Systematic Theology (Volume 1 of 3)Strong, Augustus Hopkins
Religion
Systematic Theology (Volume 1 of 3)
Strong, Augustus Hopkins
Baptists -- Doctrines; Theology, Doctrinal
John the Evangelist is called by the Fathers “the theologian,”
because he most fully treats of the internal relations of the
persons of the Trinity. Gregory Nazianzen (328) received this
designation because he defended the deity of Christ against the
Arians. For a modern instance of this use of the term “theology”
in the narrow sense, see the title of Dr. Hodge’s first volume:
“Systematic Theology, Vol. I: _Theology_.” But theology is not
simply “the science of God,” nor even “the science of God and
man.” It also gives account of the relations between God and the
universe.
If the universe were God, theology would be the only science.
Since the universe is but a manifestation of God and is distinct
from God, there are sciences of nature and of mind. Theology is
“the science of the sciences,” not in the sense of including all
these sciences, but in the sense of using their results and of
showing their underlying ground; (see Wardlaw, Theology, 1:1, 2).
Physical science is not a part of theology. As a mere physicist,
Humboldt did not need to mention the name of God in his “Cosmos”
(but see Cosmos, 2:418, where Humboldt says: “Psalm 104 presents
an image of the whole Cosmos”). Bishop of Carlisle: “Science is
atheous, and therefore cannot be atheistic.”
Only when we consider the relations of finite things to God, does
the study of them furnish material for theology. Anthropology is a
part of theology, because man’s nature is the work of God and
because God’s dealings with man throw light upon the character of
God. God is known through his works and his activities. Theology
therefore gives account of these works and activities so far as
they come within our knowledge. All other sciences require
theology for their complete explanation. Proudhon: “If you go very
deeply into politics, you are sure to get into theology.” On the
definition of theology, see Luthardt, Compendium der Dogmatik,
1:2; Blunt, Dict. Doct. and Hist. Theol., art.: Theology; H. B.
Smith, Introd. to Christ. Theol., 44; cf. Aristotle, Metaph., 10,
7, 4; 11, 6, 4; and Lactantius, De Ira Dei, 11.
II. Aim of Theology.
The aim of theology is the ascertainment of the facts respecting God and
the relations between God and the universe, and the exhibition of these
facts in their rational unity, as connected parts of a formulated and
organic system of truth.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account