Definition and Divisions of Theology (2 of 16 notes)

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

As noted in the last sentence of the above definition, methods of dividing the general field of Theology differ. Strong gives a four-fold division: Biblical Theology, Historical Theology, Systematic Theology, and Practical Theology.³ A. A. Hodge proposes six divisions: Sciences auxiliary to the study of Theology, Apologetics, Exegetical Theology, Systematic Theology, Practical Theology, and Historical Theology.⁴ Chafer lists twelve uses of the word: Natural Theology, Revealed Theology, Biblical Theology, Theology Proper, Historical Theology, Dogmatic Theology, Speculative Theology, Old Testament Theology, New Testament Theology, Pauline, Johannine, Petrine Theologies, Practical Theology, and Systematic or Thetic Theology.⁵ Thiessen classifies the field: Exegetical Theology (which includes the study of Biblical Languages, Biblical Archaeology, Biblical Introduction, Biblical Hermeneutics, and Biblical Theology); Historical Theology (embracing Biblical History, Church History, History of Missions, History of Doctrine, and History of Creeds and Confessions); Systematic Theology (including Apologetics, Polemics, and Biblical Ethics); and Practical Theology (embracing Homiletics, Church Organization and Administration, Liturgics or the Program of Worship, Christian Education, and Missions).⁶

3            Strong, op. cit., pp. 41-43.

4            A. A. Hodge, Outlines of Theology (Chicago: The Bible Institute Colportage Ass'n, 1878),pp. 17, 18.

5            L. S. Chafer, Systematic Theology (Dallas: Dallas Seminary Press, 1947), I, pp. 4, 5.

6            Henry C. Thiessen, Systematic Theology (Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1951), p. 46.

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