Activity: Neighbor Nudge Have people break into groups of two and come up with an answer to this question. The goal here is to get people to come to an agreement on a definition that is VERY broad so that everyone understands that ALL people have a theology of one sort or another. If we started with a Christian definition of theology, it might look something like this: “The study of God through the revelation contained in Scripture.” But this would exclude people of other religions who do have a theology, just not one defined as ours. It would also exclude the atheist, who also has a theology which is founded on the denial of the existence of God. This early in the course, you need to try to keep the definition broad and inclusive. Our definition: Theology is a belief system concerning deity.

Presentation Notes: Illustrate this point by using someone who you would not have expected to ask “ultimate questions.” Children always make good illustrations because they ask these questions early in life, especially when introduced to death. When my daughter Katelynn was two, our rabbit named Anselm (I was in charge of naming the rabbit!) died. When we buried it, Katelynn was confused and asked many unsolicited questions like: “Where did he go?” “Why did he die?” “Why do things have to die?” These are all theological questions from a two-year-old! All people are theologically inquisitive. Students may say that some people do not have a theology because they believe that matters of theology are beyond us, being too difficult for finite minds to fathom or understand. But this in itself is a theology. This person’s theology would be that matters of theology are beyond us. No one can escape the fact that they have a theology and are, therefore, in some sense, a theologian.

Activity: Group discussion Have people discuss what Sproul means when he says that we live in the most anti-intellectual period in the history of the west. Ask them if they agree with this. Ask them how the church evidences this anti-intellectualism. This quote can create some great discussion if you give the students time. Reference: R.C. Sproul, “Burning Hearts Are Not Nourished by Empty Heads,” Christianity Today 26 (Sept. 3, 1982), 100.

References: These categories are taken from Stanley J. Grenz and Roger E. Olson Who Needs Theology? (Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 1996). Presentation Notes: These are five different arenas in which people can conduct their theology. Each person primarily does theology in one of these five arenas. Our goal in the next few slides is to help people move out of the tabloid and folk theology arenas. Only when this is accomplished will they truly be able to know why they believe what they believe. If people remain tabloid and folk theologians, they will be unable to learn anything new, since they will believe something only if they already agree with it. To folk theologians, whether a teacher is good or bad depends on how much the teacher agrees with them. This will be explained more in the following slides.

Presentation Notes: Examples: An apple a day keeps the doctor away. Feed a cold. Sit-ups can reduce stomach size. Side-bends get rid of love handles.

Activity: Group discussion Stop at this point and have the people discuss more examples of Tabloid theology.

Presentation Notes: Look to the video for explanation of these examples.

Activity: Group discussion Stop at this point and have the people discuss examples of Folk theology. You need to take a lot of time with this one. You will get a lot of great answers if you give the students time. Don’t reveal your example until they have had time to come up with theirs. Guide them through this discussion to a greater understanding of the fact that every individual has a lot of Folk theology in them. It is VERY IMPORTANT to point out that there is incorrect and correct Folk theology. We may have learned from childhood through the traditions passed on to us that man is created in the image of God. This is true. This theology becomes Folk theology if the person does not know what it means to be created in the image of God or, if they do know what it means, they cannot tell you why it is true nor defend it in any way. Folk theology is something that we have believed but don’t know why we have believed it. When defined this way, it creates a lot of healthy tension and conviction with the group to become better acquainted with what they already “know.”

Activity: Group Discussion Stop at this point and have the people discuss examples of Folk theology.

Activity: Group Discussion Before you reveal the Demon possession slide, ask people this question: “What people, throughout all of history, would you think are most likely to have been demon possessed?” Most people will answer with Hitler, Stalin, or Manson. Why? Because they were evil, cunning, and killed a lot of people. Ask the people where they got the idea that being evil, cunning, and killing people was criteria for demon possession. The people in the Bible who were said to have a demon never went about killing people. Those in the NT were mad and isolationists. They were never out trying to take over the world or committing mass murders. I am not saying that Hitler or Stalin or any of the others were not demonized, but it is certainly not a foregone conclusion. The Bible has very little to say about the activity of demons in relation to man. I think that it is best to remain unsure as to the exact influence behind their mischief, understanding that man, without the devil, is very evil at heart (Jer. 17:9).

