Based on the search results, here are the key differences between biblical theology and systematic theology:
- Approach:
- Biblical theology takes a historical and chronological approach, tracing the development of themes and doctrines through the narrative of Scripture.
- Systematic theology organizes biblical teachings topically or thematically, synthesizing what the whole Bible says about particular subjects.
- Focus:
- Biblical theology focuses on the progressive unfolding of God’s revelation throughout history.
- Systematic theology aims to present a comprehensive and coherent account of Christian doctrines.
- Organization:
- Biblical theology is organized historically or by biblical author/book.
- Systematic theology is organized topically (e.g. God, man, sin, salvation, etc.).
- Method:
- Biblical theology tends to be more inductive, working from the biblical texts to derive themes.
- Systematic theology tends to be more deductive, starting with doctrinal categories and supporting them with Scripture.
- Scope:
- Biblical theology often focuses on specific themes, books, or periods within Scripture.
- Systematic theology attempts to address the full range of Christian doctrine.
- Context:
- Biblical theology emphasizes the historical and literary contexts of biblical passages.
- Systematic theology may draw connections across contexts to synthesize biblical teaching.
- Goals:
- Biblical theology aims to understand the Bible’s storyline and how individual parts contribute to the whole.
- Systematic theology seeks to articulate a logically coherent system of Christian beliefs.
While these approaches differ, many scholars see them as complementary, with biblical theology informing and enriching systematic theology, and systematic theology providing a framework for biblical theology. Both aim to faithfully represent biblical teaching, just with different methodologies and emphases.
Citations: [1] https://www.mbts.edu/2019/10/what-is-biblical-theology/ [2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Systematic_theology [3] https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justin-taylor/the-relationship-between-systematic-theology-and-biblical-theology/ [4] https://www.monergism.com/thethreshold/articles/onsite/qna/systembiblical.html [5] https://freegrace.in/what-is-the-difference-between-biblical-theology-and-systematic-theology/ [6] https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/essay/biblical-theology/ [7] https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/essay/systematic-theology/ [8] https://www.reformation21.org/articles/biblical-versus-systematic-theology.php