...religion. These theological studies have been made possible with the increase social science methods, which are being applied by the researchers to indicate the theological knowledge that can be used in social dynamics, contexts and conditions related to the religious life. Pastoral works have these studies to thank as they help them in conducting their works effectively. Heimbrock also instigates that the there has been a growing interest for theological studies ever since the introduction of the scientific methodology in theological work. The methodologies have increased the criteria and the standards of theological studies that can be used in the empirical research. The aspect of religion can be understood through the implication of religious research that is being increased through the means of social scientific instruments. Different aspects on religious studies and scientific methods can be applied in these studies. However, this paper will scrutinize some of the methodologies that can be applied in understanding the empirical side of religion through the stimulation of the correct standards of discussions and researches. This is due to the dire need for the reflection of the consequences and theological impacts that are associated with research models and concepts that are connected to the humanities and those related to religious research. These research methodologies can be evaluated using numerous developments found in the empirical theology that are clearly noticed...
Words: 1423 - Pages: 6
...Biblical theology is a Christian approach in which the theologian studies the Bible from the perspective of understanding the progressive history of God revealing Himself to humanity and following the fall and throughout the Old Testament and New Testament. Biblical theology is an attempt to articulate the theology that the Bible contains as its writers addressed their particular settings. It particularly focuses on the epochs of the Old Testament in order to understand how each part of it ultimately points forward to fulfillment in the life mission of Jesus Christ. Because scholars have tended to use the term in different ways, biblical theology has been notoriously difficult to define. Biblical theology is also study of the Bible that seeks to discover what the biblical writers, under divine guidance, believed, described, and taught in the context of their own times. Biblical theology is an attempt to understand God as He is revealed in the Bible. It seeks to discover what the biblical writers understand, believe and what they are taught. It’s based on the Bible first and then it takes scriptures from the word of God. Biblical theology pays attention to the soil of history. It studies revelation in the progressive sequence in which it was given. Also biblical theology finds its source in the Bible. Relation to Other Disciplines Biblical theology is related to but different from three other major branches of theological inquiry. Practical theology focuses on pastoral application...
Words: 2124 - Pages: 9
...should be proof that God and Darwin can coexist. Mendel was interested in heredity and did major work in the development of the study of the genetics of plants before the science was even beginning to be developed. Historically issues of faith and science have collided and I would think that both theology and science have its place in the world as the search for knowledge continues. Religious Fundamentalism which requires a literal interpretation of the Bible as a substitute for science is bad theology and bad for science, and mistakenly puts the science and theology at war assuming that there is only one truth and it exists in one place and is not subject to any further interpretation. Simil arly mean spirited materialistic science which negates or belittles theology is similarly wrong headed and denies much of the basis from which it came. Historically I believe that both science and theology have their place in explaining man's and or women's place in the universe and their relation to other living beings. For much of history churches and religious orders have done much to support what has come to be known as a scientific study of the universe. Galileo explained that the Earth and the other planets revolved around the sun and that has come to be accepted. Earlier church teaching were eventually discarded as mistaken and both science and theology have moved forward. Good...
Words: 398 - Pages: 2
...When I hear the word theology, what comes to my mind is the meaning that I learned many years ago. The definition of theology that I learned is the study of the nature of God and religious belief. Growing up in a religious home, I have always had a desire to study God and the bible. Being able to study for myself has given me a deeper meaning and understanding of who God is. My personal study has also afforded the opportunity for me to understand what other religions believe, how and what they worship and how they live. Having the opportunity to gain personal knowledge and understanding of God, his word and other religions have helped me a lot. When I have conversations relating to different religious topics and worldwide views, I am able to remember what I have learned. Even in conversations where there is a difference of opinion, I have learned to do as it says in the A portion of Isaiah 1:18, “Come now and let us reason together”. What I hope to get out of this course is more knowledge and understanding. As a bible student, who has attended Sunday School and Bible Study since age six, I believe that an individual never gets to a place where they stop learning about God and his word. Aside from personal Bible Study, church Bible Study and Sunday School, I took a theology course, Survey of the New Testament when I was enrolled as a student at Jefferson State Community College. I am grateful to God that there are courses like these, made available to college students, regardless...
