Systematic Theology

Although many people have found the study of Systematic Theology to be fascinating it is not intended to be an end in itself, but rather a means to the greater glory of God as you relate to Him in a deeper and more responsible way.

Anselm, an eleventh century theologian, expressed his approach in these terms: "I believe, in order that I may understand" (Credo ut intelligam). We trust that, working from the foundation of a living faith in the living God, students will come to a deeper understanding of God's revelation of Himself to us, which will lead in turn to an increasingly deeper faith.

Furthermore, theology should never be divorced from devotion. The fourth century monk Evagrius Ponticus made the following pertinent observation: "If you are a true theologian, you truly pray; if you truly pray, you are a true theologian." It is our prayer that such an ideal may be accomplished in the lives of students as they study theology. Certainly, there can be no more lofty object of our contemplation than God himself! The ultimate aim of the course is thus not passing the examination, but bowing before the Lord our Maker in praise and worship.

The Systematic Theology Curriculum
The six courses which are offered in Systematic Theology are designed to provide students with a broad grasp of the doctrinal content of the Christian faith, and to help them see how this doctrinal content should impact on contemporary belief and practice. The overall structure of the Systematic Theology curriculum is as follows:

BST 125 - Christian Doctrine
An Introduction to the Study of Systematic Theology: its nature, method, task, sources, language and relation to other disciplines.

BST 225 - Revelation and God
Revelation: the nature of revelation; general and special revelation; the inspiration, preservation and authority of the Scriptures. Doctrine of God: the reality, names and attributes of God; the Trinity; creation; the providence of God; theodicy (the problem of evil); the doctrine of God as the foundation of ethics; angels, the special agents of God.

BST 315 - Humanity, Sin and Christ
Humanity: the origin and nature of humanity; the "image of God" in human beings; the origin and nature of sin. The Person and Work of Christ: the Deity and Humanity of Christ; the virgin birth; Christ as Saviour; theories of the atonement; justification, sanctification, glorification.

BST 325 - Salvation, the Holy Spirit and the Church
Salvation: The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit; the nature of the life in Christ; faith, conversion, discipleship; the corporate life of the Christian; the church, its ministry and its ordinances; the ethics of human relationships.

BST 415 - Eschatology and theological models:
Eschatology: the Kingdom of God as the goal of history; personal eschatology (death and the hereafter); signs of the times; the return of Christ; the final state.
The primary part of this course covers the traditional themes associated with eschatology. There is a strong research component and exposure to the book of Revelation. Several 'models' of theology are explored.

BST 425 - Christian Theological Ethics
Behavior as a distinctive Christian nature is nurtured in this course. The outcome of what we believe theologically is anticipated in the way we behave. Several relevant issues to the South African context are researched.
Ethics: the ethical implications of the Ten Commandments; the ethics of Jesus Christ; contemporary ethical issues.
Modern theology. A course aimed at helping students to understand contemporary developments in theology.