Biblical Theology and Systematic Theology?

Matt Harmon writes:

"Acknowledging the necessary caveats that we do not come to the text as blank slate but with presuppositions (including those informed by systematics), I tend to think that biblical theology (BT) should precede systematic theology (ST) insofar as it attempts to let each book, author, etc. speak on its own terms. One of the great dangers of ST is the possibility of flattening out distinctive contributions for the sake of a clean way of organizing the "data," not to mention the danger of ignoring the narrative shape of God's revelation of himself in Scripture. This is not to say that God does not reveal himself in "propositional" truth, but rather to acknowledge that he reveals himself in other ways as well in Scripture.

On the other hand, one of the dangers of BT is the tendency of some to so emphasize the distinctive contributions of each part of the canon that they fail to pursue its larger coherence. Also, there are some theological conclusions that BT probably cannot achieve without ST, such as the Trinity."

See also Don Carson on Systematic Theology & Biblical Theology

(more reasons why) I ♥ Biblical Theology

"good biblical theology is
theology for the church,
which drives the church
to worship."

- Alistair Wilson, reviewing
GK Beale: The Temple & The Church's Mission

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A few words about The Temple & The Church's Mission.

Beale himself writes:

our task as the covenant community, the Church, is to be God’s temple, so filled with his glorious presence that we expand and fill the earth with that presence until God finally accomplishes the goal completely at the end of time (p. 402).

Wilson:

"This is not an abstract study of the architecture and furnishings of the temple, as some prospective readers might fear from the title alone. Rather, it is about the biblical revelation of the Lord’s personal presence with his people and the implications of that fact for the rest of creation."

Special August Update at BeginningWithMoses.org

Special Offer on Liam Goligher's The Jesus Gospel, and David Jackman's preaching lecture from EMA now online at www.beginningwithmoses.org

UPDATE: 16-August-2006The special offer has now expired. But, Jonathan Carswell at 10ofthose.com is able to off many great offers on books.

Michael Lawrence does Biblical Theology

Michael Lawrence is preaching a series on Biblical Theology at Capitol Hill Baptist Church.

• Creation (read)
• Fall (read)
• Love
• Sacrifice

Mark Dever's series are also worth a listen:

• Old Testament Overview Sermons
• New Testament Overview Sermons

"Say the word "theology" at a dinner party, and you might get some interesting looks. Talk about the specifics of Biblical theology in particular, and you may just take a dinner roll to the head. Theology is not so popular today, even in some churches. But could it be that Biblical theology is more important for the life and health of the local church than we've previously realized?"

9Marks ministries: Biblical Theology

I ♥ Biblical Theology

I love Biblical Theology.
And I love it for one reason.
It helps me know Jesus Christ better

Nicholas Piotrowski, reviewing books by Graeme Goldsworthy & Vaughan Roberts at 9Marks.org

Theology for All : Conference

"Church and Theology Today:
What is Really at Stake?"

Theology for All: Annual Day Conference
Saturday 30th September 2006
10.00 am - 4.00 pm

Speaker: Professor Carl Trueman,

Carl is currently Professor of Historical Theology and Church History at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia. He previously served on the Faculties of the University of Nottingham and the University of Aberdeen. A specialist in 16th and 17th century theology, he has also written extensively on contemporary evangelical theology, edits the student journal Themelios, and has a monthly column in the ezine, Reformation 21. Dr Trueman's books include Luther's Legacy: Salvation and English Reformers, 1525-1556; The Claims of Truth: John Owen's Trinitarian Theology; and The Wages of Spin: Critical Writings on Historic and Contemporary Evangelicalism.

Programme (details t.b.c.)
10.00 Arrival & coffee
10.30 1st Session
11.30 Coffee break
12.00 2nd Session
1.00 Lunch
2.00 3rd Session
3.00 Tea break
3.20 Q&A
4.00 Finish

Location:
Duke Street Church, Richmond, West London.

Cost £10.00 TFA members / £15.00 non-members
Lunch and refreshments are provided.

For Details and Booking (required) contact:
rtsf@uccf.org.uk
0116 204 7682

Location and Directions can be found at www.dukestreetchurch.com

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*Theology for All is the new name for the Tyndale Fellowship Associates.

In Pursuit of the Truth

Derek Bigg has a blog based around his book:

Learning to think biblically: its principles and practice
In Pursuit of the Truth