Doctrine—Geting Started

DOCTRINE: LIVING TRUTH

DOCTRINE: LIVING TRUTHA introductory course in Christian Theology

Based upon Alister McGrath's Theology; The Basics

THE APOSTLES CREED

This book is based loosely on the Apostles

Creed, which is widely used as a basic

summary of the Christian faith and included

as part of public worship in many places. It

is a simple statement that gives a good

framework for exploring central ideas of

Christian theology. The version below was

written in about the eight century,

Part 1- 5 marks

Part 2 - 15 marks

Part 3 - 10 marks

90%+ correct - 5 marks /15 / 10

70%+ correct - 3 marks / 10 / 7

50%+ correct - 1 mark / 3 / 2

I believe in God, the Father Almighty,

creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, God's only Son,

our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy

Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered

under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died,

and was buried; he descended to the

dead. On the third day he rose again; he

ascended into heaven, he is seated at the

right hand of the Father, and he will

come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy

catholic Church, the communion of

saints, the forgiveness of sins, the

resurrection of the body, and the life

everlasting. Amen.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy

catholic Church, the communion of

saints, the forgiveness of sins, the

resurrection of the body, and the life

everlasting. Amen.

Assignment: Memorise the

Apostles Creed as stated here.

GETTING STARTED BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Christian theology involves talking about God

from a Christian perspective - in a Christian

way.

This is different to the way that other religions

will talk or think about God.

It is the process of looking at the Bible and

bringing together the different themes

contained in it,

and also,

the result of that reflection, the ideas that come

—often we call this doctrine (teachings).

Christians also use creeds (brief statements

of the Christian faith) for teaching purposes

—many Christian theologians argue that

Christian theology is the exploration of the

basic ideas of these creeds, their basis in

the Bible and their impact on Christian

thinking and living.

Christians also use creeds (brief statements

of the Christian faith) for teaching purposes

—many Christian theologians argue that

Christian theology is the exploration of the

basic ideas of these creeds, their basis in

the Bible and their impact on Christian

thinking and living.

The word creed comes from theLatin credo meaning, “I believe”

HOW DO WE STUDY THEOLOGY?

If you had to write a new course on theology to be taught at your church how would you go about it, what resources would you use?

HOW DO WE STUDY THEOLOGY?

1. From Theologians

2. Looking at the History of Christian

Theology

3. By Topic (subject)

1. FROM THEOLOGIANS

We might read different theologians and

see their approach and how they develop

their ideas,

- how do they deal with different

arguments,

- how do they use the Bible and other

theologians?

McGrath mentions two theologians from

the classic era of Christian theology,

i)______________________________________

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(Latin, the total of theology) which is one of

the most admired works of systematic

theology.



i)______________________________________

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theology.

Thomas Aquinas (ca. 1225-1274),wrote Summa Theologiae



i)______________________________________

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theology.

Thomas Aquinas (ca. 1225-1274),wrote Summa Theologiae

ii) ____________________________________

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one of the most important works of

Christian theology.

ii) ____________________________________

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one of the most important works of

Christian theology.

John Calvin (1509-1564) wroteInstitutes of the Christian Religion

In the 20th century two theologians are

often looked at with special interest,

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thought of as one of the most important

theological works of this period.



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i) Karl Barth (1886-1968), a Protestant,who wrote Church Dogmatics



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i) Karl Barth (1886-1968), a Protestant,who wrote Church Dogmatics

KARL BARTH WAS A SWISS REFORMED THEOLOGIAN WHO IS OFTEN REGARDED AS THE GREATEST PROTESTANT THEOLOGIAN

OF THE TWENTIETH CENTURY. WIKIPEDIA

"FAITH IS AWE IN THE PRESENCE OF THE DIVINE INCOGNITO; IT IS THE LOVE OF

GOD THAT IS AWARE OF THE QUALITATIVE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GOD AND MAN AND GOD AND THE WORLD."

ii) ____________________________________,

a Catholic, who wrote Theological

Investigations, which reestablished the use

of short theological essays in theological

debate and exploration.

ii) ____________________________________,

a Catholic, who wrote Theological

Investigations, which reestablished the use

of short theological essays in theological

debate and exploration.

