wage war against God, the holy angels, and humanity.
                Christian demonology helps us to be aware of Satan, his minions, and their evil schemes. Here are some important issues in Christian demonology: What does the Bible say about demons? The Bible indicates that the demons are fallen angels – angels who along with Satan rebelled against God. Satan and his demons now desire to deceive and destroy all those who follow and worship God. How, why, and when did Satan fall from heaven? Satan fell from heaven because of the sin of pride, which led to his rebellion against God.
               The actual time of his fall is not recorded in Scripture. It may have occurred outside time as we know it, that is, before the creation of time and space. Why did God allow some of the angels to sin? The angels who fell and became demons had a free-will choice to make – God did not force or encourage any of the angels to sin. They sinned of their own free will and therefore are worthy of God's eternal wrath. Can Christians be demon possessed? We strongly hold to the belief that a Christian cannot be possessed by a demon.
                    We believe there is a difference between being possessed by a demon, and being oppressed or influenced by a demon. Is there activity of demonic spirits in the world today? Considering the fact that Satan "walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour" (1 Peter 5:8) and knowing that he is not omnipresent, it is logical to assume that he would send his demons to do his work in this world.
                       Who or what were the Nephilim? The Nephilim ("fallen ones, giants") were the offspring of sexual relationships between the sons of God and daughters of men in Genesis 6:1-4. There is much debate over the identity of the "sons of God." Many people believe Satan and his demons are only personifications of evil. Christian demonology helps us to understand the nature of our spiritual enemy.
                  It teaches us how to resist and overcome the devil and his temptations. Praise God for the victory over darkness through our Lord Jesus Christ! While the Christian should not be obsessed with demonology, a clear understanding of demonology will help calm our fears, keep us watchful, and remind us to stay close to our Lord Jesus Christ.
                   We have the Holy Spirit living in our hearts, and "greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world" (1 John 4:4). A key Scripture related to Christian demonology is 2 Corinthians 11:14-15, "And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve."

Ecclesiology( the study of the nature and mission of the church)

Ecclesiology is the study of the church. 
The word Ecclesiology comes from two Greek words 
meaning "assembly" and "word" - combining to mean 
"the study of the church." The church is the assembly of 
believers who belong to God. Ecclesiology is crucial to understand 
God's purpose for believers in the world today. Some important issues in Ecclesiology are: What is the church? 

Many people today understand the church to be a building. 
This is not the biblical understanding of the church. The root meaning of “church” is not that of a building, but of people. What is the purpose of the church? According to Scripture, the purposes / activities of the church should be: 
(1) teaching Biblical doctrine, (2) providing a place of fellowship for believers, (3) observing the Lord’s supper, and (4) praying. 

What is the importance of Christian baptism? 
According to the Bible, Christian baptism is simply a step of obedience,
 a public proclamation of one’s faith in Christ alone for salvation. 
While baptism is not required for salvation, it is an act of 
obedience and faith evidence that salvation is a reality 
in a person’s life. 
 What is the importance of the Lord's Supper / Christian Communion? 
A study of the Lord’s Supper is a soul-stirring experience because of 
the depth of meaning that it portrays. It is an “acted out sermon,” remembering our Lord’s death and resurrection, and looking to the future for His return in glory. 
What does the Bible say about the form of church government? The Bible teaches that church leadership consists of a plurality of elders along with a group of deacons who serve as servants of the church. 

But it is not contrary to this plurality of elders to have one of these 
elders serving in the major “pastoral” role. Ecclesiology helps us to understand the role of the church and our role in the church. It teaches us about the ordinances of the church, how church leadership is to be chosen and structured, 
and what the church is to be doing in regards to believers 
(worship and discipleship) and unbelievers (ministry and evangelism).

A Biblical understanding of Ecclesiology would go a long way to correct 
many of the common problems in churches today. Above all, 
we must understand that the church is the Body of Christ and
 that each of us has a specific function and role within that body. 
A key Scripture on Ecclesiology is Acts 2:42,
 "They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and 
to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." 
(source:gotquestion)

Christian Eschatology (The study of the end times / last days.)

