Reading through a few members posts I thought we may need to define Systematic Theology (especially when systematic theology is equated with Scripture itself).
Systematic Theology is "[a]n approach to the Bible that seeks to draw biblical teachings and themes into a self-consistent, coherent whole, in conversation with the history of Christian theological reflection and contemporary issues confronting the church. This is distinct from—yet related to—the approach of biblical theology, which focuses on the development of theological themes within individual books of the Bible or across one or both Testaments. The practice of biblical theology is often more closely intertwined with the practice of biblical studies, whereas systematic theology is usually viewed as a discipline that goes beyond the scope of biblical studies into church history, philosophy, and pastoral application." (Lexham Bible Dictionary)
Note what Systematic Theology is NOT:
1. It is not Scripture
2. It is not a collection of passages on one topic
Note what Systematic incorporates:
1. Historic Theology
2. Biblical Theology
3. Extra-biblical histories
4. Philosophy
5. Interpretation
The reason it is important to keep this in mind is Scripture itself is typically never the disagreement between theological positions. It is typically philosophy and interpretation.
The interesting thing is theologies use different amounts of each element. My personal opinion is we should not use Systematic Theology to develop foundational doctrines (I believe essential doctrines, or doctrines that we will build upon, should actually be in the text of Scripture).
Systematic Theology is "[a]n approach to the Bible that seeks to draw biblical teachings and themes into a self-consistent, coherent whole, in conversation with the history of Christian theological reflection and contemporary issues confronting the church. This is distinct from—yet related to—the approach of biblical theology, which focuses on the development of theological themes within individual books of the Bible or across one or both Testaments. The practice of biblical theology is often more closely intertwined with the practice of biblical studies, whereas systematic theology is usually viewed as a discipline that goes beyond the scope of biblical studies into church history, philosophy, and pastoral application." (Lexham Bible Dictionary)
Note what Systematic Theology is NOT:
1. It is not Scripture
2. It is not a collection of passages on one topic
Note what Systematic incorporates:
1. Historic Theology
2. Biblical Theology
3. Extra-biblical histories
4. Philosophy
5. Interpretation
The reason it is important to keep this in mind is Scripture itself is typically never the disagreement between theological positions. It is typically philosophy and interpretation.
The interesting thing is theologies use different amounts of each element. My personal opinion is we should not use Systematic Theology to develop foundational doctrines (I believe essential doctrines, or doctrines that we will build upon, should actually be in the text of Scripture).