Karl Rahner (1904-84)

KARL RAHNER, WAS A GERMAN JESUIT PRIEST AND THEOLOGIAN WHO IS CONSIDERED ONE OF THE MOST

INFLUENTIAL CATHOLIC THEOLOGIANS OF THE 20TH CENTURY.

WIKIPEDIA

“THE NUMBER ONE CAUSE OF ATHEISM IS CHRISTIANS. THOSE WHO PROCLAIM HIM

WITH THEIR MOUTHS AND DENY HIM WITH THEIR ACTIONS IS WHAT AN UNBELIEVING

WORLD FINDS UNBELIEVABLE.”

What are the strengths

and weaknesses of

studying theologians

in order to decide our

doctrine?

Although there are good points in this

approach it is demanding for students who

would have to read a large amount of

material and know a lot of background

material before being able to properly

understand the subject.

And, as McGrath puts it, “Why limit the

study of theology to such a limited number

of figures?”

2. HISTORICAL THEOLOGY

2. HISTORICAL THEOLOGY

This means looking at the history ofChristian theology and seeing howit has developed through the ages.

This doesn’t focus on individuals and their

efforts but requires much study by students

in looking at how over 2000 years Christian

thinking has evolved.

Each theologian will have their own opinion

on how to divide this period up in order to

make it manageable but McGrath suggests

this structure:

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This term really indicates that it is a period

of time involved or starting with the

apostles, when the New Testament

documents were written. Christianity

expanded across the Mediterranean with

Paul, with the events of the book of Acts

being pivotal.

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being pivotal.

1.The Apostolic Period - the first100 years

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being pivotal.

1.The Apostolic Period - the first100 years

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Patristic comes from the Greek patres,

meaning fathers—a term used to refer to

the writers of this period.

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Patristic comes from the Greek patres,

meaning fathers—a term used to refer to

the writers of this period.

2. The Patristic Period

From approximately 100 to 451 (The Council of Chalcedon).

The Council of Chalcedon was a landmark

in clarifying thinking about some issues but

especially Jesus Christ. During this period

the church, Jesus Christ, the Trinity, and the

relationship of grace and freewill were

heavily explored.

The Council of Chalcedon was a landmark

in clarifying thinking about some issues but

especially Jesus Christ. During this period

the church, Jesus Christ, the Trinity, and the

relationship of grace and freewill were

heavily explored.

The Council of Chalcedon, A.D. 451 Summoned by the emperor Marcian, at the

instance of the Roman bishop Leo

Composed of 520 (some say 630) bishops.

Among these were 3 delegates of the

bishop of Rome, 2 bishops of Africa, and

the rest all Greeks and Orientals.

Fixed the orthodox doctrine of the person

of Christ in opposition to Eutychianism and

Nestorianism. (Schaff, History of the Church)

RESTART

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(Medieval means a middle age, or

intervening period). Theologically this time

produced some very influential writers—we

mentioned Thomas Aquinas’ Summa

Theologiae, but could also include the

writings of Duns Scotus (1266-1308) and

William of Ockham (1280-1349).

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(Medieval means a middle age, or

intervening period). Theologically this time

produced some very influential writers—we

mentioned Thomas Aquinas’ Summa

Theologiae, but could also include the

writings of Duns Scotus (1266-1308) and

William of Ockham (1280-1349).

3. The Medieval Period

From the Council of Chalcedon until about 1500.

Major issues developed in this period

include, the relation between faith and reason, the theology of the sacraments,

as well as continued exploration of issues

discussed in the patristic period including

grace and free will as well as the identity of Christ.











_______________________________________

The 16th century was a time of rapid

change in the Western church. From this

period of reformation the Protestant

tradition developed.

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a great theological debate was started with

special interest given to issues like the

Bible, the church and what it is necessary to

do in order to be saved.

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4.The Reformation

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4.The Reformation

Headed by Martin Luther and John Calvin

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4.The Reformation

Headed by Martin Luther and John Calvin

The Catholic church also had a time of

reformation with the Council of Trent

(1544-63) establishing a Catholic position on

many important issues.

Many scholars also include the seventeenth

century (the 1600’s) as part of this time of

great reformation saying that in this time

the changes which started in the previous

century were consolidated.

