Definition and Divisions of Theology (12 of 16 notes)

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

He makes the following remarks about dogmas:

a dogma is a doctrine officially defined by the Church and declared to rest upon divine authority.¹³ Personal opinions, however true and valuable they may be, do not constitute Christian dogmas.¹⁴ The question may arise, what church body has the power to determine what must be believed .... Reformed Churches particularly have always stressed the fact that every local church is a complete representation of the Church of Jesus Christ, and therefore also has the potestas dogmatica or docendi, the power to determine what shall be recognized as dogma in her own circle.¹⁵ While they (Protestant churches) demand acceptance of their dogmas, because they regard them as correct formulations of Scripture truth, they admit the possibility that the Church may have been in error in defining the truth. And if dogmas are found to be contrary to the Word of God, they cease to be authoritative.¹⁶

13          Ibid., p. 14.

14          Ibid., p. 22.

15          Ibid., p. 17.

16          lbid., p.25.

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