What is Systematic Theology?

So I'm currently writing a thesis about Thomas Watson for my Master's in Systematic Theology. Cool. People ask what it's about and I start reciting the thoughts in my head and summing up my research about Thomas Watson, Repentance, The Puritans, the English Civil War, the Act of Uniformity, the list goes on and on. I generally have a good idea of what I am writing about and why. My friends and family support me, think my topic is really interesting, and have a hard time explaining what exactly systematic theology is. So for anyone who reads this blog and cares to know, here is my account of what I'm getting a degree in.

Systematic Theology has two components. Theology: the study of God (from a Christian perspective); and Systematic: presented or formulated as a coherent body of ideas or principles.

Systematic Theology looks at the entirety of Scripture, doctrines, history, science, and philosophy and tries to make sense of them. The goal is to make all the pieces cohere one to another within a system or method of thought that can be applied broadly as well as particularly.

This is a little different than the other theology degrees offered through Briercrest Seminary. A degree in Theological Studies: New Testament focuses on understanding the New Testament specifically the authors, genres, messages, history and how it applies to today. Same can be said for the Theological Studies: Old Testament degree. Systematic Theology by comparison doesn't focus in on any particular point and is extremely big picture. It's theological philosophy.

So practically speaking what is Systematic Theology?  Systematic Theology is a broad and deep knowledge God's working in the world and how we ought to live in light of it. It's understanding how the big abstract ideas in Christianity relate to each other and being able to explain and apply these things in real life. An example would be being able to understand and explain how the Doctrine of the Trinity relates to both the Old and New Testaments, is essential to the Christian faith, and manifests itself within the experience of Christian believers throughout history around the world. It's being able to explain the 'Predestination / Freewill' tension within Scripture in a coherent manner beyond the common Calvinist / Arminian stereotypes. It's being able to explain how God created everything and yet nothing created God.

In it's most basic form I suppose a simple definition would be: understanding the how and why for everything to do with the Christian belief.

Training in Systematic Theology is (hopefully) a humbling experience that will encourage the student to seek and be guided by wisdom. A good systematic theologian is able to identify and look past cultural bias, rigid thinking, and unfruitful debate.

So there it is, a hastily put together definition of what I've dedicated the five years to.
Greg Out