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Also in this period Christians firstemigrated to North America and startedto establish that region as an important

theological centre.






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Also in this period Christians firstemigrated to North America and startedto establish that region as an important

theological centre.

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This is thought of as the time since the 18th

century. In Western Europe there was a

great deal of difficulty following the French

revolution of 1789 and in Eastern Europe

the rise of Marxism had a powerful effect in

the 20th century.

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This is thought of as the time since the 18th

century. In Western Europe there was a

great deal of difficulty following the French

revolution of 1789 and in Eastern Europe

the rise of Marxism had a powerful effect in

the 20th century.

5. The Modern Period

It was also a period of great theological

creativity in Europe and North America.

Also there was an increase in Christian

presence in Asia and Africa with a result of

new local theological ideas coming from

these regions.

“HISTORICAL THEOLOGY IS CRUCIAL BECAUSE OF WHAT IT SHOWS US CONCERNING THE EMERGENCE,

DEVELOPMENT, REFINEMENT, AND ULTIMATE IMPACT OF CHRISTIAN BELIEF.”

SAM STORMS

What are the strengths

and weaknesses of

studying Historical

theology in order to

decide our doctrine?

We can see from the brief survey here that

historical theology is a complex and

demanding study. McGrath suggests that

his book is not suitable for such a study, it

would simply not be possible to do it

properly in the space of this introductory

book. For this reason he says he has

adopted the topical approach to studying

theology.

3. TOPICAL THEOLOGY

3. TOPICAL THEOLOGY

Topical theological study involves looking atdifferent areas (topics / subjects) of Christianthought and exploring what theologians have

said about them and how these ideas havedeveloped. This will help in developing our

own thinking about issues, not simply learningwhat great theologians have concluded.

3. TOPICAL THEOLOGY

Christian theology has always appealed tothree basic resources: the Bible, tradition, andreason. In view of their importance, we shall

examine each of them in a little detail, beforemoving on to our first topic.

A FEW IDEAS THAT WILL INFLUENCE YOUR

APPROACH TO THEOLOGY...

INTRODUCING THE BIBLE

The word Bible comes from the Greek,

biblia, meaning books.

Christians see the bible having authority in

matters of thought and life.

What parts of the Bible do you fully obey and what parts do you choose not to—why? ______________________________________________________________________________

It is divided into the Old and New

Testaments.

The Old Testament is made up of the

sacred Jewish scriptures.

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It is divided into the Old and New

Testaments.

The Old Testament is made up of the

sacred Jewish scriptures.

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Christians see this section as setting the scene for the coming of Jesus, who would bring its themes and

laws to fulfilment.

In theological terms testament means

covenant or dispensation. The idea being

that the same God who entered into a

covenant with the people of Israel has now

entered into a new covenant with all of

humanity , leading to the emergence of the

Christian church. This means that,

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This is a “new covenant” or “new

dispensation”.

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dispensation”.

1.God called both the people of Israeland the Christian church—they are both

“chosen people” in biblical terms

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dispensation”.

1.God called both the people of Israeland the Christian church—they are both

“chosen people” in biblical terms2. A new phase of God dealing with

humanity came about in Christ

These ideas change the way Christians read

the OT:

We see the OT as anticipating the coming

of Christ, and this is often seen in the NT

e.g. Matt 1-2 where we see the idea of

Christ fulfilling the OT scriptures is seen.

Why would it be important for Matthew that Jesus Christ is seen as

fulfilling OT prophecy?

Christians think the Bible is important in

terms of theological authority / debate and personal devotion.

Historic confessions of faith see it as central

to thinking and living and the Second

Vatican Council (1962-65) reaffirmed its

centrality for Catholic theology and

preaching.

We speak of the Bible being inspired by God, passing on God’s words (theologically

we speak of its inspiration), e.g. The Gallic

Confession of Faith (1559),

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We speak of the Bible being inspired by God, passing on God’s words (theologically

we speak of its inspiration), e.g. The Gallic

Confession of Faith (1559),

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We believe that the Word contained inthese books has proceeded from God,

and receives its authority from himalone, and not from human beings.