Activity: Group discussion Stop at this point and have the people discuss this question. Basically, most learning calls for deconstruction of unfounded beliefs (Folk theology). This, if the beliefs have been foundational, causes a paradigm shift in people’s thinking and affects everything in their lives. If a person has much of their personality and time invested in these beliefs, it becomes too great a loss to consider change. For example, Mormons have much of their lives invested in the practice of their beliefs (e.g.,, door-to-door evangelism). Therefore, to call into question their most basic beliefs about salvation (i.e., that if you evangelize enough, you can be saved) and to have them actually consider that they are wrong is, to them, the same as asking them to consider that their lives, efforts, and hopes are all wrong. For this reason, Folk theology is difficult to deconstruct.

Presentation Notes: We would hope that the Church is moving people in a direction away from Folk theology to more reflective theology. A doctrine of essentiality is an understanding of the essentials of the Christian faith. The ability to distinguish the difference in minor issues (e.g.,, views about the rapture) and major issues (e.g.,, deity of Christ). This is a move away from legalism. We are going to formulate a doctrine of essentiality in this course. The assigned paper, “Representing Christ to a Postmodern World,” covers this in much more detail.

Presentation Notes: In our view, this is the place that our students need to be. One of the greatest changes that we can bring about in our students is to teach them to critique their own theology with honesty and humility. This will be done throughout the program by challenging many people’s beliefs and seeing if they stand up to the most intense scrutiny. If they don’t stand up, maybe we should give them up! This is a difficult mind-set to instill in anyone, including ourselves. But if we are to truly be growing in Christ and in our knowledge of Him, we have to have this philosophy. At the very least, it is a non-negotiable for The Theology Program; therefore, much time needs to be devoted to this topic. Theological methodology is what we are doing now and what we will continue to do throughout this course. While lay theologians are willing to use study tools, they usually do not have the ability to read critically, thinking that anything “religious” is worth reading. The ministerial theologian, on the other hand, reads critically, knowing that not all “religious” or “Christian” material has equal worth. Ministerial theologians become familiar with publishing companies, authors, and subjects that are more relevant than others. The ability to critique one’s own theology against other valid options, interpretations, and perspectives is invaluable to the continued construction of theology. Ministerial theologians will read widely in their area of study, examining the best claims of those with whom they do not agree, allowing their claims to change or alter their views if necessary. Theological integration is another way of saying that the ministerial theologian will create a “systematic theology.” To do so, as will be explained later, is to integrate new knowledge with old and, if necessary, to reshape the new in light of the old.

Presentation Notes: Examples: Professors at seminaries and universities. Charles Ryrie J. I. Packer William Craig J. P. Moreland Dan Wallace The list could go on and on. We are greatly indebted to the Professional theologians who study and research with pastors and teachers in mind. They may not make it to the pulpit or the Sunday school room very often, but much of our learning and teaching is the result of their faithful dedication in the study. Didactically: Oriented toward teaching.

Presentation Notes: It is not uncommon today to hear preachers say that studies in theology quench what the Spirit is trying to do in people’s lives. Therefore, many come down on the “theologians,” blaming them for the creation of a spiritless academic Christianity. But this simply is not true. The individual is responsible for acting on the truth system which he builds. One thing that is true is that a person cannot act on what he or she does not know. Orthodoxy (right teaching) is a prerequisite to orthopraxy (right practice). Nothing could be clearer in Scripture. Do not let yourself or your student create a false dichotomy between the mind and the spirit, the Bible does not recognize the difference. The book “Love the Lord with All Your Mind” by J. P. Moreland covers this well.

Presentation Notes: This type of theology usually follows a liberal academic status quo, although there are exceptions. Keep in mind that we are not in any way saying that anyone who teaches academic theology is an academic theologian in the sense that we are using the term. The way that we are using it is for those who truly represent an unspiritual academia, not because of the nature or depth of the studies, but because of the motivation and results of the studies. Academic theologians are devoid of any purpose of spiritual edification. This is just as unacceptable as folk theology.

Activity: Group discussion Stop at this point and have the people discuss examples of academic theology. Examples: Liberal Theologians who have no spiritual purpose to their studies. People who study and research only for academic standing or approval.

