A Short History of Christian Doctrine
The Trinity in Africa
Doctrine of God
Aims
To compare and contrast classical and modern intuitions about the being of God.
To become aware of the unique relationship between God and human language.
To gain a basic familiarity with certain issues surrounding talk of divine ‘attributes.’
To instil an impulse of humility and prayer when attempting to speak about God.
THE ATTRIBUTES OF GOD, CHAPTER 3
Holy Scripture
Required reading
Recap: My own approach
Theology is rational reflection on the person, nature, and works of God which is guided by the witness of scripture, informed by tradition, and in conversation with culture.
Primarily systematic
diverse views
over time and
over place
Opening discussion: What is Scripture?
Ideas:
66 books + ?
inspired/revealed word of God, written by people
a guide
a gift
points to God, not to itself
Does God suffer? Chapter 2
Divine Teaching--An Introduction to Christian Theology
Gregory Nazianzus--The First Theological Oration
Gregory Nazianzus—​The First Theological Oration
Introduction
Gregory of Nazianzus (c.329-c.390) was a fourth century theologian who, along with the other so-called 'Cappadocian Fathers' (Basil of Caesarea and Gregory of Nyssa) played a large part in the theological settlement represented in the Council of Constantinople in 381 (which produced the final form of the Nicene Creed). In the years leading up to the Council, Gregory preached what have become known as the the five 'Theological Orations' in defence of the divinity of the Son, and chiefly against a group of heretics known as the Eunomians. The first oration is notable for its development of the following themes: 1. The portrayal of heretics as those who indulge in theological debate merely for 'sport' or amusement. 2. The purity of one’s heart as a prerequisite for doing theology. 3. The need for 'restraining one’s tongue' when it comes to speaking of the divine mysteries. 4. The belief that theology should be protected from becoming too 'common.' 5. The insistence that the agenda for theology should be set by its own subject matter (i.e., God) rather than by debates with opponents. 6. The plea for those interested in simply debating to focus on any subject other than God—since talking about God must always be, in a certain sense, 'dangerous.'