Definition and Divisions of Theology (10 of 16 notes)

Part One
INTRODUCTION: 4 SOURCES AND DIVISIONS OF THEOLOGY SOURCES
A DISPENSATIONAL THEOLOGY
By Charles F Baker

Strong makes a clear distinction between Dogmatic and Sysematic Theology:

Systematic Theology is to be clearly distinguished from Dogmatic Theology. Dogmatic Theology is, in strict usage, the systematizing of the doctrines as expressed in the symbols of the church (by which he means confessions, creeds, articles of faith, etc.), together with the grounding of these in the Scriptures, and the exhibition, so far as may be, of their rational necessity. Systematic Theology begins, on the other hand, not with symbols, but with the Scriptures. It asks first, not what the church has believed, but what is the truth of God's revealed word.¹¹

11           Strong, op. cit., pp 41, 42.

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