Introduction
According to Berkhof, theology emerged from the phrase “the Word of God,” while systematic theology refers to the orderly arrangement of the various teachings of God’s Word. These teachings have developed progressively from the third century through the Middle Ages, the Reformation, and up to the present day. Berkhof defines systematic theology as the disciplined arrangement of the Word of God by competent Bible scholars for the purpose of forming doctrine.
He further explains that the term “dogma” is derived from the Greek word “dokhein,” meaning “suggestion” or “opinion” in Classical Greek. The addition of the particle “moi” to “dokhein” yielded the phrase meaning “in my opinion,” a nuance that suggests every doctrine originated as someone’s considered opinion, which was subsequently tested, refined, and accepted by scholars over time until it became established truth.
Today, many systematic arrangements of the Word of God have become integral to the Christian faith and its orthodoxy, with the Apostles’ Creed serving as the standard against which doctrines are evaluated. As Redford notes, denominations represent doctrinal differences or distinct opinions that are nonetheless firmly rooted in the Apostolic Creed. Walter Martin further asserts that any doctrine that conflicts with Christian orthodoxy, particularly concerning the deity of Christ, the person and work of the Holy Spirit, and the atonement, is to be regarded as heresy.
Over the centuries, the Church has contended with numerous heretical movements, including Deism, Atheism, Docetism, Montanism, Epicureanism, Humanism, Secularism, Separatism, Marcionism, and many others. Nevertheless, the Church has continued to thrive and advance.
Grudem contributes to the discussion by observing that after the fall of humanity, the image of God in man began to fade, a reality that underscores the necessity of being born again. As a result, humanity largely lost its awareness of God, save for the conscience, which continues to prompt a sense of moral distinction between right and wrong. God therefore revealed Himself to humanity through multiple means: nature, morality, history, Scripture, and others.
The revelation of Scripture, in particular, has given rise to doctrines so that humanity may know God and relate to Him properly. Grudem accordingly defines theology as a compound of Theos (God) and Logos (study or doctrine), the study and doctrine of God that enables us to know Him and experience Him more fully.
Berkhof further argues that doctrines found in other fields, such as politics and science, also point ultimately to the existence of God and fall under His sovereign authority. Redford echoes this by asserting that the Bible is the head of all philosophy, while Berkhof concludes that systematic theology is the “Queen of the Sciences.”
Grudem defines systematic theology as “any study that seeks to answer any question about God and His relationship to the world at any particular point in time.” By this definition, Christian practices such as preaching, teaching, counseling, and meditation all fall within the scope of systematic theology.
Wagner argues that every Christian must engage with these doctrines in order to grow spiritually, which in turn facilitates growth in all other areas of life. This aligns with Augustine’s enduring conviction that every Christian is, in essence, a theologian.
The Doctrines of Systematic Theology
Scholars generally agree that the following doctrines constitute the body of systematic theology:
- Theology Proper—the knowability and existence of God through the Doctrine of Revelation
- Christology
- Pneumatology
- Ecclesiology
- Soteriology
- Angelology
- Eschatology
- Anthropology
- Hamartiology
- Bibliology
Beyond these foundational doctrines, the Christian faith also encompasses a broad range of concepts and principles, which may fall within or outside the scope of the above categories. These include:
Retribution, Being Born Again, Sacrifice, Sowing, Fruit Bearing, Evangelism, Shepherding, Church Planting, Relationship with the Holy Spirit, Repentance, Holiness, Church and Family, Kingdom, Kingdom Dominance, Harvest, Discipleship, Reasoning and Faith, Pentecostalism, Stewardship, Power Delegation, Concept of Work, and the Fruit of the Spirit.
Defining Practical Theology
Merriam-Webster defines “practical” as engagement in action toward a course or occupation. Redford further defines the term as the faithful adherence to all the instructions of the Bible to the extent that they govern one’s worldview, actions, and reactions. This means that the Christian faith — its doctrines and its guiding concepts — must be studied thoroughly and understood properly in order to be applied effectively in everyday life.
This article examines the following key areas:
- Components of Practical Theology
- Concepts of Practical Theology
- Biblical Emphasis of Practical Theology
- The Theology and Practices of Kingdom Dominance
1. Components of Practical Theology
The components of practical theology are the foundational elements that constitute its framework. They include:
- Spirituality and Anointing
- Fruit of the Spirit
- Response to the Great Commission
- Mentorship
- Service and Discipline
- Communication
- Leadership and Influence
- Growth
2. Concepts of Practical Theology
While the Bible contains numerous concepts and principles, this study focuses on the following:
- Kingdom Dominance
- Church Planting
- Sacrifice
- Sowing
- Retribution
- Holiness
- Righteousness
3. Biblical Emphasis of Practical Theology
The biblical foundations of practical theology are drawn primarily from:
- The Book of Acts
- The Epistles
- The Books of the Prophets
- The Laws and Instructions
4. The Theology and Practices of Kingdom Dominance
The theology and practices of Kingdom Dominance encompass the following areas:
- Combination of Theocracy and Democracy
- Social Media and the Christian Faith
- Contemporary Issues and the Christian Response
- New Religious Movements and Concepts
- Apologetics
- Revival and Revivalism
Course Outline
| Week | Topic |
|---|---|
| 1st Week | Practical Theology |
| 2nd Week | Journey to Kingdom Dominance |
| 3rd Week | Understanding Spiritual Warfare |
| 4th Week | Working of Miracles |
| 5th Week | Reflection on the Prophetic Ministry in Kingdom Dominance |
| 6th & 7th Weeks | Recap |
| 8th Week | Graduation and Induction |
