THE aim of this treatise is twofold: first, to set forth the contents of the Christian religion; and, secondly, to set forth the doctrines of the religion winch arise out of it and which arc necessary to explain its meaning.
The aim implies a necessary connection between religion and theology. Theology has often been defined as the science which treats of God. This definition is based on the derivation of the word from the Greek words meaning God (Theos) and reason (logos). But Christian theology is something more than the science which treats of God. It also includes in its field of investigation man's relations to God. The reason for this wider definition of Christian theology becomes clear when we consider the nature of Christianity. The Christian religion is not a theory or speculation about God. It is more than deductions from objective facts concerning his nature and attributes. These are not altogether excluded from Christian theology, but they are not its foundations nor the
Table of Contents
Chaptkk I Religion axd Theology i-; I Twofold aim, 1-12 Necessary connections between religion and theology Definition of theology Reasons for definitions Use in departments of theology Emphasis upon experience Not sole criterion of truth Scriptures Christianity as a religion Experiential method not less biblical or systematic Four factors: Christ, the Scriptures, Holy Spirit, existence Combination of these Advantages: 1 Escapes false intellectualism 2 Gives fact basis for theology; 3 Supplies best apologetic foundation Illustrated: (1) In proofs of God's existence; (2) Miracles; (3) Deity of Christ; 4 Shows reality, autonomy, and freedom of Christianity; 5 Helps define nature of the authority of the Bible Objections and replies; IT Modern ways of regarding religious experience, 12-18 1 Comte's view Reply 2 Theory of the utility of religion Answer 3 Mysticism Reply 4 Judgments of value Goes too far More
The aim implies a necessary connection between religion and theology. Theology has often been defined as the science which treats of God. This definition is based on the derivation of the word from the Greek words meaning God (Theos) and reason (logos). But Christian theology is something more than the science which treats of God. It also includes in its field of investigation man's relations to God. The reason for this wider definition of Christian theology becomes clear when we consider the nature of Christianity. The Christian religion is not a theory or speculation about God. It is more than deductions from objective facts concerning his nature and attributes. These are not altogether excluded from Christian theology, but they are not its foundations nor the
Table of Contents
Chaptkk I Religion axd Theology i-; I Twofold aim, 1-12 Necessary connections between religion and theology Definition of theology Reasons for definitions Use in departments of theology Emphasis upon experience Not sole criterion of truth Scriptures Christianity as a religion Experiential method not less biblical or systematic Four factors: Christ, the Scriptures, Holy Spirit, existence Combination of these Advantages: 1 Escapes false intellectualism 2 Gives fact basis for theology; 3 Supplies best apologetic foundation Illustrated: (1) In proofs of God's existence; (2) Miracles; (3) Deity of Christ; 4 Shows reality, autonomy, and freedom of Christianity; 5 Helps define nature of the authority of the Bible Objections and replies; IT Modern ways of regarding religious experience, 12-18 1 Comte's view Reply 2 Theory of the utility of religion Answer 3 Mysticism Reply 4 Judgments of value Goes too far More