The French Confession of Faith (1559)Also known as the Gallic Confession

Traces its origin to a statement of faith sent

to John Calvin from Reformed churches in

France during a period of persecution in

1557. Calvin drew this statement into a

confession for them, probably with the help

of Theodore Beza and Pierre Viret.

When persecution subsided in 1559, 20

delegates representing 72 churches met

secretly in Paris to expand upon Calvin's

confession, and annex to it a Constitution of

Ecclesiastical Discipline. In 1560 The French

Confession of Faith was presented to Louis

II with a preface requesting that persecution

cease.

Outline - included: God

Revelation

Holy Scriptures

Scriptures, Rule of Faith

The Authority of Scriptures

The Trinity

Creation

The Providence of God

Original Purity and Fall of Man

Heredity of Sin

The Condemnation of Sin

Our Election in Christ

Our Salvation is in Christ

The Divinity and the Humanity

of Jesus Christ

The Two Natures of Christ

The Death of Christ

Our Reconciliation

Our Free Forgiveness

Prayer

Justification by Faith

The Gift of Faith

Our Regeneration

The Use of the Law and the

Prophets

Rejection of False Doctrines

The Ministry of Preaching and

of the Sacraments

The Union of the Church

The True Church

Counterfeit Churches

The Officers of the Church

Equality Among Pastors

Callings

Union Between Churches

Ecclesiastical Laws and

Regulations

The Sacraments in General

Baptism

The Lord’s Supper

The Efficacy of the Sacraments

The Necessity of the

Sacraments

The Necessity of Governments

Obedience Owed to

Authorities

Some Christians disagree about what is

included in the Bible.

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These books date from OT times but were

not originally written in Hebrew and so not

included in the Jewish or Hebrew bibles.

Some Christians disagree about what is

included in the Bible.

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These books date from OT times but were

not originally written in Hebrew and so not

included in the Jewish or Hebrew bibles.

Most important here is The Apocrypha,(from the Greek for hidden), also known

as “Deuterocanonical works”.

Protestants tend to think of these books as

interesting but carrying no authority in

doctrine. Catholics and Orthodox Christians

tend to include them as part of the Bible.

Some Bibles include them in a third section

titled the Apocrypha, in Catholic bibles (e.g.

Jerusalem Bible) they are included in the

OT section.

Protestants tend to think of these books as

interesting but carrying no authority in

doctrine. Catholics and Orthodox Christians

tend to include them as part of the Bible.

Some Bibles include them in a third section

titled the Apocrypha, in Catholic bibles (e.g.

Jerusalem Bible) they are included in the

OT section.

RESTART

TRADITION

TRADITIONHow important is tradition in your life, in

your church?

How do you justify what you do?

In the early church there were a series of

controversies all of which led people to see

the importance of tradition.

Tradition comes from a Latin word and

means

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This idea is found in the Bible, 1 Cor 15:1-4

In the early church there were a series of

controversies all of which led people to see

the importance of tradition.

Tradition comes from a Latin word and

means

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This idea is found in the Bible, 1 Cor 15:1-4

“handing over, down or on”

Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind

you of the gospel I preached to you, which

you received and on which you have taken

your stand. 2 By this gospel you are saved, if

you hold firmly to the word I preached to

you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain.

3 For what I received I passed on to you as of

first importance[a]: that Christ died for our

sins according to the Scriptures, 4 that he

was buried, that he was raised on the third

day according to the Scriptures...

In the church tradition means a number of

things,

• The passing on of teachings—a process

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in this manner—a body of teaching

•______________________________________

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—Jesus criticised certain activities within

Judaism of his day, Matt 15:1-6, Mark 7:13


things,


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The content of teachings passed on


things,


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•______________________________________

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The content of teachings passed on

Human ideas and practices that are notdivinely authorised

The Pastoral Epistles contain a great deal of

information about church structure and

teaching—yet they also command in 2 Tim

1:14,

Guard the good deposit that was

entrusted to you—guard it with the help

of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.

The importance of tradition was shown in

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controversy of the second century. This

focussed on certain questions including

how salvation could be achieved.

- It suggested that certain secret ideas had

to be known in order to be saved.

The importance of tradition was shown in

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controversy of the second century. This

focussed on certain questions including

how salvation could be achieved.