Activity: Prayer This might be a good place to stop and pray that you and your class approach this subject with humility and fear.

Activity: Group discussion Have people answer this question. My answers are contained on the following slides. This slide is intended to bring more relevance to our study.

Presentation Notes: Explain each of these. You can substitute you own. Here are my explanations: The moment we begin thinking about God, we are, by definition, doing theology. Your views of soteriology and the sovereignty of God will affect how you share the Gospel. An Arminian might be more concerned about the urgency and persuasiveness with which he must present the Gospel, while one who is more Calvinistic may be more relaxed while sharing the Gospel, placing more confidence in the Spirit to do the necessary work of opening the person’s ears. Your view of inspiration and inerrancy will definitely affect how you interpret Scripture. Your view of the providence of God will affect how you act when you get sick. Is God in control, or is this something that He does not want in your life? Is a person to mount a rational defense for the faith, or is faith something that does not need rational arguments? Your theology will determine your future plans. Your views about the Christian and culture will influence whether or not you home school or choose public school. The person with the “kingdom of priests” mentality may see public schools as a necessary choice for their children to be prepared for outreach. The person with the “holy nation” attitude may see home schooling as a necessary choice for their children to be sanctified from the world.

Presentation Notes: Our theology will influence the way we vote, because it is very difficult to separate politics from morality and it is impossible to separate morality from theology. Our theology will influence our battle against sin. Do we have a “let go, let God” mentality, or do we battle sin by taking responsibility for our actions and by changing patterns in our life? Or is it somewhere in the middle? Our theology will help us in our marriage. Do we believe that God has the perfect person out there for us, and it is our job to find him or her? If we do not find “Mr. Right” or “Ms. Right,” have we shortchanged ourselves by not waiting for “God’s best”? Or do we see that “God’s best” may not have to meet our criteria and that it may be God’s will for us to have trouble in our marriage?

Presentation Notes: This is not to assume that each person in your class is a believer, since the program is open to all who want to learn. But, nonetheless, this is the definition of theology that we will use for the program. Someone has once well said that we are saved in a moment in time, then we spend the rest of our lives discovering what happened at that moment.

Activity: Group discussion Have people separate into groups of 5-10 people to discuss the questions found in the student notes. Make sure that each group has a leader that is familiar with the material and able to keep the discussion on track. The discussion groups should last no longer than 45 minutes.

Defining Theology “What does it mean to ‘do’ theology?”

Question What is theology?

Protestant Eastern Orthodox Prophecy Postmodernism Truth Roman Catholic Cessationism Relativism Epistemology Special Revelation Exclusivism Denominations Traditions of Theology Protestant Theology Rationalism Modernism Cessationism Pluralism Experience

Defining Theology What is Theology? Write a one or two sentence definition of theology:

Defining Theology “The study or science of God.” –Millard Erickson Christian Theology (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 2001), 22 “The Science of God and of the relations between God and the universe.” –A. H. Strong “Rational discussion respecting the deity.” –Augustine “Thinking about God and expressing those thoughts in some way.” –Charles Ryrie Basic Theology (Wheaton, IL: 1986), 9

Defining Theology “The science of God or of religion; the science which treats of the existence, character, and attributes of God, his laws and government, the doctrines we are to believe, and the duties we are to practice; divinity; (as more commonly understood) the knowledge derivable from the Scriptures, the systematic exhibition of revealed truth, the science of Christian faith and life.” —Webster’s Dictionary

Question Who is a theologian?

Defining Theology Who is a theologian? Anyone who has asked the ultimate questions of life: Why am I here? What is life? What happens after death? What is the difference between right and wrong? Why is there something instead of nothing?