Words: 326 - Pages: 2
...REVIEW FOR THEOLOGY IN THE CONTEXT OF WORLD CHRISTIANITY: HOW THE GLOBAL CHURCH IS INFLUENCING THE WAY WE THINK ABOUT AND DISCUSS THEOLOGY Name: Course: Professor’s Name: Date: Timothy C. Tennent, an American theologian, is Professor of World Missions and Indian Studies and the current president of Asbury Theological Seminary. Dr. Tennent and wife, Julie Myers, reside in Ipswich, Massachusetts, with their two children, Jonathan, and Bethany. Tennent (born on September 24, 1959) did his college education B.A. from Oral Roberts University, quickly followed by a Masters’ degree from Princeton Theological Seminary. He later did a Doctorate of Philosophy degree from the University of Edinburgh's in Scotland, where his dissertation was on Brahmabandhab Upadhyay, an Indian theologian. His teaching career started at Toccoa Falls College. At Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, Massachusetts, he served as professor of world missions and Indian studies. He was elected to his current office as president of Asbury Seminary in 2009. He still a visiting professor at the Luther New Jr. Theological College of Dehradun, India. He authored "Building Christianity on Indian Foundations" together with "Christianity at the Religious Roundtable". He has also published items in the series “Encountering Mission” and “Invitation to Theological Studies.” In November 2009, Tennent had signed an ecumenical statement differing categorically with rules and laws permitting abortion, same-sex marriage...
Words: 897 - Pages: 4
...with these sections there are historical pictures that consist of over 20 images. Each one of those images are included in a complete appendix at the beginning of the book. Walton gives acknowledgements, which are followed by a list of abbreviations. Part 1- Comparative Studies In this first section it includes the first two chapters. Chapter one is appropriately named history and methods. The resolution of this part of the book is to protect the Bible from the harm done by comparative studies which warped evidence to work against the historicity, canonicity, and divine revelation of the Bible. Chapter 1- History and Methods This chapter opens up with the rediscovery of Egypt and Mesopotamia, dating back to the 1800s and the mid 1900s. The author states that archeologists were very quickly discovering that the Bible in its entirety was completely and wholly accurate and true. It was during this time that evolution and the scientific movement was at its prime. Science was progressing. IT was during this time that science and theology began to clash. The truth of the Bible was being fought against on all sides and was quickly being twisted. New data that confirmed the themes of parallel theologies to the Old Testament were being uncovered by archeologists. For people who have an interest in understanding the Bible, it...
Words: 3469 - Pages: 14
...Philosophy of religion is a branch of philosophy concerned with questions regarding religion, including the nature and existence of God, the examination of religious experience, analysis of religious vocabulary and texts, and the relationship of religion and science. It is an ancient discipline, being found in the earliest known manuscripts concerning philosophy, and relates to many other branches of philosophy and general thought, including metaphysics, logic, and history. Philosophy of religion is frequently discussed outside of academia through popular books and debates, mostly regarding the existence of God and problem of evil. The philosophy of religion differs from religious philosophy in that it seeks to discuss questions regarding the nature of religion as a whole, rather than examining the problems brought forth by a particular belief system. It is designed such that it can be carried out dispassionately by those who identify as believers or non-believers. Religion: A Part of Metaphysics Philosophy of religion has classically been regarded as a part of metaphysics. In Aristotle's Metaphysics, the necessarily prior cause of eternal motion was an unmoved mover, who, like the object of desire, or of thought, inspires motion without itself being moved. This, according to Aristotle, is God, the subject of study in theology. Today, however, philosophers have adopted the term philosophy of religion for the subject, and typically it is regarded as a separate field of specialization...