  Eschatology is the study of what the Bible says is going to happen in the end times. Many treat Eschatology as an area of theology to be avoided. Of course, Eschatology is not as crucial as Christology or Soteriology. That does not mean, though, that it is unimportant to a Biblical worldview. 
            How we understand Eschatology has an impact on how we should live our lives and what we are to expect to occur in God's plan. Some important issues in Eschatology are these: What is the Rapture? The word "rapture" does not occur in the Bible. The concept of the Rapture, though, is clearly taught in Scripture. 
              The Rapture of the church is the event in which God removes all believers from the earth in order to make way for His righteous judgment to be poured out on the earth during the Tribulation period. When is the Rapture going to occur in relation to the Tribulation? Will the Rapture occur before the Tribulation, at the middle of the Tribulation, or at the end of the Tribulation? What is the Second Coming and why is it important? Why is it so important for Jesus Christ to return? When is Christ going to return? 
             What will be the signs of Christ's return? Is the millennium literal or figurative? The fulfillment of many of God’s covenants and promises rest on a literal, physical, future kingdom. There is no solid basis to deny of literal understanding of the Millennial Kingdom and its duration being 1000 years. 
              Will the generation that saw Israel re-formed as a nation still be alive for the Second Coming? It is not Scriptural to teach that the generation that sees Israel become a nation will also see the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. This may be the case, but Scripture does not specifically say so. The Bible describes a terrible period of tribulation in Revelation chapters 6-18. 
              Will this Tribulation be preceded by the Rapture, will it conclude with the Rapture, or has it in fact already occurred? These different perspectives have a great impact on what we should be preparing ourselves for. Eschatology helps us to understand the Bible's prophetic passages and how to live our lives in response to what God is going to do in the end times. 
               There is a great deal of controversy in Eschatology, but that does not relieve us of our responsibility to study and understand what the Bible teaches about the end times. An understanding of Eschatology will eliminate many of the fears we have about the future. Our God is sovereign, He has a plan, and it will all unfold according to His perfect will and timing. 
                This is a great encouragement to those who are in Christ! A key verse on Eschatology is Titus 2:13: "we wait for the blessed hope - the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ."

What Is Postmodernism in Religion?

Postmodernism Definition Postmodernism is a philosophy that says 
absolute truth does not exist. Supporters of postmodernism deny long-held 
beliefs and conventions and maintain that all viewpoints are equally valid. 
In today's society, postmodernism has led to relativism, 
the idea that all truth is relative. 
That means what is right for one group is not necessarily right or 
true for everyone. The most obvious example is sexual morality. 
Christianity teaches that sex outside of marriage is wrong. 

Postmodernism would claim that such a view might pertain to Christians 
but not to those who don't follow Jesus Christ; therefore, sexual morality 
has become much more permissive in our society in recent decades. 
Taken to extremes, postmodernism argues that what society says
 is illegal, such as drug use or stealing, is not necessarily 
wrong for the individual. 

Five Main Tenets of Postmodernism Jim Leffel, a Christian apologist, 

and director of The Crossroads Project outlined the primary tenets of postmodernism in these five points: 

1. Reality is in the mind of the beholder. Reality is what's real 

    to me, and I construct my own reality in my mind. 

2. People are not able to think independently because they 

     are defined “scripted,” molded by their culture. 

3. We cannot judge things in another culture or another person’s life, 

   because our reality may be different from theirs. There is 

    no possibility of “transcultural objectivity.” 

4. We are moving in the direction of progress, but are arrogantly 

    dominating nature and threatening our future. 

5. Nothing is ever proven, either by science, history, or any other 

    discipline.

!!> Postmodernism Rejects Biblical Truth

Postmodernism's rejection of absolute truth causes many people to reject the Bible. Christians believe God is the source of absolute truth. Jesus Christ proclaimed himself to be the Truth: "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6, NIV). Not only do postmodernists deny Christ's claim to be the truth, but they also dismiss his statement that he is the only way to heaven. 

Today Christianity is ridiculed as arrogant or intolerant by those who say there are "many paths to heaven." This view that all religions are equally valid is called pluralism. In postmodernism, all religion, including Christianity, is reduced to the level of opinion. Christianity asserts that it is unique and that it does matter what we believe. Sin exists, sin has consequences, and anyone ignoring those truths has to face those consequences, Christians say. 

