Who wins souls?

I have seen people abandon their faith in seminary, and I have seen people become indoctrinated into a theological system. I don't mean this as a slight towards seminary as I am a seminary graduate and I found the experience one of great growth in Christ. So seminary itself is not the problem (perhaps depending on the seminary - I do not believe seminaries are there to indoctrinate people into a specific interpretation of Scripture, although they certainly set the boundaries in terms of what is beyond acceptance). Sometimes churches fall into the error of indoctrinating people into a belief they don't understand as well.

I disagree that systematic theology is a problem. We need to reason through Scripture as a whole, and we see the systematic approach to Scripture implemented in the New Testament itself (John used systematic theology in explaining Jesus as the "logos"; Paul made use of the theology in every epistle he authored; Hebrews reflects systematic theology throughout). We also hold as orthodox truths that are only arrived at through systematic theology (the doctrine of the Trinity, for example).

So while I agree leadership is an issue, I will note that the leaders were once the led. And the leaders are only so because people follow.

 

I do not know your experience, but this was not mine. But this depends on what you mean by “a central system of theology”. I had professors that ranged from free-will Baptist to Reformed Baptist. For the most part, you never knew where the professors stood as this was not their point. This was a Baptist seminary, so there are certain doctrines that were required – but not a theological system.

I see. I misunderstood your objection as to be anti-systematic theology when instead you are objecting to some theories that have come out of this method. And I do see the dangers. We have men who blindly follow various theological systems – sometimes they may even be correct in what they believe yet wrong in what they reject. So I do agree with you here, but I think it is because men are prideful. We, by necessity, understand through our understanding. But until we are able to hold our understanding as exactly that we will not be able to dialogue with people we disagree with because we will always see them as inferior. This is a problem.

 

This thread is closed. But, it's without prejudice. So, y'all are free to pick up on points of continued interest.