Read Part 1 and Part 2.
The Analogy of Faith
Modern theologians used to think of theology as a science, by which they meant that it was an ordered body of knowledge that required investigation and systematization according to standardized methods. Both pre-modern and post-modern theologians know that the modern view is an oversimplification. While not entirely rejecting the notion that theology resembles the sciences, they have come to realize that it also resembles the arts. Theologians are more like scientists when they gather evidence. They are more like artists, however, when they begin to weigh and to judge the evidence. The necessity of judgment introduces an element of subjectivity into the theological enterprise. This element of subjectivity can never entirely be eliminated—in fact, it should not be. Nevertheless, it must be disciplined if the theologian is to do more than to assert preconceptions and prejudices.
Even though theologians must weigh and judge the evidence, they do not want their judgments to be purely subjective. How can the subjective element be disciplined and kept in its place? The answer to this question is contained in the word method.
Every theologian proceeds according to some method. Differences over method almost always result in differences over conclusions. Therefore, students of theology appreciate theologians who explicitly identify the method they are using.
read more
components of this guide is the necessary preconditioning required to survive the day without ending the trip en route to the South Rim ER.