Timeless Truth in the Hands of History: A Short History of System in Theology

When did ‘Systematic Theology’ as a branch of thinking come into being? What does it mean for theology to be systematic? By examining and contemplating the works of prominent theologians and philosophers at various times labelled systematic, Heide not only outlines the methodological history of systematic theology but also provides a survey of the philosophical and theological discourse connected to the term ‘system’. Arguing that certain elements of system such as logic are not wholly free from programmatic intentions (vested interests), Heide takes issue with the lack of reference to external philosophical categories or language that he claims has unduly influenced the investigation and construction of theology since at least the second century.