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Systematic Theology Developing a plan and sticking to it rightly dividing the word of truth

Systematic Theology

Developing a plan and sticking to it

Dr. John Harbaugh

29 June 1984

Revised, 19 May 2008

 

(2 Timothy 2:14-18 KJV)  "Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers. {15} Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. {16} But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. {17} And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; {18} Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some."

 

Systematic (or “systemic”) theology, is a system of theological thought whereby a method is developed, one which can be applied both broadly and particularly.    Such a system should never be applied is a hap-hazard manner.

In the past, this system has been "paraphrased", taken lightly, or ignored all together.

My system works and it is based upon many years of personal and academic use, therefore I must insist that for the purpose of all work at C.B.I., you maintain a strict adherence to the following "system". The same applies to any request that you may make of the Faculty or other students, for academic assistance or debate follow this same basic system.

So that there is no confusion, the System, or methodology is universal and shall be applied "step by step" and in order with dogmatic determination that will hopefully evolve into habitual application. Otherwise the System is corrupted and impotent.

PROPERLY FOOTNOTE EVERYTHING:.
Grading assignments requiring research on our part because of improper footnoting, will result in the assignment being returned ungraded.


THE PROCESS
Approved Text and Resources:
(in order of authority and intended use)
  1. ENGLISH BIBLES:   (must consult First)
    1. ONLY approved King James 1611 (Authorised Version) Bibles.
    2. QuickVerse Computer Bible software is the only computer Bible that C.B.I. has found to be without error. It also includes other approved resources.
    Compare Scriptures with Scriptures where the same Bible words are used in context.

    You will find that the Bible is clear in most cases and that there is little cause to go searching for some "deeper meaning".

  2. GREEK AND HEBREW LEXICONS:   (consult only after paragraph "I" above has been thoroughly exhausted)

    3. In some cases, it is helpful to consult a good Greek or Hebrew Lexicon to gain an appreciation of the source language word and its English translation.
    1. Only Strong's Greek and Hebrew Concordance that includes the Greek and Hebrew Lexicons with source word associations, are approved Lexicons for use at C.B.I.
      • NOTE 1: The common hardbound volume of Strong's Concordance does not include the Lexicons or the word source associations.
      • NOTE 2: C.B.I. has approved QuickVerse Computer Bible software, which includes these Lexicons.
      • NOTE 3: When comparing English words between Scriptures using the same English words, it is imperative that you are certain that the source Greek or Hebrew source words are the same, for the English words being compared. Great confusion arises from a failure to do this.   You may also do a search on the Greek or Hebrew source word, and see what other English words it has been translated into. This is often helpful.

  3. SECULAR ENGLISH DICTIONARIES:   (consult only after paragraphs "I" and "II" above have been thoroughly exhausted)

    TAKE GREAT CARE - Remember that Dictionaries are Secular and are often written by "unbelievers".
    1. C.B.I. prefers the multi-volume Oxford English Dictionary (OED) - not to be confused with the one-volume Oxford Dictionary of English, or the New Oxford Dictionary of English. This particular dictionary is extremely costly but it is now available on DVD.
    2. Or a pre-1881A.D. Webster "Kings English" Dictionary (1827-32A.D. Webster are preferred) because they are the best dictionary available not influenced by modern American English). Avoid Collegiate, New World, Business, or other popular contemporary dictionary WHENEVER possible.
    3. Since these resources are almost unobtainable, we will authorise the use of Webster's Eleventh Edition with proper caution.   ( Available On-Line )
    4. Dictionaries of other brand names, are not approved.

  4. COMMENTARIES:   (consult only after paragraphs "I", "II", and "III" above have been thoroughly exhausted)
    1. C.B.I. does not recommend the use of commentaries because too many Bible students use them to replace their own Bible study and therefore learn very little of a useful nature.
      2. Neither do we forbid their use. We prefer to allow you to make the decision, but we are mindful of how you use them and how you rely upon their influence to avoid the research involved in paragraphs "I", "II", and "III" above.
    2. The primary and most important rule for the use of commentaries, is that you never read a commentary until you have already developed an informed conclusion.  You will then be able to either:
      1. Agree with the commentary.
      2. Identify POSSIBLE errors or weak points in commentaries.
      3. Find better commentaries, saving many hours of reading weak and heretical books, and/or eventually disregard commentaries -altogether.
    3. Only approved commentaries and secular dictionaries are allowed for use at C.B.I. We insist that you obtain approval before you utilize the commentary.
    4. Please contact Dr. Harbaugh via E-Mail and make sure that you are using approved material.