Welcome to Our Introduction to Theology Part Two: Soteriology in Christianity Homeschool Curriculum

Course Sample for Our Introduction to Theology Part Two: Soteriology in Christianity Homeschool Bible Course

Introduction to Theology Part Two: Soteriology

I. What is theology? The study of the person and work of God

II. Is the study of theology relevant and practical for living?

“A fair question! – but there is, I think, a convincing answer to it. The questioner clearly assumes that a study of the nature and character of God will be unpractical and irrelevant for life. In fact, however, it is the most practical project anyone can engage in. Knowing about God is crucially important for the living of our lives. As it would be cruel to an Amazonian tribesman to fly him to London, put him down without explanation in Trafalgar Square and leave him, as one who knew nothing of English or England, to fend for himself, so we are cruel to ourselves if we try to live in this world without knowing about the God whose world is it and who runs it. The world becomes a strange, mad, paindul place, and life in it a disappointing and unpleasant business, for those tho do not know about God. Disregard the study of God, and you sentence yourself to stumble and blunder through life blindfold, as it were, with no sense of direction and no understanding of what surrounds you. This way you can waste your life and lose your soul.” Packer, Knowing God, pp. 14-15.

III. Wrong Approaches to Theology

1. Intellectualism: As a series of outlines or intellectual exercises
2. Mysticism: Reliance upon improper sources of theology
3. Utilitarianism and Pragmatism: “Don’t worry about the details, just get people to heaven.”

Evaluation: Wrong approaches to theology lead to a false gospel, including:

• a misrepresentation of the character of God;
• a misrepresentation of the works of God;
• an accurate presentation of the Gospel with wrong motives;
• burnout and a loss of joy;
• false profession and false security;
• an undue reliance upon technique versus prayer;
• an emphasis upon productivity versus faithfulness;
• dishonor to God in service to God; and
• eternal judgement:

“Brethren, my heart’s desire and my prayer to God for them is for their salvation. For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not in accordance with knowledge” (Rom. 10:1-2).

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