Systematic Theology – The Fallacy
The idea of a systematic theology gives us a thorough understanding of various kinds of doctrine and dogma one might use to describe their faith. Essentially anything with -ology behind it is included in the typical Systematic Theology. Academics use these philosophical works to bolster their views or argue against someone else’s. That is fine, but what if key parts lack foundation? Does that cause the whole thing to unravel?
I offer a different view based on the context of creation. That context, to me, is wildly clear to the point it trivializes many arguments held in systematics. For example, hell is not burning in a pit somewhere. It is quite different. It is described perfectly in Romans 1:27. Hell is the division of self, like Eve from Adam, while one side recognizes it and the other does not notice. Getting past the fire and brimstone changes perspectives dramatically in this one doctrine.
Christology is another point that is interesting. The Bible says Christ is a mystery. If Jesus Christ is a mystery, how can we be certain of our own perspectives? The Trinity is another point debated in great depth. While I think I still hold to the idea of the Holy Trinity, it is complicated and utterly unsupported by Genesis 1:27, as Man is made in the image of gods, not the Trinity. Well, Man is created in the image of the Trinity as well, but it is not that simple. Not at all.
Confusion Through Pride
Confusion comes early and often in the Bible, but to think we overcame the impact of the confused languages at the Tower of Babel by thinking through the various aspects of God’s creation is a bit arrogant. 1 Cor 1:20 asks where the philosophers of this day are. This is because they are made to be fools. 1 Cor 2:13 says they were taught by the Spirit, not by human wisdom. In other words, don’t bother with the books; worry about the message from the Spirit of God. Colossians 2:8 warns that we are not taken captive by philosophy. This is a staunch warning against people attempting to understand biblical things, according to academia.
False Teaching
James 3:1-2 tells us the result. Any teacher is a false teacher. The reason for this is the truth is hidden. It is hidden by the sword, which means the Word of God. Jeremiah 8:8 tells us we are fools to believe the lying pen of the scribe. Whether this is the philosopher of the day (today?) or the prophet of the time, it is applicable. Isaiah 6:9-10 gives us background so we can recognize the impact, and this confusion was called for by the Lord himself.
Backstory
The backstory begins in the Garden of Eden. If Man fell and Jesus redeems man, the reverse of the Garden of Eden must come to pass. That is because the transgression was to know the difference between good and evil. The point of a Systematic Theology is to better understand how things work together. This is a deep dive into the way things string together. The challenge, however, is the rules did not allow Mankind to fall again. Romans 5:13 says sin did not count until the Law came, which is because there were no rules. Death, however, did count.
That is why Jesus came. He came to pull the burning sticks out of the fire and toss the mighty into the flames. Jesus, recall, came to baptize with fire and Spirit. He did not come to baptize with cool water as John the Baptist did. Jesus was the Word of God, which is the flaming sword of baptism by fire that guards Eden from all sides. The Word came because Moses struck the rock twice.
Back to Confusion
We must return to confusion to catch the nuance. Division was required; however, that did not work. Cohabitation in the wilderness yet away from the Garden of Eden. The only way to hammer the weapons of war into plows and pruning hooks so that war will never break out again is through the Word. This is a promise of hell if someone does something wrong. God, through Christ, delivers on the promise. That, however, took confused languages, so human pride allows us the chance to witness while we get enough wrong to be blinded. This is why the Apostle Paul had to clarify he was not lying when he said he was both an Apostle and a Preacher (1 Tim 2:7). The Apostle divides while the preacher brings near. They co-labor, and that is unexpected.
Human Nature
The rub comes from the human side of pride. We want to think we understand things, and that pride blinds us. That is why Jesus said he taught in parables. If we turn to the side, we will be saved (Matt 13:13-17, John 13:14, Nu 21:9). Philosophers ignore this because they think they understand. They teach because that is their craft. The problem is the details are not understood by them because they don’t realize the text is locked (Isaiah 29:11-12). They cannot even see there is a lock. Others, however, know there is a lock and they can’t read it. That is the power of the confused language from the Tower of Babel.
To think we can overcome the curse that came from the fall is undeniably against the idea of faith in Christ. Instead, it is faith in our own interpretation. Human nature is the curse of the prison door.
Systematic Theology Retooled
Does this mean we should give up on systematic theologies and academia? I don’t think we should do that, but we must place significant emphasis on discovery and submission to the will of God through the Holy Spirit. Without God’s intervention, we have no hope of breaking the seals ordained by God. We simply do not have the ability to do that.
Philosophers and academics make their living from this kind of thing. We must not forget that. If someone changes his or her mind, they will lose followers and revenue. It is expensive for this kind of person to make that change. As such, we remain in a rut because these are the luminaries we look to for guidance and understanding as we discern our own paths forward. Be cautious. Pray frequently. Skepticism is healthy —and biblical.
