BUILDING SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY
STUDY GUIDE 2.2
Lesson 2: Technical Terms in Systematics
Section 2: Formation


OUTLINE FOR TAKING NOTES

II. Formation

A. Biblical Terms

  1. Emphasizing One Term

  2. Emphasizing One Meaning

  3. Creating New Meanings

B. Extra-Biblical Language

  1. Common Terminology

  2. Philosophical Terminology

  3. Combined Terminology

REVIEW QUESTIONS

1. Explain why it may be helpful to emphasize the term "regeneration," even though the Bible may use various different terms.

2. Explain why it may be helpful to emphasize only one meaning of the term "justify," even though the Bible may use the term in different ways.

3. Explain why it may be helpful to create new theological phrases that are not found in the Bible.

4. Explain the origin of the word "Trinity."

5. Describe terms used by the Council of Chalcedon in ways that they are not used in the Bible.

6. Give examples of technical theological phrases that combine biblical words with extra-biblical words to form a new phrase.

APPLICATION QUESTIONS

1. How do you feel about using theological terms that are not found in the Bible? How about the term "Trinity," for example?

2. How do you feel about using theological terms in ways that are not always exactly the way the Bible uses them?