Systematic theology

Systematic \Sys`tem*at"ic\, Systematical \Sys`tem*at"ic*al\, a.
   [Gr. ?: cf. F. syst['e]matique.]
   1. Of or pertaining to system; consisting in system;
      methodical; formed with regular connection and adaptation
      or subordination of parts to each other, and to the design
      of the whole; as, a systematic arrangement of plants or
      animals; a systematic course of study.
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            Now we deal much in essays, and unreasonably despise
            systematical learning; whereas our fathers had a
            just value for regularity and systems. --I. Watts.
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            A representation of phenomena, in order to answer
            the purposes of science, must be systematic.
                                                  --Whewell.
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   2. Proceeding according to system, or regular method; as, a
      systematic writer; systematic benevolence.
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   3. Pertaining to the system of the world; cosmical.
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            These ends may be called cosmical, or systematical.
                                                  --Boyle.
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   4. (Med.) Affecting successively the different parts of the
      system or set of nervous fibres; as, systematic
      degeneration.
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   {Systematic theology}. See under {Theology}.
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Theology \The*ol"o*gy\, n.; pl. {Theologies}. [L. theologia, Gr.
   ?; ? God + ? discourse: cf. F. th['e]ologie. See {Theism},
   and {Logic}.]
   The science of God or of religion; the science which treats
   of the existence, character, and attributes of God, his laws
   and government, the doctrines we are to believe, and the
   duties we are to practice; divinity; (as more commonly
   understood) "the knowledge derivable from the Scriptures, the
   systematic exhibition of revealed truth, the science of
   Christian faith and life."
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         Many speak of theology as a science of religion
         [instead of "science of God"] because they disbelieve
         that there is any knowledge of God to be attained.
                                                  --Prof. R.
                                                  Flint (Enc.
                                                  Brit.).
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         Theology is ordered knowledge; representing in the
         region of the intellect what religion represents in the
         heart and life of man.                   --Gladstone.
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   {Ascetic theology}, {Natural theology}. See {Ascetic},
      {Natural}.

   {Moral theology}, that phase of theology which is concerned
      with moral character and conduct.

   {Revealed theology}, theology which is to be learned only
      from revelation.

   {Scholastic theology}, theology as taught by the scholastics,
      or as prosecuted after their principles and methods.

   {Speculative theology}, theology as founded upon, or
      influenced by, speculation or metaphysical philosophy.

   {Systematic theology}, that branch of theology of which the
      aim is to reduce all revealed truth to a series of
      statements that together shall constitute an organized
      whole. --E. G. Robinson (Johnson's Cyc.).
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