Scripture Over Systems
“We will gravitate to one system or another, and this is not necessarily a terrible thing, if we are gracious with those who differ with us and acknowledge the difficulties with our own positions.”- P&D
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I’m not really disagreeing with Joos, but it’s still on the topic of “systems vs. Scripture” conversations.
And this seems to be widely overlooked:
We all read Scripture through the grid of a system. We all systematize. We’re hardwired for it. The question is whether we’ll do it with intentionality and discipline or do it chaotically and impulsively. And the other question is, will we do it humbly or arrogantly?
“Chaotic system” seems like an oxymoron, but “anti-system” approaches function the same way that systematic theologies do. They form a grid of prior beliefs and leanings that we take with us when we study. They’re just as real when they’re disorganized and intuitive vs. well-ordered and rational.
I would argue that disorganized and intuitive is more dangerous, because we’re less aware of what we’re doing and less able to examine our assumptions.
Intentional and disciplined + humble is better than chaotic and impulsive + humble. Both are better than approach + arrogant/overconfident. Blindness to the limits of what our approach can achieve and the ways it can hinder isn’t unique to one or the other.
And most of us mix and match anyway.
To say it another way: Having a system doesn’t fix everything. Rejecting systems (really just substituting chaotic systems in their place) doesn’t fix everything.
Views expressed are always my own and not my employer's, my church's, my family's, my neighbors', or my pets'. The house plants have authorized me to speak for them, however, and they always agree with me.
The "trick" is to be willing to try to study Scripture from the viewpoint of a different grid than your own. That's hard to do, but necessary to be able to truly understand what the "other guys" are actually saying. Sometimes, that will result in changing your position. The very possibility of that happening is enough to keep many from trying it. But how else can you be sure that your grid is truly the right one?
G. N. Barkman
I heard this "cop out" this week:
"I don't believe in Systematic theology ... I have a Biblical theology".
Later in conversation, "I'm a Historic premillennialist".
Taigen isn't rejecting systems. He is advocating for the humility to realize that systems do not equal Scripture.
Everyone has some kind of system. Of course. But the trump card is always what the Scripture means. We have to let the Scriptures speak to our systems and not the other way around.
Admittedly, it is hard to do.
Maranatha!
Don Johnson
Jer 33.3
We have to let the Scriptures speak to our systems and not the other way around.
I think we should recognize that this goes both ways, whether we want it to or not… but I think we should want it to. We worship the God of all truth and the One who invented logic and reason—and Who chose to communicate with us through a rational medium: the written word.
So I believe He intended us to make systems, to compare Scripture with Scripture and infer truths, and use inferences to understand other passages.
But I agree with this much: the moment we step away from inspired words into anything derivative, we have taken a major step down in quality and confidence. We’re not told that “all Scripture and our inferences from it are God-breathed” in 2 Tim 3.16. So that has a ton of practical implications.
Views expressed are always my own and not my employer's, my church's, my family's, my neighbors', or my pets'. The house plants have authorized me to speak for them, however, and they always agree with me.
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