Defining Theology The question is not, “Who is a theologian?” but “What kind of theologian am I going to be?” Are you going to be a good theologian or a bad theologian? This is a more accurate question because, as one writer put it, “not all theologies are equal.” –Source unknown

Defining Theology “We live in what may be the most anti-intellectual period in the history of Western civilization. . . We must have passion—indeed hearts on fire for the things of God. But that passion must resist with intensity the anti-intellectual spirit of the world.” —R. C. Sproul “Burning Hearts Are Not Nourished by Empty Heads,” Christianity Today 26 (Sept. 3, 1982), 100

Defining Theology There are basically six arenas in which we can do theology: Tabloid Theology Folk Theology Lay Theology Ministerial Theology Professional Theology Academic Theology

Defining Theology Tabloid Lay Ministerial Professional Academic Folk

Defining theology Describe this chart in relation to practicing medicine Tabloid Lay Ministerial Professional Academic Folk

Defining Theology Now describe this chart in relation to practicing theology Tabloid Lay Ministerial Professional Academic Folk

Defining Theology Tabloid Theologian: One who constructs his or her theology based upon naïve hearsay information that has no basis in fact and very little, if any, evidence to be believed. Many times people are Tabloid theologians because of the theology’s appearance of originality. As well, it can be “cutting edge” in many people’s minds.

Defining Theology What are some examples of Tabloid theology?

Defining Theology Tabloid theology examples

Defining Theology Hitchhiking angel Growing fire hose “I Saw Heaven”

Defining Theology Folk Theologian: One who uncritically and unreflectively constructs his or her theology according to traditions and religious folklore. The Folk theologian is often very dogmatic about his or her beliefs.

Defining Theology What are some examples of Folk theology?

Defining Theology Folk theology examples:

Defining Theology Folk theology examples: Views of Heaven (clouds, harps) Ghosts Angels’ wings Good works salvation All people are good at heart

Defining Theology Folk theology examples: Peter’s gate Devil’s pitchfork “God helps those who help themselves” Demon possession People who commit suicide automatically go to Hell When you die there will be a screen in heaven which shows to the world all the bad things you have done Name-it-claim-it, health-and-wealth gospel

Defining Theology Why do you think that it is so hard for Folk theologians to learn?

Defining Theology Lay Theologian: A layperson who constructs his or her theology and who, unlike the folk and tabloid theologian, is . . . (1) more reflective upon learned theological concepts (2) likely to formulate a system of beliefs which distinguishes between essential and non-essential doctrine (3) more critical of unfounded traditions (4) willing to use study tools

Defining Theology Ministerial Theologian: A layperson who constructs his or her theology and who, unlike the lay theologian is . . . (1) educated in theological methodology (2) able to use study tools and resources at a more effective level (3) able to openly critique personal theology against competing models (4) intent on devoting more time to reflection so that theological integration can take place

Defining Theology Professional Theologian: One who constructs his or her theology and makes a living doing so. They usually. . . (1) are didactically purposed toward lay and pastoral theologians (2) conduct practical original research (3) critically evaluate common theological trends and folk theology.

Defining Theology Professional theologians are often accused of “quenching the Spirit.” Why do you think they receive this accusation?

Defining Theology Academic Theologian: A professional theologian who constructs his theology with an overly speculative and critical spirit. His dialogue can usually come only with other theologians. It is often called “Ivory Tower theology.”

Defining Theology What are some examples of Academic theology? Why do you think someone would want to be an Academic theologian?

Defining Theology Sensational Tabloid Lay Ministerial Professional Academic Folk Skeptical Critical Gates permanently locked Gates wide open Naïve

Defining Theology Acceptable range Tabloid Lay Ministerial Professional Academic Folk

Defining Theology “Theology is for everyone. Indeed, everyone needs to be a theologian. In reality, everyone is a theologian—of one sort or another. And therein lies the problem. There is nothing wrong with being an amateur theologian or a professional theologian, but there is everything wrong with being an ignorant or sloppy theologian.” —Charles Ryrie Basic Theology (Wheaton, IL: 1986), 9.

Defining Theology How do we “do” theology every day?

Defining Theology How do we “do” theology every day? In other words, how does our theology influence our daily routine?

Defining Theology When we think about God. When we share the Gospel. When we interpret the Bible. When we get sick. When we defend the faith. When we plan for the future. When we choose schooling for our children.

Defining Theology When we vote. When we attempt to deal with sin in our lives. When we decide on who we marry.

Defining Theology What is theology?

credo ut intelligam “faith seeking understanding” This is a Latin phrase coined by Anselm of Canterbury (1033-1109) meaning “faith seeking understanding.” This is one of the earliest definitions of theology. It starts with the assumption that we are believers and, as such, we are seeking to understand our beliefs better. Defining Theology

Discussion Groups