So since my back only offers 2 ‘comfortable’ positions laying down or excessively reclined I have taken the opportunity to begin reading my first seminary class text books.
1. Systematic Theology - Wayne Grudem - 1290 pages
2. Systematic Theology - Louis Berkhof - 784 pages
3. The Person of Christ - Donald Macleod - 300 pages
4. The Work of Christ - Robert Letham - 284 pages
The first reading assignment has us looking at ‘The Doctrine of Christ in History’. Grudem’s book far superior in its delivery of content, however, Berkhof’s book is a bit deeper historically. The main focus of these chapters has been dealing with early heresies that prevailed in the early church. I think these are fascinating because it shows the honest searching of early church fathers to comprehend and understand the Incarnation. Even though some schools of thought have been labeled as heresies, this does not discount the “full tribute to his piety”. (Macleod pg.155)
” Christology is certainly beset by the danger of an arid intellectualism. A man may be an expert on the incarnation and yet be totally lacking in faith and love. Conversely, someone may have little knowledge of the great creeds and yet have a real, living faith in Christ. Evangelicalism has always recognized this.” (Macleod pg.155)
I like this approach. I believe we have to view these heresies in the context of the light they had at the time. It is easy to go around with guns blazing, however, we must remember that a complete cannon of scripture was not available until after AD 400. Many of the brothers were striving to present and teach deep theological context without the opportunity to compare scripture with scripture.
This shows the importance of understanding the context of Church History. So many are ignorant of their history and heritage. It has been said, “if you don’t know where you came from you have no idea where you are going”. Many in the church have an identity crisis of faith. Most in the church has no clue or concept of where we fit into history and what our role is in God’s greater plan for the church. The complete picture is past - present - future. Where did you come from… Where are you going… how do you fit into the context now… This would be a good Starbuck’s discussion.