Methods of Theology a. b. c. d. e. f. Understand more trul his or her own religion. Understand more truly another religious tradition.

Make comparisons between religious traditions. Defend or justify a religious tradition. Assist in the propagation of a religious tradition. Facilitate reform of a particular tradition.

Types of Theology
1. Biblical Theology This mode of theology is interested in unpacking the theological meaning of the biblical text. It can function at the level of canon, author, book, chapter, verse, phrase or word. It can be pursued with varying degrees of attention to the history of the text, whether history of development or history of reception. 2. Confessional Theology Confessional theology takes as its starting point the theological affirmations of a particular theological tradition, often identified in terms of denomination. It seeks to develop the particular insights of that particular tradition and to provide a compelling expression of that tradition in light of the contemporary situation. 3. Constructive Theology Innovation and idiosyncrasy are prized in constructive theology, where the goal is to take the theological tradition broadly or narrowly conceived in heretofore undeveloped or underdeveloped directions. It is often individualistic and academic in orientation. 4. Contextual Theologies Contextual theology takes the contemporary situation with utmost seriousness, and looks for ways to address that situation. Liberation and feminist theologies are fine examples, but postmodern theologians and American evangelical theology would fall broadly within this designation as well, although the latter perhaps not in terms of intent. Indeed, all theology ought to be contextual to some degree. 5. Dogmatic Theology Pursued in a Barthian style, Dogmatic theology is concerned with doing theology in service of the church. In this sense, it is similar to confessional theology. Torrance understands this to be related, also, to a particular version of scientific theology. Pursued in a Roman Catholic style, Dogmatic

theology is similar to normative theology. Ones understanding of Dogmatic theology relates to how one parses the relationship between dogma and dogmas. 6. Ecumenical Theology Ecumenical theology is similar to confessional theology except that it works with a much more broadly defined tradition, namely, Nicaea, Chalcedon and their derivative councils. It looks for paths toward unity where the various sub-traditions need not give up their emphases, even if they must learn to appreciate and incorporate the emphases of other sub-traditions. 7. Philosophical Theology Philosophical theology seeks to bring theology into conversation with philosophy. This can be done in two ways. First, it can be done by bringing the tools of philosophical analysis, as well as philosophical modes of thought (philosophical topics: metaphysics, etc), to bear critically upon theology. Second, it can be done by bringing theology to bear constructively upon philosophical analysis and modes of thought. 8. Natural Theology Natural theology attempts to establish knowledge of God without appeal to specifically Christian revelation. It traditionally depends heavily on certain forms of metaphysics, cosmology, and ethical theory. 9. Normative Theology Undertaken from by a certified authority within a particular ecclesial polity, Normative theology is pursued whenever theological statements are made by which a particular ecclesial identity is constituted or delimited. Nicaea and Chalcedon are examples of such statements, as is the Augsburg Confession. It is operative for Roman Catholics whenever the Pope speaks ex cathedra. 10. Scientific Theology How one conceives of scientific theology depends on how one understands science. For instance, Charles Hodge working with a more or less Baconian understanding of science described theology as the collection and ordering of facts found within the biblical text. Another example is TF Torrance, who working with a more or less Einsteinian conception of science describes theology in terms of being confronted by and in turn expressing in a limited way the reality of God.