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Foundations for Christianity:
202 Foundations of Our Theology
and Hermeneutics


Reading Guide for This Website
Systematic Theology

It is inherently true that Christianity is a belief system. As such, all the individual beliefs and topics within the Christian faith must function as a whole without contradicting one another. This notion that each topic area within Christian beliefs must work together as a consistent whole is known as Systematic Theology because each individual area works coherently as part of a larger, overarching System.

Within modern Christianity there is no shortage of Systematic Theologies generated by various institutions such as seminaries and formal denominations. However, some Systematic Theologies start with a particular focus or position on one area of doctrine that is of defining importance to that institution. This focus then produces a "theme" of sorts for the entire System. The end result can be that this "theme" drives the interpretation of other topic areas with the goal being that all areas are interpreted consistently with the particular focus area. When this happens the main "theme" of the Systematic Theology becomes the driving influence of interpretation. When this occurs a System of Theology can be arrived at which is internally consistent and cohesive, but which does not accurately reflect true Biblical teaching in all areas.

In contrast, we seek to avoid this pitfall and to approach Systematic Theology in a different manner. We believe that each topic area can and should be interpreted independently without the prejudicial influence of trying to support a larger, pre-existing theme. Instead, when each individual topic area is interpreted correctly on its own (in accordance with the grammatical historical method of interpretation), then all individual topic areas will be consistent as a uniform whole. In this way, no theme interferes with the interpretation of each topic area. Consequently, the systematic consistency of all topic areas acts as a confirmation that the theology is sound.

We believe this is the proper way to develop a Systematic Theology. And as the authors of this website, it is our hope that as you examine this website you will find the Systematic Theology that has resulted from this process to be valuable, sound, and a benchmark for orthodox Christian Theology.


Roadmaps

In recognition of the fact that this website contains no small amount of articles and information, we understand that deciding where to start or how to proceed may be difficult. Below is a roadmap, which is a suggested guide to help the reader determine how to progress through this site.

The roadmap begins without presuming a person is already persuaded of the truth of Christianity. As such suggested reading order begins with more fundamental questions that do not depend upon the reader's acceptance of the Christian faith and builds toward matters that deal more specifically with Christian theology. After Christianity has been established as general fact, the roadmap continues by introducing the reader to our approach and the essential importance of proper Biblical interpretation. From here, the roadmap delves into specific internal Christian topics in order to establish the specific form of Christianity that is correct. The intended result is a comprehensive worldview build upon sound reasoning and evidence from the very beginning.

The roadmap is not meant as a strict rule, but only as suggestions for dealing with more foundational questions and issues first and building toward those issues, which rest upon those more foundational matters.


(Suggested order of reading)

Basic Worldview
101 Critical Thinking and Epistemology
102 Atheism vs. Theism
103 Science, the Bible, and Creation
104 Why Christianity?


Foundations for Christianity
201 Bible Translations and Manuscripts
202 Foundations of Our Theology and Hermeneutics
203 Gospel Overview


Particulars of Christianity
301 Roman Catholicism
302 The Trinity
303 Bible Cosmology
304 Redemption
305 Liberty in Christ
306 Covenant and Dispensational Theologies
307 Calvinism and Free Will (Arminianism)
308 Open Theism
309 Baptisms
310 Pentecostalism, the Charismatic and Faith Movements
311 Spiritual Warfare
312 The Church Ethic
313 Preterism
314 End Times Prophecy (Eschatology)
315 Global Conspiracy (and Freemasonry)


Historical Reference
401 Early Church Beliefs: First Eight Writers' Consensus