— Ch. 1 · Foundations And Sources —
Christian theology.
~4 min read · Ch. 1 of 5
Christian theology begins with the Bible, a collection of texts that Christians believe were written under divine inspiration. The Old Testament and New Testament form the primary source material for theological study. Christian theologians use biblical exegesis to interpret these ancient writings. They also rely on rational analysis and argument to build coherent systems of belief. Some scholars point to specific verses like 2 Timothy 3:16-17 as evidence that all scripture is given by inspiration of God. Others offer alternative readings suggesting the passage means every inspired scripture is useful rather than divinely breathed into existence. The Latin Vulgate translation uses phrases like "All scripture, inspired of God, is profitable to teach." Modern English versions sometimes render the Greek word theopneustos as "God-breathed" or "breathed out by God." Historians note that the doctrine of biblical infallibility was adopted hundreds of years after the books themselves were written. Thomas Aquinas first described two types of revelation in Christianity: general revelation through observation of creation and special revelation found in Scripture. General revelation allows logical conclusions about God's existence while special revelation provides truths like the Trinity that cannot be deduced otherwise.
Trinitarian Development
The doctrine of the Trinity developed over centuries of debate among early church leaders. In the 4th century Emperor Constantine convoked the First Council of Nicaea where bishops gathered to discuss the nature of God. Pope Sylvester I did not attend but sent his legate to represent him. The council decreed the original Nicene Creed which stated that Jesus Christ is eternally begotten of the Father. This creed affirmed that the Son was homoousios meaning of one substance with the Father. Tertullian claimed in the 3rd century that God exists as three personae of one same substance. The Cappadocian Fathers later helped develop this theology into its full form. By the end of the 4th century the Trinitarian doctrine was widely held in its present form. Most Christian churches teach the Trinity as opposed to Unitarian monotheistic beliefs. Critics sometimes argue that adopting a tripartite conception makes Christianity a form of tritheism or polytheism. Christians overwhelmingly assert that monotheism remains central to their faith since the Nicene Creed begins with "I believe in one God." The true nature of an infinite God is commonly described as beyond definition and the word person serves only as an imperfect expression of the idea.