W. Ligaray Synthesis Paper - What Is Theology

Synthesis paper
Research how different theologians answer the questions:

1. What is theology?
2. What are the different ways of expressing theological understanding?
3. How do we do theology?
Summarize your answers in a 400-800-word synthesis paper, properly footnoted with
bibliography.
Synthesis Paper: What is Theology?
There are many definitions of theology that had been formulated over the centuries. With
space constraints only a few are presented in this short paper. A basic meaning of theology is
simply - the study of or science of God. The term theology comes from two Gr. words: theos,
“God,” and logos, “word.”1 The Revised International Standard Bible Encyclopedia defines it as
“a word about God” (The God of Christian theology is the OT God, the Father of Jesus Christ,
and the word is the divine Word which became flesh in Jesus Christ).2 J. O. Buswell defines it as
“the study which treats directly of God and His relationship to the world and to man” (A
Systematic Theology of the Christian Religion, I, 13).3 In Encyclopedia of Religion and Ethics
(1924 ed.) it is defined: “Theology may be briefly defined as the science which deals, according
to scientific method, with the facts and phenomena of religion and culminates in a
comprehensive synthesis or philosophy of religion, which seeks to set forth in a systematic way
all that can be known regarding the objective grounds of religious belief” (XII, 293). 4 In answer
to the question “What is theology?” Charles Hodge presented his definition very differently.
According to him, “If natural science be concerned with the facts and laws of nature, theology is
concerned with the facts and principles of the Bible. If the object of the one be to arrange and
systematize the facts of the external world and to ascertain the laws by which they are
determined, the object of the other is to systematize the facts of the Bible and ascertain the
Gr. Greek
1
Pfeiffer, Charles F. ; Vos, Howard Frederic ; Rea, John: The Wycliffe Bible Encyclopedia. Moody Press,
1975; 2005
OT Old Testament
2
Bromiley, Geoffrey W.: The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, Revised. Wm. B. Eerdmans, 1988;
2002, S. 4:826
3
1975; 2005
ed. edited, edition, editor

4
1975; 2005
principles or general truths which those facts involve” (Systematic Theology, I, 18).5 This paper’s
researcher defines Theology as the orderly study of God as being revealed in the Holy Scriptures,
and the appropriate response of man in relation to this revelation.
Not only does theology have many definitions, the expression of its understanding is also
myriad. Expressions of which are dependent on the level and nature of the understanding of its
meaning. Theology has influenced religious beliefs and practices which have developed into
fortified traditions most especially in the Roman Catholic church (examples of those based on
tradition are purgatory, prayers for the dead, the worship of Mary, indulgences, and the Papacy
itself).6 Theology has also made its mark in creeds and confessions (The Apostles’ Creed developed
slowly from what may have been just a confession of faith in the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit in
8
the 2nd cen. A.D.)7; in philosophy (Augustine’s attempt to fit Platonism into Christianity) ; in the
different fields of the arts (visual and performance); and in the modern world of multi-media
(radio, TV and internet- specifically the social media).
Along with theology’s many expressions and influences come its diverse applications. At
the core, theology influences man’s daily decision making leading to action. This is very much
apparent within the Filipino context particular to older generations whose belief system
predominantly is a mixture of Roman Catholic traditions and folk theology. From a message that
was heard and reflected upon and interacted with repeatedly through time, this became the
unshakable foundation for many Filipinos expressed in their daily living (good-works salvation,
luck and bad luck, danger warnings and premonitions, giving, relationship with others, etc).
In the Evangelical Christian’s context, worship is man’s practical application of theology.
Worship is expected in everything he says and does even to the simplest act of eating and
drinking (1 Corinthians 10:31). Holistically in his life worship’s signature is written all over it. In
contrast to most Filipinos’ response to life, the genuine believer approaches life differently (good
works, salvation, blessing, discernment, giving, relationships, ministry, etc.)9 having the Bible as
his theology’s foundation and basis
5
1975; 2005
6
1975; 2005
cen. century
A.D. anno domini (in the year of our Lord)
7
1975; 2005
8
1975; 2005
9
The Theology Program, Biblical Studies Press, 2005. Feb 11, 2016,
http://bible.org/assets/ttp/IT_Notebook_Nov2005.pdf
Bibliography
Bromiley, Geoffrey W.: The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, Revised. Wm. B. Eerdmans, 1988;
2002, S. 4:826
Pfeiffer, Charles F; Frederic Vos, Howard; Rea, John: The Wycliffe Bible Encyclopedia. Moody Press, 1975;
2005, Libronix Digital Library System
The Theology Program, Biblical Studies Press, 2005. Feb 11, 2016,
https://bible.org/assets/ttp/IT_Notebook_Nov2005.pdf

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Synthesis paper

Research how different theologians answer the questions:

ed. edited, edition, editor

A.D. anno domini (in the year of our Lord)

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