Why is Systematic Theology important?

Although systematic theology has its potential weaknesses and pitfalls, to which biblical theology may serve as a helpful corrective, it also has its strengths, and may prove to be the remedy to certain possible shortcomings of biblical theology. For instance, systematic theology ensures that all the doctrines of the bible find a place in the Christian's understanding; every doctrine is treated exhaustively, from the entire testimony of the scriptures, so that nothing “falls through the cracks,” or is overlooked. Also, systematic theology ensures that one's understanding of a given doctrine is the most developed and up-to-date that it can possibly be. Systematic theology demands the fullest and most final expression of a doctrine that revelatory history has made possible, so that there is no overlooking or forgetting any later clarification in the scriptures.

Along the same lines, systematic theology, by comparing scriptures with scriptures, according to the so-called “analogy of faith,” precludes any potential inconsistencies in one's doctrinal understanding. The scriptures are all brought together and compared side-by-side, in relation to any particular theme; and any scriptures that seem to be contradictory are ironed out and brought into harmony. Finally, systematic theology is valuable as a comprehensive explanation of the Christian worldview. Because it brings all the truths of the bible into a well-organized system, it is invaluable for explaining to the world just what Christianity is, defending it logically and scripturally, and edifying and equipping Christians to interact knowledgeably and reasonably with others.

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