Reading Report on Christian Theology – Chapter 1
by Millard J. Erickson
Introduction
Millard J. Erickson begins his book Christian Theology by explaining what theology is and why it is
important for every believer and student of the Bible. In Chapter 1, he carefully defines theology, its
meaning, its purpose, and its method. He also shows how theology relates to other areas such as philosophy,
science, and daily Christian living. This chapter helps readers understand that theology is not only for
scholars in seminaries but also for ordinary Christians who want to know God more deeply.
Meaning of Theology
Erickson begins by explaining the word “theology.” It comes from two Greek words — theos (God) and
logos (study or word). So, theology simply means “the study of God.” But Erickson says theology is more
than collecting Bible verses or repeating doctrines; it is a systematic study of the truths God has revealed
about Himself and His relationship with the world.
He says theology tries to organize all the teachings of the Bible in a clear and logical way. For example,
instead of studying one verse about God’s love and another about His justice separately, theology puts them
together to form a full picture of who God is. Theology is therefore a discipline that helps us think carefully
and responsibly about our faith.
Why Theology Is Needed
In this first chapter, Erickson gives several reasons why theology is necessary.
1. The Message of the Bible Needs to Be Organized.
The Bible was written over many centuries by different authors and in different contexts. Theology
gathers these teachings and arranges them so that we can understand the total message of Scripture.
2. Faith Must Be Defended and Explained.
Erickson says every generation faces new questions about God, truth, and morality. Theology helps
Christians answer those questions with biblical truth. Without theology, people might believe
anything they hear without knowing if it agrees with Scripture.
3. Believers Need a Basis for Practice.
Theology gives direction for how Christians should live and serve. If we know what the Bible
teaches about God’s nature, human sin, and salvation, then we know how to pray, worship, and make
moral decisions.
4. The Church Needs Unity of Belief.
Theology provides common ground for the church. It defines what Christians share in their faith, so
that teaching and preaching are not based only on opinion or feeling.
Erickson explains that theology serves both the mind and the heart. It gives intellectual understanding and
also strengthens devotion to God.
Different Kinds of Theology
Erickson briefly introduces several branches or types of theology to show how broad the subject is.
Biblical Theology looks at the message of the Bible itself, tracing ideas as they appear in Scripture.
Historical Theology studies how Christian beliefs developed through time — from the early church
to modern days.
Philosophical Theology uses reason to think about questions such as the existence of God or the
problem of evil.
Systematic Theology organizes all biblical truths into main topics like God, humanity, sin, Christ,
salvation, and the church.
In Christian Theology, Erickson focuses mainly on systematic theology, because it brings all areas together
in one clear and consistent system of belief.
Sources and Methods of Theology
Erickson discusses where theology gets its information. He lists four main sources that theologians may
use:
1. Scripture
2. Tradition
3. Reason
4. Experience
However, Erickson strongly emphasizes that the Bible is the final authority. Scripture stands above all the
other sources. Tradition, reason, and experience are useful, but they must always be checked by what the
Bible teaches.
He explains that theology is a rational discipline — it uses careful reasoning to understand revelation —
but it is also a faith discipline, because it depends on God’s self-disclosure in Scripture. The theologian
must approach the Bible with humility and obedience, seeking to know God’s will rather than merely to win
arguments.
Erickson also describes the method of theology. It includes collecting the biblical data, analyzing the
meaning, relating the parts together, and expressing the result in a way that speaks to today’s world. This
method keeps theology both faithful to the Bible and relevant to life.
The Task of Theology in the Modern World
In Chapter 1, Erickson recognizes that theology must deal with challenges in the modern world. People live
in a scientific, technological age where many doubt the supernatural. Cultures are diverse, and human
knowledge keeps expanding. Therefore, theology must be done with awareness of context.
Erickson says theology must speak to real human questions — about suffering, morality, purpose, and hope
— while staying loyal to biblical revelation. He warns against two dangers:
becoming too rigid, refusing to communicate in modern language; and
becoming too flexible, changing truth to fit human opinions.
True Christian theology, he argues, must be faithful to God’s Word and yet understandable to people in
every generation.
The Relation of Theology to Other Disciplines
Erickson explains that theology does not stand alone. It is related to other fields such as philosophy, ethics,
psychology, and natural science. While these areas study the world in their own ways, theology provides
the ultimate framework, because it deals with God, who is the source of all truth.
For example, science tells us how the world works, but theology tells us why it exists. Philosophy raises
questions about meaning, but theology offers answers grounded in divine revelation. Erickson believes that
when done properly, theology gives unity to all knowledge.
The Purpose of Theology
Erickson sums up the purpose of theology in a very simple way: to understand and communicate the
truth about God. Theology aims to describe the faith of the church in a clear and consistent manner. It is
not merely for argument or curiosity but for guidance, worship, and service.
He points out that theology is practical because what we believe about God influences how we act. A right
understanding of God leads to right living. Therefore, theology must lead to spiritual maturity and
obedience, not just to knowledge.
The Characteristics of a Good Theologian
In the final parts of the first chapter, Erickson describes qualities needed in those who study theology. A
good theologian must be:
Faithful to Scripture, recognizing its authority.
Humble, admitting human limitations and seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit.
Balanced, avoiding extremes and holding truths in harmony.
Practical, applying doctrine to daily life.
Caring, remembering that theology serves people, not only ideas.
These qualities show that theology is a spiritual task, not just an academic one. It must be done in a spirit of
worship and love for God.
Conclusion
In Chapter 1 of Christian Theology, Millard J. Erickson lays the foundation for the whole book. He defines
theology as the careful, systematic study of what God has revealed about Himself. He shows why it is
needed, what its sources are, and how it should be done. Erickson reminds readers that theology serves the
church by helping believers think rightly, live faithfully, and share God’s truth clearly in the modern world.
For students, this chapter teaches that studying theology is both a privilege and a responsibility. It is a
privilege because it lets us explore the greatness of God’s truth, and a responsibility because our knowledge
must lead to faithfulness and action. Erickson’s introduction helps us see theology not as a dry academic
subject but as a living, guiding light for every follower of Christ.
