01.01 - Chapter 1 - The Method of Theology
Chapter 1 THE METHOD OF THEOLOGY
Since there are various ways to build a system of religious belief, it is good to remember that the procedure a person decides to pursue will influence the final results. A false or defective process of pre-suppositional inquiry will diminish whatever conclusions are considered. There are several basic methods of theological exploration based upon reason. The Speculative Method In this system, everything considered is made to conform to the philosophical principles previously assumed. For example, Deism assumes the philosophical principle that God operates only according to Natural Law. Pantheism says that God is all, all is God. Rationalism contends that the mind of man has created God, while Evolution takes the position that man is a product of time + space + chance. Christianity assumes the existence of God. While this foundational principle of faith is pleasing to the Lord (Hebrews 11:6), it displeases the philosophies of man which are found to be fundamentally flawed in light of objective evidence. The Christian is warned to, “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.” (Colossians 2:8). The Mystical Method
Individuals who claim special revelations from God embrace the Mystical Method. These revelations are considered to be superior to the Scriptures. Though greatly different, the Gnostics, Ana-Baptist, and the Quaker share a common emphasis on personal revelations from the Lord. In mysticism, everything depends on internal and subjective impressions or convictions rather than on external authority and instruction. For example, the Mormons claim to believe in the Book Of Mormon as an addition external revelation from God. However, acceptance of this spurious work is based upon personal testimony to a “burning in the bosom” that its words are true. Neither the mystics nor the Mormons would never say, “To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them” (Isaiah 8:20). The modern Pentecostal/Charismatic movement is saturated with spiritual subjective standards, but it is not alone. The cults are also suffer from excessive spiritual experiences that depart from the Scriptures reflected in the followers of William Miller. In October, 1843, the followers of William Miller of the Seventh Day Adventist fixed the date for the Second Advent of Christ. Miller, a former Baptist lay minister, believed that his prayers had been answered concerning prophetic events. He was convinced that he was able to interpret prophecy correctly.
Relying on this subjective conviction, Miller convinced others to sell their property, robe themselves in white, and wait for the Second Advent of Jesus. The Lord did not come in October of 1843. What did come was a manifestation of the error of the Mystical Method individuals had chosen to embrace. Truth was set aside in favor of thrilling personal experiences. The seriousness of the Mystical Method is reflected in the Old Testament. “But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in then same of other gods, even that prophet shall die.” (Deuteronomy 18:20) The Inductive Method The Inductive Method of reasoning moves from a part to a whole, from particulars to generals, or from the individual to the universal. It seeks to gather information for examination from all the areas in which God has revealed Himself: the physical universe, human history, the constitution of the human soul, and the revelation of the written Word. Once the information is collected the attempt is made to combine everything into a harmonious and consistent theological system. The Lord is not opposed to the Inductive Method of inquiry.
♦ Proverbs 6:6 “Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise.”
♦ Job 13:3 says, “Surely I would speak to the Almighty, and I desire to reason with God.”
♦ Isaiah 1:18 “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” The Deductive Method
Having gathered particular parts of information, the Deductive Method of reasoning is used to move from these particulars to infer general principles by reasoning. The Deductive Method begins with an inference in which the conclusion follows necessarily from the premises. For example, the Bible tells us in such passages as John 3:16 that God loves. The love of God is manifested in many specific instances of tender care and concern. The general principle is established that God is gracious and merciful. Again, the Bible tells us that, “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handiwork.” (Psalms 19:1) The heart considers the movements of Pleiades and Orion (Job 38:31) and concludes the wisdom and glory of the Creator.