Sources ;carm.org; gotquestions.org; religioustolerance.org; 

Answer: Post-modern Christianity is just as difficult to lock down in a concise definition as post-modernism itself. What started in the 1950s in architecture as a reaction to modernist thought and style was soon adopted by the art and literary world in the 1970s and 1980s. The Church didn't really feel this effect until the 1990s. This reaction was a dissolution of "cold, hard fact" in favor of "warm, fuzzy subjectivity." Think of anything considered post-modern, then stick Christianity into that context and you have a glimpse of what post-modern Christianity is. 

              Post-modern Christianity falls into line with basic post-modernist thinking. It is about experience over reason, subjectivity over objectivity, spirituality over religion, images over words, outward over inward. Are these things good? Sure. 

Are these things bad? Sure. It all depends on how far from biblical truth each reaction against modernity takes one's faith. This, of course, is up to each believer. However, when groups form under such thinking, theology and doctrine tend to lean more towards liberalism. 

            For example, because experience is valued more highly than reason, truth becomes relative. This opens up all kinds of problems, as this lessens the standard that the Bible contains absolute truth, and even disqualifies biblical truth as being absolute in many cases. If the Bible is not our source for absolute truth, and personal experience is allowed to define and interpret what truth actually is, a saving faith in Jesus Christ is rendered meaningless. 

         There will always be "paradigm shifts" in thinking as long as mankind inhabits this present earth, because mankind constantly seeks to better itself in knowledge and stature. Challenges to our way of thinking are good, as they cause us to grow, to learn, and to understand. This is the principle of Romans 12:2 at work, of our minds being transformed. 

                Yet, we need to be ever mindful of Acts 17:11 and be like the Bereans, weighing every new teaching, every new thought, against Scripture. We don't let our experiences interpret Scripture for us, but as we change and conform ourselves to Christ, we interpret our experiences according to Scripture. Unfortunately, this is not what is happening in circles espousing post-modern Christianity.  gotquestions.org;

~The dangers of postmodernism !!

"What are the dangers of postmodernism?" 

 Answer: Simply put, postmodernism is a philosophy that affirms no objective or absolute truth, especially in matters of religion and spirituality. When confronted with a truth claim regarding the reality of God and religious practice, postmodernism’s viewpoint is exemplified in the statement “that may be true for you, but not for me.” 

          While such a response may be completely appropriate when discussing favorite foods or preferences toward art, such a mindset is dangerous when it is applied to reality because it confuses matters of opinion with matters of truth. The term “postmodernism” literally means “after modernism” and is used to philosophically describe the current era which came after the age of modernism.

           Postmodernism is a reaction (or perhaps more appropriately, a disillusioned response) to modernism’s failed promise of using human reason alone to better mankind and make the world a better place. Because one of modernism’s beliefs was that absolutes did indeed exist, postmodernism seeks to “correct” things by first eliminating absolute truth and making everything (including the empirical sciences and religion) relative to an individual’s beliefs and desires. 

          The dangers of postmodernism can be viewed as a downward spiral that begins with the rejection of absolute truth, which then leads to a loss of distinctions in matters of religion and faith, and culminates in a philosophy of religious pluralism that says no faith or religion is objectively true and therefore no one can claim his or her religion is true and another is false. 

Dangers of Postmodernism - 

          1 – Relative Truth Postmodernism’s stance of relative truth is the outworking of many generations of philosophical thought. From Augustine to the Reformation, the intellectual aspects of Western civilization and the concept of truth were dominated by theologians. But, beginning with the Renaissance the 14th – 17th centuries, thinkers began to elevate humankind to the center of reality. 

             If one were to look at periods of history like a family tree, the Renaissance would be modernism’s grandmother and the Enlightenment would be its mother. Renee Descartes’ “I think, therefore I am” personified the beginning of this era. God was not the center of truth any longer – man was. The Enlightenment was, in a way, the complete imposition of the scientific model of rationality upon all aspects of truth. It claimed that only scientific data could be objectively understood, defined, and defended. 