- It suggested that certain secret ideas had

to be known in order to be saved.

the Gnostic (Greek word gnosis =knowledge)

- Within this some unusual and creative

interpretations of the Bible were used—how

should they be dealt with?

______________________________________________________________________________

- Within this some unusual and creative

interpretations of the Bible were used—how

should they be dealt with?

______________________________________________________________________________If the Bible was authoritative,

was every interpretation ofequal value?

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a great thinker in church history, didn't think

so. He asked how the Bible was to be

interpreted—he suggested

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whilst orthodox believers interpreted the

Bible in ways that the apostles would have

approved of.

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approved of.

Irenaeus of Lyons (ca. 130-200)

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approved of.

Irenaeus of Lyons (ca. 130-200)

heretics interpreted the Bibleaccording to what they wanted

In other words the apostles didn’t just give

us writings but they also gave a certain way

of reading and understanding those

writings,

“Everyone who wishes to perceive the truth

should consider the apostolic tradition,

which has been made known to every

church in the entire world. We are able to

number those who are bishops appointed

by the apostles, and their successors in the

churches to the present day, who taught

and knew nothing of such things as these

people imagine.”

Irenaeus is saying that there is a stream of

teaching from the apostles to his own day—

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Irenaeus is saying that there is a stream of

teaching from the apostles to his own day—

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the church can see people who havemaintained the standard creeds and

beliefs of Christianity.

Tradition is thus the guarantor offaithfulness to the original apostolicteaching, a safeguard against theinnovations and misrepresentations ofbiblical texts on the part of theGnostics.

This was important as it underlined the

emergence of creeds—

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but avoid unorthodox or unusual

interpretations of biblical material.

This was important as it underlined the

emergence of creeds—

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but avoid unorthodox or unusual

interpretations of biblical material.

which are public, authoritativestatements of the basic points of theChristian faith, which are based upon

the Bible

This was emphasised again by Vincent of

Lerins (died before 450) who was concerned

that new / unusual doctrines were being

introduced without good reason. He saw a

need for public standards by which to judge

such matters, a safeguard against error. He

saw tradition as offering this, suggesting it

was,

This was emphasised again by Vincent of

Lerins (died before 450) who was concerned

that new / unusual doctrines were being

introduced without good reason. He saw a

need for public standards by which to judge

such matters, a safeguard against error. He

saw tradition as offering this, suggesting it

was,

“a rule for the interpretation of theapostles and prophets in such a way that

is directed by the rule of the universalchurch”

Tradition is the form of divine revelation

often associated with the Roman Catholic Church:

Jesus taught his apostles, who orally taught

their successors, who were the bishops of

the early church…and onto present day

Papal succession. It’s a kind of literal

passing of Jesus’ words from successive

generations of church leaders.

Two examples.

In 1854 Pope Pius IX declared the

immaculate conception of Mary. He stated

that when Mary was conceived in the

womb, she bore no guilt from Adam and

had no corruption in her nature. She was

born without sin and lived her entire life

without sin.

In 1950 Pope Pius XII proclaimed the bodily

assumption of Mary. If Mary was conceived

without sin, bore no sin, and lived her entire

life without sin, then there was no need for

her to undergo decay in the grave. Her

body didn’t need to die. Instead, she was

taken up into heaven and remains

embodied there.

Whilst Protestant Christians, think of

tradition being informed by wisdom that

belongs to us from the past, but this kind of

tradition doesn’t consider the past as

binding.

The role of tradition is to clarify and discern

Scripture. Scripture still remains the ultimate

authority.

CREEDS

How did creeds come about in their

modern form? Two things were especially

important:

1._____________________________________

which could be used in teaching, and

defence of the Christian faith against

misrepresentations.

How did creeds come about in their

modern form? Two things were especially

important:

1._____________________________________

which could be used in teaching, and

defence of the Christian faith against

misrepresentations.

The need for public statements of faith

2. _____________________________________

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We have discussed #1, but #2 needs

explaining.

- The early church regarded baptism as

very important.

2. _____________________________________

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We have discussed #1, but #2 needs

explaining.

- The early church regarded baptism as

very important.

The need for personal “confessions offaith” at the time of baptism.

