I am once again working on an alternative to systematic theology. My current hypothesis is that the problem with systematic theology is not so much the content, but the flow – or rather lack thereof. Systematic theology (in my admittedly limited experience) is always presented as a series of facts to be learned, with no strong narrative focus and minimal personal application.

What I want is a “comprehensive” theology, where comprehension includes both understanding and completeness. The goal is to give people a practical mental framework for thinking about every aspect of their lives in the context of God’s purpose for them. Specifically, using a deep understanding of glory as the central narrative of both Scripture and our own personal journey of discipleship.

Below is a very terse list of the key transformational truths I wish my peers (and I!) believed and understood so we could work together to effectively and efficiently pursue the totality of God’s glory in our lives, church, and community. The list isn’t all that different from what you’d find in many systematic theologies, but the key difference is i) a narrative of glory to tie it all together, and ii) a focus on creating understanding rather than mere knowledge.

Because of that, I’d want to teach the whole thing in quick bursts, no more than 9-12 weeks for each of the two “volumes.”

Of course this is the most naked of outlines and probably won’t convince any of the skeptics that this is a real improvement, but hopefully it will at least give me some structure to build upon in future posts. We’ll see…

Towards a Comprehensive Theology of Glory

Vol. 1: Philosophy

“The Whole Work of Whole People of a Whole God”

0. Systemic Glory

The chief end of every thing and every being

• Honor
• Holiness
• Happiness

The central theme of Scripture: Jesus

• Kingdom/Covenant
• Mission/Redemption
• Worship/Glory

1. Whole God

• Father the Creator
• Son the Savior
• Holy Spirit the Equipper

2. Whole People

• Spirit: Fallen – Improvable – Not perfectible
• Soul: Mind – Emotions – Will
• Body: Food – Sex – Shelter

3. Whole Work

• Marriage & Family
• Marketplace & Finances
• Ministry & Faith

Vol. 2: Religion

“The Whole Church taking the Whole Gospel to the Whole World”

4. Whole Church

• Community: “One Another”s
• Calling: Obedience to Authority
• Charisma (Gifts):

5. Whole Gospel

• Scripture
• Salvation
• Sanctification

6. Whole World

• Personal: Individuals
• Cultural: Communities
• Structural: Systems