By Kevin G. Smith

An Integrated Model

Kevin Gary Smith

THE ELEMENTS

We believe these are essential ingredients of an integrated model for evangelical theology.

In the light of the way we have defined theology, what are the essential elements that belong in our model of theology? In alphabetical order, we propose the following:

1. Canonical2. Christocentric3. Contextual4. Ecclesiastical5. Exegetical6. Historical7. Logical8. Missional9. Practical10.Scientific11.Systematic12.Trinitarian

Elements of a Model

Elements of a Model

Canonical• The Bible in its entirety and

the Bible alone is our normative guide for faith and practice. Therefore, the canon is the locus of theology.

Christocentric• What Jesus said and did

should function as an interpretive lens for knowing God. We can interpret the word and the world through the insight he provides regarding God’s nature, will, and purposes.

Elements of a Model

ContextualThe word of God was given to them (there and then), but it was also given for us (here and now). Our task is to systematise and contextualise God’s word. Our outcome is a restatement of the teachings of God for the people of God in our context.

EcclesiasticalWe see the chief task of theology as trying to discern the will of God for the people of God in a particular context or situation. Theology is done in the church and for the church, though it has implications be yond the church.

Elements of a Model

ExegeticalScripture plays a normative and authoritative role in evangelical theology. Since God and his will are infallibly revealed only through his written word, the quest to discern God’s will must be grounded in scripture. Evangelical theology is exegetical theology.

HistoricalOur theological reflection should be informed by church history, historical theology, and the history of interpretation (of scripture). Traditions are beliefs and practices that arose in response to situations. We need to understand them historically so that we can evaluate them critically.

Elements of a Model

LogicalThe way we do our theological reflection must uphold high standards of logic. We seek to present a coherent, non-contradictory worldview. We present an interpretation of reality (the word and the world) that is plausible, and we defend our conclusion rationally, humbly, and persuasively.

HistoricalOur theological reflection should be informed by church history, historical theology, and the history of interpretation (of scripture). Traditions are beliefs and practices that arose in response to situations. We need to understand them historically so that we can evaluate them critically.

Elements of a Model

MissionalOur theology needs to be missional through and through. We seek to understand the mission of God for creation so that we can discern our place in his purpose.

• Salvation History• Kingdom of God

PracticalAll theology is practical. Our goal is to understand the will of God in the complexities of contemporary life so that the people of God might respond in ways that are faithful to him. We ultimately aim to strengthen the faith of God’s people, and improve the effectiveness of the church’s ministry.

Elements of a Model

ScientificWhere relevant, our model should allow for the integration of important insights from the human, social, or natural sciences (sometimes referred to as ‘the arts and sciences’).

All Truth God’s Word

Scientific

Knowledge

Figure 11: Three Domains of Truth

Theology

Biblical Studies

Church History

Systematic TheologyMissiology

Practical Theology

Theology is a single discipline!

Bible-based

Spirit-led

Christ-centred

Godnature

willpurposes

Restoring Truth to the Church

History

Science

AN INTEGRATED MODEL

This is our proposed model of integrated theology from an evangelical perspective.

Missional Lens

Christocentric Lens

Problem or Proposition

Biblical Theology

Historical Theology

Systematic Theology

Practical Theology

Model of Integrated Theology

BIBLICAL THEOLOGY

Our reflection is rooted in the grand narrative of the word of God.

Biblical Exegesis Biblical Theology

We study a single text to determine its

original meaning and its contemporary

significance.

We attempt to understand the beliefs of the biblical writers on their own terms.

Biblical Theology

Promise Fulfilment

Redemption is promised by Yahweh in the Old

Testament.

Redemption is provided by Christ in the New

Testament.

Biblical Theology

Genesis to Malachi

Why he said and did it.

Acts to Revelation

How the apostles interpreted and

applied it.

Matthew to John

What the Lord Jesus Christ said and did.

Biblical Theology

HISTORICAL THEOLOGY

Our reflection is seriously how other Christian thinkers have interpreted God’s word and will.

Chronological Confessional Case-study

Broad and extensive

Broad and extensive

Narrow and intensive

Organised by time

Organised by tradition

No set organisation

Diachronic Synchronic Snapshot

Historical Theology

SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY

We present and defend and informed statement or model of God’s will and purposes.

Biblical Data

Scientific Data

Theological Theory

or Model

Apologetic Defence

Systematic Theology

PRACTICAL THEOLOGY

We explore how our theological conclusions relates to the beliefs and practices of our church, community, and context.

Concrete Situation

Proposed Praxis

Critical Defence

Communicative Action

Practical Theology

THE END