Words: 1759 - Pages: 8
...Religious Traditions and Religious Studies Religious Traditions and Religious Studies Historically, religion has influenced the decision making of humankind throughout the world. The decision of believers has significant impacts on how society is governed. The study of religion in most cases begins at an early age. An individual’s childhood beliefs and values influence their religious practices, as an adult. The predominant religion of a region, also influence an individual to practice a religion. Religion and religious beliefs has received notable attention in an effort to resolve social, ecological and economic issues that plague our nation. Governments around the world understand the need to develop sustainable relationships with religious organizations. Developing sustainable relationships requires defining the term religion in a matter that respects all cultures, and developing an understanding of the common elements of religion. The question of why does religion exist is the premise of understanding human life and life after death. There have been many wars because of religious differences. The beliefs of religious followers argue one religion is right and another is wrong is a critical issue. Some believers think they have been given special gifts and talent that only one religion possesses. Interpretations of religion are studied through the common approaches to religion. The common approaches includes, psychology, mythology, philosophy, theology, anthropology...
Words: 1076 - Pages: 5
...Africa cursed?: A vision for the radical transformation of an ailing continent. Place of publication: Nairobi, Kenya: Publisher: WordAlive Publishers. Year of publication: 2009 2.) Manasseh Kwame Dakwa Bediako – Ghanaian theologian Manasseh Kwame Dakwa Bediako was born on 7 July 1945 in Ghana. He was the son of a police inspector and the grandson of a Presbyterian catechist and evangelist. Kwame Bediako was an outstanding African theologian of his generation. He was an ardent promoter of Bible translation into African languages. He was a man of towering intellect, but he didn’t use it to crush others, but to build them up and encourage them. After a serious illness he died on 10 June 2008. Publication. Author: Bedieko, K. Book Title: Theology and identity: The impact of culture upon Christian thought in the second century and in modern Africa. Publisher: Oxford: Regnum Books. Year of publication: (1992). 3.) Bosch, David Jacobus - South African theologian David Jacobus Bosch was born into an Afrikaner home on December 13, 1929, near the town of Kuruman in the Cape Province of South Africa. Bosch was a theologian trained in the classic, European tradition. His facility in languages (he was conversant in Afrikaans, English, German, Dutch, French, and Xhosa) enabled him to act as a bridge builder between...
Words: 2218 - Pages: 9
...Is Religion and Theology Scientific? Religion and Theology are two terms that are often confused when it comes to their study. Religion is based on faiths and beliefs when it comes to the acceptance of superhuman powers in the form of God or gods. On the other hand theology is the study of God thought. This is especially true of Christianity. In short it can be said that theology works on religion. Theology is in fact based on religion. It is a system of studying about God especially Christian religion. Religion does not deal with any sort of rational analysis. On the other hand theology deals with the rational analysis of a religious faith. However there is no way we can separate the two. Theology is not science. Science is not theology. They are simply two different things. They are not even two similar kinds of things. Science is the pursuit of what you can know. Theology is the pursuit of what you, by definition, cannot know. Science can tell you how things in the world work and that can lead to technology: how to manipulate things to achieve a desired result. Theology cannot tell you how God works, nor can you ever manipulate God to achieve a desired result. Science deals with the study of nature, its forces, processes and development. It is based on the analysis of evidence. It assumes, as a working hypothesis, that processes and events happen due to natural causes, not through divine intervention. It rarely intrudes in matters of morality, the existence and nature...
Words: 991 - Pages: 4
...LIBERTY UNIVERSITY BAPTIST THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY The Theology of the Emerging Church: Unorthodox Theology of the Revisionists Stream of the Emerging Church Developed from Culture Submitted to Dr. Richard Elligson, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the completion of the course THEO 510 D13 Survey of Theology by Ray Ruppert May 7, 2014 Table of Contents Introduction...................................................................................................................................... 1 Definition of Emerging.................................................................................................................... 2 Emerging from Modernism.................................................................................................... 2 Emerging from Culture.......................................................................................................... 3 Emerging Theology................................................................................................................ 4 Comparing Revisionists Theology with Orthodox Theology....................................................... 5 Identify with the Life of Jesus.............................................................................................. 6 Transform the Secular Realm................................................................................................. 8 Conclusion.............................................................
