Crafting a Well-Researched Theological Paper: 7 Essential Principles
Writing a theological paper requires careful study and attention to detail. To produce a well-researched and well-written paper, it’s essential to follow a structured approach. Here are 7 principles to guide you in your research and writing.
Principle 1: Focus on a Specific Topic
A common mistake budding theologians make is trying to study too broad a subject at one time. To avoid this, select a specific topic that interests you and meets a need in the church. For example, if Christians in your church struggle with guilt and legalism, you may want to study justification by faith in Christ alone.
Principle 2: Gather Relevant Scripture Passages
The goal of systematic theology is to state what the whole Bible says on a particular topic. To achieve this, gather as many Scripture passages as possible that relate to your study. Use Hebrew and Greek terms to search for relevant texts, and consider other key terms that may be related to your topic.
Principle 3: Interpret Scripture in Its Original Context
God communicated his Word in human language, so it’s essential to interpret Scripture in its original context. Start by understanding the ordinary or “literal” sense of the words, taking into account the language, time, and place in which they were written. Linguistic skills in ancient languages can be beneficial in this process.
Principle 4: Analyze and Interpret Scripture
Once you have gathered and interpreted Scripture, analyze and interpret the theological message of the text. Use lexicons, grammars, and dictionaries to aid your understanding, but be aware of the presuppositions of the contributors. Commentaries can also be helpful in understanding the context and meaning of specific texts.
Principle 5: Use the Analogy of Scripture
The best interpreter of Scripture is Scripture itself. Use the analogy of Scripture to compare texts that may seem obscure or hard to understand with plainer texts. If a text can be interpreted in more than one way, accept the interpretation that best harmonizes with what other passages teach on the same topic.
Principle 6: Ask Questions and Query the Text
Christ is our example in querying the text. Ask a variety of questions, such as who wrote the text, to whom it was written, and what is the main point. An active mind is always asking questions, and this is not insolence, but an eagerness to learn.
Principle 7: Use Biblical and Historical Theology
Use biblical theology to place a text in its larger biblical framework. Consider how the meaning of a text is shaped by God’s covenants and other biblical themes. Historical theology can also inform systematic theology, so use modern works of theology, but also consult classic works and creeds and confessions of the church.
By following these 7 principles, you can produce a well-researched and well-written theological paper that is grounded in Scripture and informed by the best of Christian tradition.
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