1_Identifying assumptions...

1_Identifying assumptions...

1. Biblical theology

   • Bible is inspired by God
   • There is a unity that underlies the whole bible, so scripture helps interpret scripture
   • The bible is a reliable text if correctly interpreted, but there are still difficulties to resolve
   • Christ is at the centre BUT not to the exclusion of a trinitarian perspective or meaning in context
   • Timeless truths
   • Can say what it meant in the past and what it means now

2. Systematic theology

   • God has revealed himself - in creation and the Bible
   • The revelation is according to God's nature and manifests God's qualities
   • Unity in scripture despite diversities
   • God's revelation is consistent

3. Historical theology

   • God is active throughout history
   • Clarification of doctrine and interpretation is ongoing, with the Holy Spirit's help
   • The Bible is the measure against which all ideas should be tested, all to be grounded in theology
   • History and historicity are different but there are still things we can say about history
   • We see the past through through the present
   • Texts should be understood within their broad context