Theology is the study of belief and practice and concentrates primarily on the texts of the Tanakh (Old Testament), Messianic Scriptures (New Testament) as well as Christian/Messianic tradition. Isagogics is a branch of theology that is preliminary to actual exegesis and deals with the literary and external history of the Bible. The task of systematic theology is the formulation of an orderly, rational and coherent account of Christian/Messianic emunah (faith) and beliefs by drawing on the foundational biblical texts whilst simultaneously investigating the development of Christian/Messianic doctrine over the course of history within a philosophical context. Any system of theological thought requires the development of a methodology that has both broad and particilar application.
The Divisions of Systematic Theology
Systematic theology will typically explore the following (some of which overlap) which represent broad categories that are subject to further subdivision:
- 1. Theology-proper (the being, attributes and works of Elohim (God);
- 2. The Elohimhead (Godhead);
- 3. Revelation;
- 4. Biblical hermeneutics (principles of interpretation);
- 5. The Creation (principally Genesis);
- 6. Divine Providence (Yahweh's intervention in the universe);
- 7. Theodicy (the problem of evil);
- 8. Philosophy (issues surrounding existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind and language);
- 9. Harmatiology (the study of sin);
- 10. Christology (the ontology and person of Yah'shua/Jesus);
- 11. Pneumatology (the study of the Ruach haQodesh/Holy Spirit);
- 12. Soteriology (salvation);
- 13. Ecclesiology (the study of the Messianic Community/Church and its origins);
- 14. Missiology (the study of practical Christianity, evangelism and missionary work);
- 15. Spirituality & Mysticism including Visions, Prophecy, Dreams, Modern Revelation and Tongues;
- 16. The Sacraments including Baptism, Confirmation / Chrism / BarMitzvah, the Master's (Lord's) Supper, and Marriage;
- 17. The Divine Moedim or Appointments including the Creation Calendar, Sabbath, Rosh Chodesh (New Moon), the Annual Festivals, Sabbatical Year (Shmitah) and Jubillee (Yovel);
- 18. Eschatology (the final events of history);
- 19. Moral Theology/Ethics (right and wrong behaviour);
- 20. Christian Anthropology (study of human nature as it relates to Elohim/God); and
- 21. The Afterlife (life after death) which includes Resurrection, Æonian Time, Heaven, Hell, the Millennium, Universal Graded Salvation, and Eternity.
Reasons for Doing Theology
Theologians use biblical exegesis, rational analysis, and argument with a view to help them to:
- 1. Better understand Christian/Messianic tenets;
- 2. Defend Christianity/Messianism against objections and criticism;
- 3. Facilitate ongoing reforms within the Messianic Community (Church);
- 4. Aid in the propagation of the Besorah (Gospel); and
- 5. Draw upon the resources of Christian/Messianic tradition to address some present situation and perceived need.
The first of the great Christian/Messianic theologians was the apostle Paul.
Messianic Evangelical Theology
Messianic Evangelical Theology entered the broad stream of Christian / Messianic theology, now two millennia old, toward the end of the 20th century (1984/7) when NCAY began. Our theology does have a particular focus, namely, the restoration of the end-time Remnant. The entire NCCG.ORG website is dedicated to an understanding and pursuit of this vision and understanding, and you will find dozens of other theological categories and sub-categories on the main page.
In many respects the theology of the New Covenant Assemblies of Yahweh (NCAY) is a blending of Evangelical Christianity with Messianism. Christologically (the doctrine of Christ) NCAY is thoroughly evangelical but in terms of its adherence to Torah it is Messianic. There are, however, areas in which NCAY is neither of these, making this not only a work of reformation but also of restoration. (See the Introduction and NCAY's Vision and Mission).
The registry on this page foucses on the broader scope of NCAY theology. For a more detailed appraisal of NCAY individual teachings, please use the Topic Guide on the main website.
(15 December 2018)
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