Prolegomena (systematic theology)

Prolegomena simply means prefatory remarks. The Prolegomena of a systematic theology refers to the methodological questions generally found in the opening sections, dealing with the nature and task of theology and perhaps with the nature and focal point of revelation.^[1]^

Systematic theology is a structured full encompassing synthesis of historical, philosophical, apologetical, and exegetical out workings from man of the Bible with all other documents pertaining to the God of the Bible, and all His works in a scientifically organized manner to create a harmonization of truthful concise thought.

The method of theology is crucial to the desired outcome, but before that can be formulated, a proper motivation must be at the core of any theological endeavor. The outcome of the systematic theology process must be out from the believer’s faith to discover the truth of God. Only through faith in the truth which he seeks will God bestow the desired knowledge and wisdom on to him. In 1 Kings 3:9-12, Solomon, through faith desires to know the ways of God, “So give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people to discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours”. God Responds because of Solomon’s faith and grants him the wisdom he desired, “behold, I have done according to your words. Behold, I have given you a wise and discerning heart”. With the blessing of Whom the believer wishes to inquire about, a practical method can be established.

Theology must begin with a central idea from which a thesis is derived that shall be the focus of all research and create a theme in the resources chosen in relation to it. All the information gathered then is examined and sorted into importance of aiding in development of the thesis, and must be set alongside Scripture and compared for any discrepancies. Any sources that do not mesh with biblical teaching are to be excluded, but all main supportive sources along with verses of Scripture can be collected and compiled. For a thorough use of Scripture, cultural and historical background resources should be used to gain a greater understanding of context. By weighing the positive and negative arguments in comparison to Scripture the developed thesis can be found to be true or false, and concluded on in accordance to the test of application.

Theology is important to every human on earth. Through the good practice of theology, many aspects of a person are affected such as a mindset and correct way of thinking toward God which will lead to proper actions, and ultimately reform their lifestyle into one lived for the glory of God.

Notes

  1. ? Grenz, Stanley J., David Guretzki, and Cherith Fee Nordling. Pocket Dictionary of Theological Terms. New York: InterVarsity Press, 1999.