Came in the mail today: Israelology

Israelology claims to be a work of more importance than most books, right? To declare itself a missing theology is a pretty bold claim? How often do other authors make a claim of this magnitude.

This article is interesting. http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.474.3990&rep=rep1&type=pdf

THE DEFINITION, VALIDATION, AND METHODOLOGY OF SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY

The Need for This Paper

The need for this paper is manifold. First, this paper will define both biblical theology and systematic theology in ways that are understandable, agreeable, and workable. Second, this paper will formulate a theological method through which the framework, hypotheses, and systematizing of theology may be achieved. Third, few theologies recognize—at least as clearly and explicitly spelled out in their respective tomes—the existence of presuppositions and a methodology for framing systematic theology.4 In other words, many theologians implement a theological methodology in constructing a theology without ever explicitly defining that methodology being implemented. In essence, then, “to conceive theology in terms of method, therefore, is not to ask a second-level question but a foundational one.”5 Fourth, the need for this paper stems from the recognition that a central interpretive motif threads its way into every theologian’s system. The central interpretive motif may vary from theologian to theologian. It consists of that theme which affects the way a certain theologian interprets various doctrines. Here, a few candidates must be discussed with a suggestion for the best central interpretive motif in the methodology of the dispensational theologian.

The Purpose for This Paper

The purpose of this paper is twofold. First, this paper will explain, define, work out, and construct a methodology for the systematic theology of the current author. Second, this paper will serve others in revealing the need for a study of such prolegomena issues and an honest recognition of the role of presuppositions in doing theology and ascertaining what those presuppositions are. That many theologies, essays, and journal articles neglect to specify this all-too-important step regardless of what doctrine or category being discussed is noticeable; hence the need for this paper.