I just had a thought: What’s the difference between a “Biblical Studies” type person, and an “Systematic Theology” type person (I generalize)? I think that the Bib Studies people are delayed gratification people, and the Systematic Theologian types are immediate gratification. I make this observation as one who is seemingly more predisposed to the “ST” side. And I say this because I often read “Bib S” blogs (and materials), and I find it interesting that they often are wrestling through issues like the Apostle Paul’s christology or something, or John’s;Β Β or the kind of stuff thatΒ “ST” type folk figured out centuries ago π .
There are pros and cons to either side of this chasm, but I think as an anecdote there is some truth here. Ideally the two, in the “body dynmaic,” should complement each other; I usually don’t see this happening so much, unfortunately (although I have read some constructive works lately — like Suzanne McDonald’s “Re-imaging Election” — wherein they work at doing a complementary-disciplinary project).
Bobby,
Biblical theology is not “schizophrenia” certainly, π but it is often “mystery”, let’s hope that we can allow this to remain, and often!
I’m thinking in more formal terms than that though, Fr Robert.
I know Bobby, but sadly quite often we can get ourselves very confused! I am watching TC do just that! π It is one thing again to debate our own mental positions and thinking, it is quite another to lose our theological grip. I have seen more than one theological student loose his way!
You should check out Michael Lawrence’s book, “Biblical Theology in the Life of the Church.” He does a good job of showing how Biblical and Systematic Theology mesh and the need for both in studying, teaching and preaching God’s Word.
Fr Robert,
Yes, but often before we get a grip we have to wrestle. I know you don’t use the blogs that way, but many do. Also to loose one’s theological grip presupposes that one has said grip in the first place, eh. π
How would you, in a simple statement, define: “theological grip?”
@Tyler,
Welcome. Thanks for the comment! What’s Lawrence’s background? Does he prof somewhere, pastor, etc? Could you summarise his basic thesis?