Theology of Christianity

The theology of Christianity encompasses the study of concepts related to Christian belief and practice. It is primarily derived from the texts of the Old Testament and the New Testament, as well as from Christian tradition. Christian theologians employ biblical exegesis, a critical interpretation of the biblical texts, alongside rational analysis and argumentation.

Core Concepts

Divine Inspiration of Scripture

A foundational concept within Christian theology is the idea of the divine inspiration of scripture. This is often supported by references such as the one found in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, where it is stated that "all scripture is given by inspiration of God." Here, St. Paul refers to the Old Testament, which was familiar to Timothy from his youth.

Attributes of God

Several attributes are ascribed to God in Christian theology. One such attribute is Aseity, indicating that God is entirely independent and self-sufficient, based on scriptures like Acts 17:25, which states that God "is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything." This attribute is closely related to God's self-existence.

Branches and Perspectives

Christian theology is diverse, encompassing various schools of thought and perspectives.

Liberal and Progressive Christianity

Liberal Christianity, also known as liberal theology, and Progressive Christianity represent contemporary approaches that often emphasize a postmodern theological perspective. These movements incorporate Christian modernism and engage with societal issues using a theological framework.

Christian Existentialism

Christian existentialism adopts an existentialist approach to theology, often associated with the work of Søren Kierkegaard, a Danish philosopher and theologian. This approach emphasizes individual existence and personal relationship with God.

Black Theology

Black theology integrates Christianity with civil rights issues, particularly those raised by the Black Power movement. This theology addresses systemic injustices and seeks to align Christian teachings with the struggles for racial equality.

Conservative and Pauline Christianity

Conservative Christianity maintains traditional theological positions, often referred to as theological conservatism or biblical orthodoxy. Pauline Christianity, or Pauline theology, focuses on the teachings and theological contributions of Paul the Apostle, emphasizing the role of Gentile Christianity.