Approaches to Theology
Monday, October 17, 2022
9:32 AM
Christian Theology in addition to referring to that which Christians believe  also refers to the academic study of theology.  Within academic schools designed to serve the interests of Christianity broadly and the goals of ministry specifically, we might identify Six types of Christian theology.  
Biblical Theology: 
While the term might suggest theology that is derived from scripture, in academic theology the term "Biblical theology" refers to examining the theological questions, discernments, conclusions and commitments made by Biblical writers. 
Sondra Schneiders, author of The Revelatory Text, helpfully provides a description of a three-way conversation in interpreting biblical texts:
The Biblical interpreter should examine the world behind the text—the historical, cultural, and background context for a particular portion of biblical literature.
The world of the text
Literary criticism of the text.
Examining the theology of the text.
The world before the text (our contemporary experience and the insights the text under investigation might provide for that).
Historical Theology: Examines the theology of persons, movements, or denominations in their context. (Example, By the Renewing Of Your Mind, by Ellen Charry)
Systematic Theology: seeks to sketch a coherent and unified theological explication of the major questions of Revelation, understanding of God the Creator, Christ the Redeemer, the Holy Spirit the Sustainer, the Church, Salvation, Praxis, and the Future. (Confessing the One Faith)
 Constructive Theology: would resist the comprehensive approach to working one's way through a comprehensive list of topics in favor of learning to approach situations from a theological perspective—formulating theological questions as they present themselves and working through reflection relative to the context.
Pastoral Theology (Practical):  examines the ways the resources of theological reflection and discernment can be applied to the living complexities of pastoral care, congregational leadership, denominational governance, evangelism, service, or advocacy.  