- In the 3rd and 4th centuries a pattern of

instruction for baptism emerged.

- Instruction in the basics of the faith took

place during Lent.

- Candidates were baptised on Easter Day.

- New members had to show their faith by

agreeing to key statements of Christian

belief.

Hippolytus of Rome (died ca. 236) suggests

three questions were put to the candidates:

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Do you believe in Jesus Christ, our Saviour?

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As time went on the answer to each

question was expanded.



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Do you believe in God, the Father Almighty?



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Do you believe in God, the Father Almighty?

Do you believe in the Holy Spirit, the church, the forgiveness of sins?

What, if any, extra questionsmight you ask today? Are

there cultural issues that areimportant to clarify?

The most important baptismal creed was

the Apostles Creed which is usually set out

in 12 statements. Although the Apostles did

not write the creed it is apostolic in

containing the main ideas of the Christian

faith that the church received form the

apostles. The modern form has three

sections which answer, in expanded form,

the three questions of Hippolytus.

The most important baptismal creed was

the Apostles Creed which is usually set out

in 12 statements. Although the Apostles did

not write the creed it is apostolic in

containing the main ideas of the Christian

faith that the church received form the

apostles. The modern form has three

sections which answer, in expanded form,

the three questions of Hippolytus.

For the book, and this course, it offers agood summary of the Christian faith and

will be used in this course.

RESTART

REASON

Reason is important in Christian theology.

Traditionally in theological thinking reason

is thought to be subservient to revelation.

Thomas Aquinas argued that supernatural

truths had to be revealed to us (by God)—

human reason on its own could not come to

God or know / understand him.

But the human mind could reflect or think

about things once they had been revealed,

although this must be done

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But the human mind could reflect or think

about things once they had been revealed,

although this must be done

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critically (thoroughly / carefully /deliberately, in order to judge what the

good and bad aspects of somethingare).

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(a very influential writer in the Latin west).

He said that human reason and

philosophies had much to offer theology as

long as they were used critically. He used

Israel leaving Egypt to explain his point:

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(a very influential writer in the Latin west).

He said that human reason and

philosophies had much to offer theology as

long as they were used critically. He used

Israel leaving Egypt to explain his point:

Being critical yet positive was theattitude of Augustine of Hippo

When Israel left Egypt they took many

treasures of Egypt with them. Augustine

says that in the same way we can take out

all that is good in philosophy and use it in

preaching the gospel.

Moreover, if those who are called philosophers,

and especially the Platonists, have said aught

that is true and in harmony with our faith, we

are not only not to shrink from it, but to claim it

for our own use... For, as the Egyptians had not

only the idols and heavy burdens which the

people of Israel hated and fled from, but also

vessels and ornaments of gold and silver, and

garments, which the same people when going

out of Egypt appropriated to themselves,

designing them for a better use...

These, therefore, the Christian, when he

separates himself in spirit from the

miserable fellowship of these men, ought to

take away from them, and to devote to their

proper use in preaching the gospel. Their

garments, also,—that is, human institutions

such as are adapted to that intercourse with

men which is indispensable in this life,—we

must take and turn to a Christian use.

Much of Christian reasoning followed this

approach until the “Age of

Reason” (1750-1950). During this time

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______________________________________.

Reason could deduce anything that needed

to be known about God, there was no need

of diving revelation.

Much of Christian reasoning followed this

approach until the “Age of

Reason” (1750-1950). During this time

_______________________________________

_______________________________________

______________________________________.

Reason could deduce anything that needed

to be known about God, there was no need

of diving revelation.

humanity said that unaided humanreasoning could explain and master the

world

______________________________________.

It is less influential now as people have seen

that rationalism varies between cultures—

reason was not the universal quality that

many thought it to be.

This is called rationalism______________________________________.

It is less influential now as people have seen

that rationalism varies between cultures—

reason was not the universal quality that

many thought it to be.

HELPMATES—ASSISTANTS OR HELPERS—ANCILLA THEOLOGIAE

Ancilla Theologiae

_______________________________________

_______________________________________

In addition to faith and reason coming

together there are other intellectual

resources that Christians have called upon

to support and develop their theological

vision.

