Editing Systematic theology (section)

== Method ==
{{More citations needed|section|date=July 2024}}
With a methodological tradition that differs somewhat from [[biblical theology]], systematic theology draws on the core [[sacred texts]] of Christianity, while simultaneously investigating the development of Christian doctrine over the course of history, particularly through philosophy, ethics, social sciences, and natural sciences. Using biblical texts, it attempts to compare and relate all of scripture which led to the creation of a systematized statement on what the whole Bible says about particular issues. In other words, "In reconstructing Christian teaching, systematic theology proceeds by a process of conceptual abstraction and schematization."<ref name=":2" /> 

In a seminal article, "Principles of Systematic Theology," [[Anglican]] theologian [[John Webster (theologian)|John Webster]] describes systematic theology as proceeding along a series of principles, which he draws from various theologians including [[Thomas Aquinas]]:

* The Trinity: The Ontological Principle (''principium essendi'')
* Scripture: The External/Objective Cognitive Principle (''principium cognoscendi externum'')
* The Redeemed Intelligence of the Saints: The Internal/Subjective Cognitive Principle (''principium cognoscendi internum'')<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Webster |first=John |title=Principles of Systematic Theology |url=https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-2400.2008.00423.x |journal=International Journal of Systematic Theology |date=2009 |volume=11 |issue=1 |pages=56–71|doi=10.1111/j.1468-2400.2008.00423.x |url-access=subscription }}</ref>
Webster has also considered the task of all systematic theology as articulating the Creator/creature distinction, known also as the Categorical Distinction or the [[Infinite qualitative distinction|Infinite Qualitative Distinction]], a concept also explored from the perspective of [[Compatibilism|compatiblistic metaphysics]] by [[Kathryn Tanner]] in ''God and Creation in Christian Theology'' (1988).<ref>{{Cite book |last=Tanner |first=Kathryn |title=God and Creation in Christian Theology |publisher=Fortress Press |year=1988 |location=Minneapolis, Minnesota}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Webster |first=John |title=Distinguishing Between God and Man: Aspects of the Theology of Eberhard Jüngel |publisher=[[Cambridge University Press]] |location=Cambridge, England |year=1982 |type=doctoral dissertation}}</ref>

Within Christianity, different traditions (both intellectual and ecclesial) approach systematic theology in different ways impacting a) the method employed to develop the system, b) the understanding of theology's task, c) the doctrines included in the system, and d) the order those doctrines appear. Even with such diversity, it is generally the case that works that one can describe as systematic theologies begin with revelation and conclude with eschatology.

Since it is focused on truth, systematic theology is also framed to interact with and address the contemporary world. Many authors have explored this area, including [[Charles Gore]], [[John Walvoord]], Lindsay Dewar, and [[C. F. D. Moule|Charles Moule]]. {{Clarify span|The framework developed by these theologians reviews the postbiblical history of a doctrine, following a treatment of the biblical materials.|date=July 2024}}<ref>{{Cite book |last=Garrett |first=James Leo |title=Systematic Theology, Volume 2 |publisher=[[Wipf and Stock Publishers]] |location=Eugene, Oregon |year=2014 |isbn=9781498206600 |pages=138}}</ref> This process concludes with applications to contemporary issues.