choose to select from more
than 250 languages for instant
translation of the information presented.
Creative Bible Study
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
THE THEOLOGICAL METHOD
OBJECTIVES:
Upon completion of this chapter you will be able to:
• Write the Key Verse from memory. • Define the theological method of Bible study. • List five steps of the theological method of Bible study. • Define the word "doctrine." • Define key theological terms. • Do a Bible study using the theological method.
KEY VERSE:
Thy testimonies are wonderful: therefore doth my soul keep them. (Psalm 119:129)
INTRODUCTION
This chapter defines and explains the theological method of Bible study. An example of this method is also provided. The "For Further Study" section provides an opportunity to apply what you have learned by actually using the theological method of Bible study.
THE METHOD DEFINED
The theological method focuses on the study of basic Bible doctrines. It is the study of a book or the Bible as a whole in order to collect, compare, and organize doctrine. "Theology" is the study of God. This includes the study of God the Father, Jesus Christ the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The theological method focuses on Bible doctrines that reveal things about God. A doctrine is a group of teachings about a certain subject. The theological method focuses on basic doctrines (collective teachings) of theology (things pertaining to God).
A theological study usually focuses on all a certain book teaches on a selected doctrine. An even more detailed theological study focuses on all the entire Bible teaches on a doctrine. A doctrine is never determined on the basis of one isolated verse or passage. Doctrinal error results from teaching a doctrine based on only a few selected texts. This is a practice followed by false cults.
In doing a theological Bible study you can apply everything you have already learned about book, chapter, paragraph, verse, and word study. All of these study methods can be applied as you use the theological method.