             Truth as it pertained to religion was discarded. The philosopher who contributed to the idea of relative truth was the Prussian Immanuel Kant and his work The Critique of Pure Reason, which appeared in 1781. Kant argued that true knowledge about God was impossible, so he created a divide of knowledge between “facts” and “faith.” According to Kant, “Facts have nothing to do with religion.” The result was that spiritual matters were assigned to the realm of opinion, and only the empirical sciences were allowed to speak of truth. While modernism believed in absolutes in science, God’s special revelation (the Bible) was evicted from the realm of truth and certainty. 

            From modernism came postmodernism and the ideas of Frederick Nietzsche. As the patron saint of postmodernist philosophy, Nietzsche held to “perspectivism,” which says that all knowledge (including science) is a matter of perspective and interpretation. Many other philosophers have built upon Nietzsche’s work (for example, Foucault, Rorty, and Lyotard) and have shared his rejection of God and religion in general. 

             They also rejected any hint of absolute truth, or as Lyotard put it, a rejection of a metanarrative (a truth that transcends all peoples and cultures). This philosophical war against objective truth has resulted in postmodernism being completely averse to any claim to absolutes. Such a mindset naturally rejects anything that declares to be inerrant truth, such as the Bible.  

Crd:gotquestions.org;

The Greatest Theologians History

The 40 Greatest Theologians Throughout History.
 Throughout history, there have been a large number of people who have contributed significantly to our understanding of God and how He works. 
These theologians have shed light on religious and spiritual matters, and even directed the course of human history. Learning about these theologians can be a great way to help you find out more about your own faith. 
If you are interested in learning more about theology and spiritual traditions, you can read the words of the great theologians. Often, we focus on Christian theologians, since here in the West Christian theology has had a profound influence on society. This list focuses mostly on great Christian theologians, but also includes some influential non-Christian theologians. Here are 40 great theologians from throughout history: 

Early Christian Theologians 
Technically, early Christianity is considered as Christianity prior 
to 325 A.D. However, for the purpose of this list, the theologians 
included are those up through the Reformation. 
Early Christian theologians helped shape the course of 
Christianity for the course of history. 

1. St. Ignatius of Antioch: Also known as Theophorus is considered on of the Apostolic Fathers, and was the third bishop of Antioch. His letters have been preserved as evidence of early Christian theology. 

2. Polycarp: Another influential father of Christianity. His exhortations to avoid materialism are considered part of Christian theology, and he was enthusiastic in combating heresies. His martyrdom is considered one of the defining points of Christianity. 

3. Clement of Alexandria: Clement was known for his combination of Greek philosophical traditions with Christian doctrine. 

4. Saint Augustine: One of the most authoritative figures in Christian theology is Saint Augustine, who successfully completed the merger of Greek philosophical practice and Judeo-Christian religious traditions. His treatises on authority and other theological issues have influenced Christian tradition for centuries. 

5. Saint Jerome: Widely considered one of the most learned of church fathers, Jerome translated the Bible into Latin, providing one of the most important texts in the Catholic church. 

6. Gregory the Great: This pope was very influential as a theologian who revised worship and wrote prolifically about theology and spirituality. 

7. Bernard of Clairvaux: This advisor to five different popes wrote eloquently about different matters of doctrine, especially on the love of God, and on humility. 

8. Francis of Assisi: This saint became devoted to austerity after making some wild choices in his youth. He is one of the most well-known theologians, and had much to do with the development different orders within the Catholic church.

Reformation Theologians & Revivalist Theologians

Reformation Theologians 
The Reformation is generally considered to last from 1517 to 1648. 
This was a time period marked by transformative theology. 
Learning about reformation theologians can help you find out 
more about your faith and spirituality. 

9. Martin Luther: Many religious scholars pinpoint the beginning of the 

    Reformation from when Martin Luther nailed the 95 Theses to the door of 

    church. Luther directed religious thought for centuries. 

10.John Calvin: A French reformist who broke with the Catholic church 

      and  helped with Protestant reform efforts, influencing Christian 

      theology and religion. 

11.John Knox: Brought the Reformation to Scotland, and rose in the 

      ranks of the Church of England, contributing to the Book of Common Prayer. 

12.Teresa of Avila: This saint reformed Carmelite nuns, and was a 

     prominent theological thinker, and apologist for Catholicism. 

13.John Hooker: Theologian who was instrumental in bring reason 

     and tolerance to the Church of England. His influence has been felt in 

     Anglicanism for centuries. 