Ancilla Theologiae

_______________________________________

_______________________________________

In addition to faith and reason coming

together there are other intellectual

resources that Christians have called upon

to support and develop their theological

vision.

is Latin and means—“a handmaid oftheology”

For a long time Christians have believed

that philosophies developed by non-

Christian thinkers can be of use in

developing theological thinking as well as

dialogue between Christian thinkers and

their cultural environment.

McGrath suggests that Platonism and

Aristotelianism are the two most important

examples of this.

1. Platonism was the first major worldview

encountered by the church as it spread.

This encounter could be seen as positive or

negative—an opportunity for dialogue and

growth, or a threat to the existence of

Christianity.

Early scholars such as Justin Martyr (ca.

100-164) and Clement of Alexandria (ca

15-215) had to make use of the intellectual

good points of Platonism to help

Christianity, whilst not compromising

Christianity itself. There are occasional

similarities in Platonism and Christianity, but

they are not the same.

2. In the 13th century (the golden age of

scholastic theology) Aristotle was

rediscovered by Medieval writers who felt he

offered new resources that helped in

intellectual life including, physics, ethics and

philosophy. Theologians wanted to see what

use they could make of Aristotelian ideas and

methods. Thomas Aquinas’ Summa

Theologiae was produced at this time—

considered one of the greatest works of

theology ever written.

For both of these using another intellectual

discipline as ancilla theologiae brought

opportunities and risk.

_______________________________________

The major opportunities in this approach

are,

What do you think they are?

The major opportunities in this approach

are,

1. It allows for a more rigorous exploration

of ideas. The problems Christian

theologians encounter within their work are

paralleled by others in their work too.

Aquinas made use of Aristotle's idea of an

“unmoved mover” helpful in arguing for the

existence of God.

2. _____________________________________

_______________________________________

_______________________________________

. Justin Martyr believed that Platonists

would be impressed by similarities with

Platonism and Christianity and so consider

converting. Paul in his Areopagus address

used ideas from stoic philosophy to try to

share Christ with the Athenian culture.

2. _____________________________________

_______________________________________

_______________________________________

. Justin Martyr believed that Platonists

would be impressed by similarities with

Platonism and Christianity and so consider

converting. Paul in his Areopagus address

used ideas from stoic philosophy to try to

share Christ with the Athenian culture.

It allows theology to engage in dialoguewith another worldview—helping with

witness to a secular context

On a negative note the dangers include,

-_____________________________________

_______________________________________

______________________________________.

Martin Luther argued that the uncritical use

of Aristotelian ideas had influenced

medieval theology in a negative way during

the Middle Ages.

On a negative note the dangers include,

-_____________________________________

_______________________________________

______________________________________.

Martin Luther argued that the uncritical use

of Aristotelian ideas had influenced

medieval theology in a negative way during

the Middle Ages.

ideas that are not distinctly Christiancome to play an important role in

Christian theology

- However many still think this use is

positive—German theologians of the 19th

century used Hegel and Kant in their work,

Rudolf Bultman (1884-1976) and Paul Tillich

(1886-1965) found engaging existentialism

to be useful.

This section has given a brief background to

Christian theology—and yet it has left much

unsaid or untouched. McGrath suggests he

shall start to fill in these gaps by examining

specific theological topics and using these

to reflect on issues, ideas, personalities and

debates of Christian theology. His

framework for this is to use the Apostles’

Creed—something that most of us are

familiar with.

The need for public statements of faith

To counter the reformers’ emphasis on Scripture

as the sole basis of revelation and interpretation,

the Catholic Church reaffirmed both its oral and

its written traditions as the basis of faith.

The biblical canon was determined by the

Catholic Church, so the same church must be the

source and norm of true interpretation.

Jerome’s Vulgate, including the

deuterocanonical books, was confirmed by the

council as the official Bible of the Catholic

Church.

The Council argued that, in addition to

theology and moral law, the Bible provides

reliable knowledge regarding history and the

world, including cosmology, natural history,

science, and law.

The council also claimed that political

authority is instituted by God, meaning that

every political power is subject to the

authority of the church, a matter that would

be disputed on the battlefield during the

Thirty Years War (1618–1648).

Spiritual

Doctrine—Geting Started