Why Systematic Theology?

     I have recently learned that, over the centuries, there have been opponents to Systematic Theology in favor of Biblical Theology. Their argument, in part, is based on the fact that the individual books of the Bible were written by different authors to different people in various historical and cultural contexts. To properly understand the teaching of a particular book of the Bible, therefore, it must be considered in light of when and where it was written, its authorship, its original readership, and the purpose for which it was written. This truth leads critics of Systematic Theology to say that is is wrong to search for common theological themes throughout the Scriptures.
     In response, there is no need to search for common theological themes connecting the various books of the Bible because those themes are clearly evident. It does not take long to realize that statements about certain theological themes are continually made throughout the Scriptures. While it is true that the various books of the Bible were written by different authors to different audiences for different purposes in different historical contexts, they were all inspired by the same God, whose truths are timeless. And He used these various authors writing with various styles at different times to reveal His timeless truths.
     To further clarify, let me draw the distinction between Biblical Theology and Systematic Theology. Bilbical Theology, as I understand it, takes a particular book of the Bible and treats it as a whole unto itself. In so doing, the student of the Word asks, "What does this book say about God? What does it say about Jesus Christ? The Holy Spirit? Man? Salvation?" After studying one book of the Bible, the student then proceeds on to another. The problem is that strict adherence to the practice of Biblical Theology does not allow for the interpretation of a passage in one book of the Bible in light of another book. This creates problems when the teaching of one book seems to contradict that of another.
     Let me give you an example. In Romans 4 & 5, Paul makes the argument that we are saved by faith and not by works. He makes the same statement very concisely in Ephesians 2:8-9, which says, "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast." However, when we read James 2, we find a different message. There, the brother of Christ says that "faith without works is dead" (v. 20) and that "a man is justified by works, and not by faith alone" (v. 24).
     We have a dilemma here. Paul says we are saved by faith apart from works. James says we are justified by works in conjunction with our faith. The two statements are diametrically opposed to each other. Which is to be believed? The two statements cannot both be true at the same time. Either one is true and the other is false, or both are false (i.e. salvation by works, of which faith has not part at all ). But both cannot simultaneously be true. And yet, strict adherence to the methodology of Biblical Theology looks at each statement and says, "It is in the Word of God. Therefore, it is true."
     Enter Systematic Theology, which considers the Bible as a whole, allowing Scripture to interpret  Scripture. It treats each book of the Bible as a whole which is also part of a greater Whole. Recognizing that the entire Bible is divinely inspired, Systematic Theology also recognizes that the Bible cannot contradict itself. It is the Word of God, who cannot contradict Himself. Rather than looking at each book of the Bible and considering what it says about various themes within theology, it looks at each theological theme, such as the means of salvation, and asks, "What does the Bible, as a whole, say about this matter?"
     This approach allows us to interpret Romans 4 & 5 and James 2 in light of each other, as well as other passages, leading us to the conclusion that we are indeed saved by faith alone, but also that faith that saves is not alone. Saving faith produces works. For right on the heels of Ephesians 2:8-9, which is cited above, Paul says, "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." For this reason, when James says that faith without works is dead, he is telling us that faith produces works. If works are not present in the life of an individual, then it may well be an indication that neither is faith present. And while we are not actually justified by works, works are the evidence that we have been justified by faith.
     This is but one example of the benefits of Systematic Theology. However, this does not in any way discredit the practice of Biblical Theology. In fact, I am of the opinion that Biblical Theology must serve as the foundation of Systematic Theology. I cannot intrepret James 2 in light of Romans 4 & 5 if I do not know what is taught in Romans 4 & 5. And to fully understand that, I must study those chapters within the greater context of the entire book, including its authorhip, original audience, etc.
     Consistent with this, it could be said that my devotional, The Power of the Word, is my practice of Biblical Theology. I write it as a verse-by-verse study of the Word of God, commenting on the meaning of each verse as I come to it. This Theology section of my website is my practice of Systematic Theology. If you have any questions or comments concerning the material presented here, please send an e-mail to drbrady2004@yahoo.com.