The 7 Categories of Theology

Systematic theology is the orderly discussion of Christian doctrine that uses truths from all parts of the Bible and sometimes other sources. A person using a systematic approach to a particular theological issue will often use data from all parts of Scripture that address that issue.

There are nine major categories of systematic theology: the Doctrine of Revelation / the Doctrine of the Bible; the Doctrine of God; the Doctrine of Man; the Doctrine of Christ; the Doctrine of the Holy Spirit; the Doctrine of Salvation; the Doctrine of Israel; the Doctrine of the Church; and the Doctrine of the Last Things.

2. BIBLICAL THEOLOGY

With biblical theology the focus is on the theology of a particular era or writer. Biblical theology looks at the historical circumstances and development of doctrines. There are several characteristics of biblical theology. First, it focuses on the parts of Scripture. Second, it is limited to the Bible alone. Third, it focuses on the development of a particular doctrine. In other words, it focuses on how the progress of revelation adds further information about a doctrine. And fourth, it emphasizes the role that a particular era or writer had in the development of doctrine. Examples of biblical theology categories include: (1) Theology of the Monarchial era (Samuel, Kings, Chronicles); and (2) Theology of Paul (General, Prison, and Pastoral epistles).

3. HISTORICAL THEOLOGY

Historical theology involves the study of the historical development of doctrines in church history. It looks at how the doctrines of the Christian faith have been understood throughout the centuries since New Testament times. There are four major eras of church history: (1) Patristic Era (A.D. 100–430); (2) Medieval Era (430–1517); (3) Reformation Era (1517–1700); and (4) Modern / Postmodern Era (1700–present).

4. DOGMATIC THEOLOGY

Dogmatic theology is the study of how certain Christian groups have understood theology. Examples of dogmatic theology include: (1) Arminian theology—a theology that stresses the freedom of man in salvation; (2) Covenant theology—a theology that stresses the importance of two or three overarching covenants that bring unity to God’s dealings with His creation; and (3) Dispensational theology—a theology that stresses the distinction between Israel and the church.

5. CONTEMPORARY THEOLOGY

Contemporary theology involves the study of the doctrines of Christian groups as they have developed since the twentieth century. Examples include Liberal theology, Neo-orthodox theology, Feminist theology, Charismatic theology, and Vatican II Catholic theology.

6. PHILOSOPHICAL THEOLOGY

Philosophical theology involves the basic philosophical assumptions involved with theology such as the existence of God, the nature of reality, and the possibility of knowing anything about God. Philosophical theology usually involves the issues of: (a) metaphysics (the study of reality); (b) epistemology (the study of knowing); (c) ethics (the study of right and wrong); and (d) philosophy of religion (the study of religion from a philosophical perspective).

7. PRACTICAL THEOLOGY

Practical theology refers to theology as it is applied to Christian life and ministry. This includes the areas of preaching, teaching, discipling, counseling, worship, ethics, etc.

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