Words: 3877 - Pages: 16
...Experience with Theology When I hear the word theology I think of doctrines and religious studies. I think of the educational part of faith. However, after completing module 1 reading assignments I have learned that it is much more than that. Theology, of course, has a strong foundation on the educational aspect of it, but it is also the study of Jesus and what type of person he was here on earth and the legacy he left behind. Theology is a large umbrella that encompasses not only Jesus and who he was, but also everything about religions and faith you can think of. The word theology for me sounds much like trying to explain nursing by using the word science. Yes nursing is part of science, but there is much more to science than just nursing. The same can be said for Theology. I would like to learn more about Theology and many aspects of it during this short 8 week course. Though I know only a fraction of the surface can be scratched on such a short amount of time, I cannot wait to dive in. It has always fascinated me, and now I can try to learn as much as I can while getting graded for it. The life of Jesus and those that have been portrayed in the Bible were lives of those that had the kind of faith I want to build. I want this class to strengthen my knowledge of Jesus and Theology so that I may grow stronger and deeper in my own faith development. God has given me a hunger for knowledge, which I now want to use to learn what I can about his amazing life and how much he...
Words: 291 - Pages: 2
...MONTGOMERY JR. PINEHURST, NC JULY 28, 2011 INTRODUCTION Friedrich Daniel Ernst Schleiermacher is credited as being the father of Christian liberalism. Like most influential Church fathers, unresolved doubts concerning the orthodoxy and doctrine of his time led him to seminary. He developed a strong sense of skepticism towards Christian theology while studying at the University in Halle. In response to the Enlightenment, Friedrich Schleiermacher shifted his thoughts towards his experience and feelings this would usher in a new era of liberal theology. No such theological doctrine had been developed within the historical context of the Christian church; it is helpful to highlight the profound challenges presented by Enlightenment philosophy in the place of religion. Liberals insisted that the ultimate authority in theology must be man, either in his reason, his will or his feelings. If only what can be proven by experiments and deductive reasoning is knowable, how could we know about unverifiable religious doctrines with any certainty? Even among those caught up in Romanticism, a reactionary movement against its cold rationalism, religious dogma and moralistic authority were still perceived as a hindrance to authentic, individual freedom. One could be cultured, optimistic, moral and full of ideals. However, religion seemed irrelevant to the progress of the human spirit. In the autumn of 1797, Schleiermacher began to be connected with a circle of young Romantic friends devoted...
Words: 1381 - Pages: 6
...longevity enabling him to see the beginning of Methodism's development. In which both of them were highly involved with do to their position in the church “were leaders of the evangelical revival in the Church of England in the eighteenth century.”1 The two of them with their position helped establish a new denomination, the Methodist Church, which was to grow and flourish in Britain and across the world. John Wesley was described as “that extraordinary man whose life and acts have taken their place in the religious history, not only of England, but of Christendom.”2 Through his work and powerful persona he became one of the most famous and recognizable people in England. “His universality of influence and range of achievement in matter of faith and conduct outstripped the leading politicians, philosophers and divines of his age.”3 John Wesley was “born in 1703”4 and was a well educated young man and had parents who were deeply religious “By descent on both sides he came from tough Nonconformist stock, Samuel his father was saturated with High Church Toryism. Susanna his mother was high in will power and intelligence, and low in humor, she carried method into everything, religion included.”5 His parents beliefs and his high education allowed him to develop and form...
Words: 4666 - Pages: 19
...Beliefs According to the dictionary theology is defined as “the field of study and analysis that treats of God and of God's attributes and relations to the universe; study of divine things or religious truth; divinity”. (Theology, n.d) The term theology derives from two Greek words when joined means “the study of God.” Theology studies focus on the nature of God and different religious beliefs. Whereas, philosophy focuses on the study or creation theories of the more simple things in life. The term philosophy is also derived from two words, which stands for love and wisdom. According to the dictionary philosophy is defined as “the rational investigation of the truths and principles of being, knowledge, or conduct”. (Philosophy, n.d) For example, thought and how we should live, and the existence of nature. So, basically theology is becoming familiarized with GOD and concentrating on how and when he functioned as he did. Philosophy, on the other hand, is focusing on the more expanded meanings and positions. Ethics is the study of the general nature of morals and of the specific moral choices to be made by a person; moral philosophy (Ethics, n.d). There are three schools when determining and understanding the process of ethics. The three schools of ethics are virtue, consequentialist, and deontological. Each of these schools holds importance but are nothing without the other. All three of these are needed to come to the best ethical decision. When talking about...
Words: 1000 - Pages: 4