14. Richard Baxter: One of the leading Puritan theologians, he was 

    a non-conformist who influenced Christianity through his writings 

    and hymns. 

15. John Milton: His polemic writings have had a great deal of influence 

    on theology, as well as serving under Oliver Cromwell. 

16.Jacob Boehme: A free thinker whose writings have been 

     theologically influential. 

Revivalist Theologians 
During periods of religious awakening, theologians often appear 
to provide new insights into theology and other weighty matters 
of the spirit. The great theologians of the “Awakenings” in 1727, 1792, 
1830, 1857, 1882, and 1904, can provide some great insight into 
the development of religion. 

17. Jonathan Edwards: One of the most important philosophers and theologians of American revivals, Edwards focused on determination and harmony. 

18. Charles Wesley: Leader of the Methodist movement, and a theologian with a number of writings, and known for his hymns.

 19. John Wesley: Like his brother Charles, John Wesley was known as a religious thinker who helped lead the Methodist movement. 

20. George Whitefield: This revivalist helped bring the Great Awakening to Britain and influential in the evangelical movement.

 21. William Booth: Founder of the Salvation Army, and a theologian instrumental in providing aid to those who needed it. The Salvation Army is well-known throughout the world. 

22. Joseph Smith, Jr.: Founder of the Latter-day Saint movement, Smith was known for his new theology for that time. He was inspired by the revivals of the Second Great Awakening. 

23. William Burt Pope: Theologian focusing on the “big picture” of Christianity, and a linguist who translated different works. 

24. Soren Kierkegaard: A prominent theologian that focused on the practice of Christianity. Considered one of the first existentialists.

Modern Theologians & Non-Christian Theologians

Modern Theologians 
Even today, Christianity is changing. Theologians offer insight into 
the word of God, and new ideas about religion are always emerging. 
You can keep up with the latest in understanding religion and 
God with some of the modern theologians. 

25. Karl Barth: The father of “neo-orthodoxy” and influential in the 

      movement to reject theological liberalism. 

26. Gordon Clark: Well-known American philosopher and theologian, 

       his ideas of scripturalism have influenced modern Christian thinking. 

27. C.S. Lewis: One of the most well-known modern Christian theologians. 

     Also known for his fiction, much of which contains Christian undertones. 

28. Joseph Ratzinger: Pope Benedict XVI, is a well-known academic and

     theologian who continues to influence the direction of the Catholic church. 

29. John Stott: A noted leader of the modern evangelical movement 

      worldwide, and a theologian whose writings are influential. 

30. Albert Schweitzer: Medical missionary and religious philosopher 

   who challenged many commonly held views from skeptics and 

   Christians alike. He was awarded a Nobel prize in philosophy. 

31. Marilyn McCord Adams: Prominent religious philosopher looking into 

     theology, and teaching philosophy to the next generation of theologians. 

32. Elizabeth Stuart: A feminist theologist specializing in queer theology. 

Non-Christian Theologians 
Other religions have their own theologians as well. If you are interested 
in understanding the teachings of other spiritual traditions, and if you 
want to understand other ideas of religion and deity, you can learn 
from some of these great historical theologians. 

33. Abraham Joshua Heschel: One of the leading Jewish theologians of 

      the 20th Century. 

34. Rachel Adler: An influential Jewish theologian, focusing especially 

      on gender issues and Jewish law. 

35. Prophet Muhammad: The founder of Islam is considered one of 

      the foremost theologians in the world someone whose view of 

      theology has shaped the world for centuries. 36. Leila Ahmed: 

      The first women’s studies professor at Harvard Divinity School, 

      Ahmed is interested in gender studies in Islam. 

37. Buddha: While possibly not truly a theologian, Buddha’s spiritual 

     teachings nevertheless have influenced millions of people through 

    centuries. 

38. Ketut Wiana: One of the foremost scholars of Hindu theology in 

     the world today, and an expert Agama Hindu Dharma. 

39. Baháu’lláh: This Persian nobleman and theologian is the founder 

    of the Baha’i faith someone who has influenced spiritual thinking for 

     the past 150 years. 

40. Confucius: While Confucianism doesn’t espouse a specific theology, 

there are spiritual elements involved, and his thoughts on spirituality, 

and metaphysics have been influential over thousands of years