In this blog post we will explore how theology has been done in the past and how it has changed throughout the centuries, beginning with Roman Catholic theology (First Century A.D.— )
Roman Catholic Theology is based on the writings of the Church Fathers, the Councils of the first four centuries (with which Protestants largely agree), Scholastic Theology. (A.D. 1050-1517, the Council of Trent (1545-1563), and Vatican Councils I and II (1870 and 1962-1965 respectively).
The theology produced by the writings of the Church Fathers is both helpful, and somewhat dangerous. These men were the disciples of the Apostles so they had first-hand access to the men who knew Christ. As valuable as the writings of these men are, they were not infallible. As a result, discernment based on the Bible is supremely necessary to know which of these writings are to be followed and which are to be respectfully set aside. Sadly there are some modern Christians who become enamored with the Church Fathers and end up embracing ideas that are antithetical to Scripture.
The theology of the Church councils of the first four centuries produced orthodox understandings of the Trinity, the deity, person, natures, and wills of Jesus. All Christians owe a debt of gratitude for the theology forged in the early Church councils. Many modern heresies are recycled old heresies that were refuted by the Church councils.
Scholastic Theology, beginning with Anselm [1033-1109] tended to be influenced by ancient Greek or other secular philosophies, elevating reason over revelation. Three key examples follow:
Peter Abelard (1079-1142) watered down theology with human philosophy. He believed only what he could understand. He did not believe in the vicarious death of Christ, insisting that it was only a demonstration of God’s love. Abelard was excommunicated as a heretic.
Peter Lombard (1095-1159) was a student of Abelard. He wrote the most popular textbook of theology during the middle ages containing the seven sacraments of the Roman system. Lombard’s doctrine regarding the seven sacraments evolved into the sacramentalism (which teaches salvation is achieved though the seven sacraments of the Roman Catholic church).
Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) wrote Summa Theologiae, the most important theology text from the era, and that which formulated Roman Catholic theology that has lasted ever since. He wed Greek philosophy and Christianity into a “reasonable theology.” His faith went beyond reason alone, however. He taught that truths that could not be comprehended (such as the Trinity) must be believed, not on the basis of God’s Word, not because of Scripture, but because they were taught by the Roman church. Therefore the Roman church controlled salvation. Though thoroughly Roman Catholic, Aquinas was a brilliant man whose writings are worthy of being read by carefully discerning Protestants.
The Council of Trent (1545-1563) was convened to counter the Protestant Reformation. The most notable and damning section of the Council of Trent is anathema (damnation) of the biblical doctrine of Justification by Faith Alone.
Vatican Councils I and II (1870 and 1962-1965 respectively). Vatican Council I was an attempt to bolster the supremacy of the Roman Catholic Church. It made outlandish statements about the Pope’s authority over all creation, and that faith in the pope is necessary for salvation. This council also declared that the Roman church cannot err and that nothing she declares can ever be reversed. Roman Catholics who know about Vatican Council I are often embarrassed to talk about it.
Vatican Council II was an attempt to make the Roman Catholic Church more accepting. The theology is not fundamentally changed from Aquinas (and sacramentalism), but is decidedly more liberal. Without reversing the damnation of Protestants (in Council of Trent), VCII refers to Protestants not as damned, but merely as “separated brethren.”
Next time: Reformed systematics