What is Theology?

Theology and its task

“Faith seeking understanding.” – St. Anselm
Providing an ordered view of the faith of the Christian community.
Articulating Christian faith in terms that are intelligible to the wider culture.
“A continuing search for the fullness of truth of God made known in Jesus Christ.” – Daniel Migliore
“The science of living blessedly forever.” – William Perkins
“Theology teaches of God, is taught by God and leads to God.” – Thomas Aquinas
“When rightly pursued, theology reminds us of who we are in light of who God is and moves us to worship Him with our whole being.” – R.C. Sproul
“One is sometimes (not often) glad not to be a great theologian; one might so easily mistake it for being a good Christian.” – C.S. Lewis

adapted from J.I. Packer

Exegesis: What did the author intend to convey in this text/passage? This leads to the question, what then does it mean to us?
Biblical Theology: What is the message of each author and of the Bible as a whole about various topics?
Historical Theology: How have Christians understood various elements of the faith in the past?
Systematic Theology: How should we state the total Christian faith today, topic by topic, and as a whole, in light of current interests, assumptions, questions, challenges and culture?
Apologetics: How should we explain and defend the faith today in the face of contemporary unbelief, mistaken belief and puzzlement?
Ethics: What are the ideals and standards of Christian behavior? How do we justify them against criticism and bring them to bear upon particular situations?
Missiology: How should we understand and fulfill the ministering tasks on which God sends His people in this world?
Spiritual Theology: How should we understand and practice the life of communion with God?
Liturgical or doxological: How is God best and most truly worshiped by His people, and how may we achieve true worship in our churches?
Practical: How should we understand and further God’s work in our particular roles, situations, professions, etc.?