Skeletons of a Course of
Theological Lectures*
By Charles G. Finney
Theology
Lecture I.
Introductory Lecture.--No. 1.
2. It may be and generally is divided into Natural and Revealed Theology.
This distinction does not imply that natural Theology is not revealed.
(1.) Natural Theology: is that which derives
its evidence from the works of God, or from nature, as it is
commonly, but erroneously expressed.
(2.) Revealed Theology is that which derives
its doctrines and evidence from the Bible.
Didactic, is the system of theological doctrines with their evidences, both of Natural and Revealed Religion.
Polemic, is controversial. It relates to the disputed doctrines of Theology.
It consists in the controversial maintaining of them, in opposition to their opponents.
Pastoral, relates to the relations, duties, and responsibilities of Pastors. It consists in a judicious application of the great principles of the government of God to the Pastoral relation and office.
1. The ardent love of truth for its own
sake.
2. The supreme and disinterested love of
God.
3. An intense desire to know more of him.
4. Strong desire to make him known to others.
5. A willingness to make any personal sacrifice
for this end.
6. A sense of ignorance and dependence upon
divine teaching.
7. A willingness to practice as fast as
you learn.
8. A fixed purpose to know and do the whole
truth.
9. A state of mind that will not be diverted
to make provision for the flesh.
10 Docility of mind.
11. Such humility as to be willing to expose
your ignorance.
12. The love of study.
13. Sound education.
14. Industrious habits.
15. Patience and perseverance in investigation.
16. A mind so balanced as to be duly influenced
by evidence.
17. Knowledge of the laws of evidence.
18. Knowledge of correct rules of biblical
interpretation.
19. Knowledge of the limits of human research
and investigation.
1. A constantly increasing
sense of your own ignorance.
2. The highest advantages for growth
in
personal holiness.
3. The habit of rapid, correct, and consecutive
thought.
4. System in thinking and communicating
thought.
5. Facility in preparations for the pulpit.
6. Exactness
in the statement of the doctrines of Christianity.
7. Facility
in proving them.
8. Consistency of views and statements.
9. A
settled state of mind in regard to
religious truth.
10 Ability to teach the doctrines and duties
of religion.
1. Tempting God,
by demanding an impossible or unreasonable kind or degree
of evidence.
2. A caviling state of mind.
3. Defending error for the sake of argument.
4. Committing yourself to an opinion.
5. Avoid calling in question first truths.
6. Avoid attempting to prove them.
7. Avoid begging the question.
8. Avoid impatience at the ignorance or
stupidity of your classmates.
9. Avoid an ambition to excel them in study
and argument.
10. Avoid a disputatious spirit.
11. Avoid stating one thing and proving
another in your skeletons.
12. Avoid the use of weak and inconclusive
arguments.
13. Avoid an involved method of stating
your propositions.
14. Avoid stating more than you can prove.
15. Avoid leaving your propositions, until
fully supported by evidence or argument.
16. Avoid the accumulation of evidence or
argument after your proposition is fully established.
17.
Avoid prolixity in the statement of your propositions.
18.
Avoid the great error of supposing that truths which are
self evident to some minds, are so to all.
REMARKS
1. The study of Theology demands much prayer.
2. You will never get any effectual knowledge
of Theology without the illumination of the Holy Spirit.
3. Take care that your hearts keep pace
with your intellects.
4. Grieve not the Holy Spirit.
* From the 1857 version