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Hodge: Systematic Theology, Vol. 1

Charles Hodge · 1871–1873

Princeton's Reformed systematic theology: introduction and theology proper.

Edition: CCEL · www.ccel.org

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From the opening: Chapter I

Chapter I

On Method

§ 1. Theology a Science.

In every science there are two factors: facts and ideas; or, facts and the mind. Science is more than knowledge. Knowledge is the persuasion of what is true on adequate evidence. But the facts of astronomy, chemistry, or history do not constitute the science of those departments of knowledge. Nor does the mere orderly arrangement of facts amount to science. Historical facts arranged in chronological order, are mere annals. The philosophy of history supposes those facts to be understood in their causal relations. In every department the man of science is assumed to understand the laws by which the facts of experience are determined; so that he not only knows the past, but can predict the future. The astronomer can foretell the relative position of the heavenly bodies for centuries to come. The chemist can tell with certainty what will be the effect of certain chemical combinations. If, therefore, theology be a science, it must include something more than a mere knowledge of facts. It must embrace an exhibition of the internal relation of those facts, one to another, and each to all. It must be able to show that if one be admitted, others cannot be denied.

The Bible is no more a system of theology, than nature is a system of chemistry or of mechanics. We find in nature the facts which the chemist or the mechanical philosopher has to examine, and from them to ascertain the laws by which they are determined. So the Bible contains the truths which the theologian has to collect, authenticate, arrange, and exhibit in their internal relation to each other. This constitutes the difference between biblical and systematic theology. The office of the former is to ascertain and state the facts of Scripture. The office of the latter is to take those facts, determine their relation to each other and to other cognate truths, as well as to vindicate them and show their harmony and consistency. This is not an easy task, or one of slight importance.

Necessity for System in Theology

It may naturally be asked, why not take the truths as God has seen fit to reveal them, and thus save ourselves the trouble of showing their relation and harmony?

The answer to this question is, in the first place, that it cannot be done. Such is the constitution of the human mind that it cannot help endeavoring to systematize and reconcile the facts which it admits to be true.…

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Contents (52 sections)

  1. Opening
  2. Opening (continued)
  3. Contents of the First Volume
  4. Chapter I
  5. Chapter I (continued)
  6. Chapter III
  7. Chapter III (continued)
  8. Chapter IV
  9. The First Class of Mediæval Theologians
  10. The Second Class
  11. The Second Class (continued)
  12. Chapter V
  13. Chapter V (continued)
  14. The first great argument of Protestants against Romanism concerns the theory of the Church
  15. The first great argument of Protestants against Romanism concerns the theory of the Church (continued)
  16. The Protestant Rule of Faith
  17. The Protestant Rule of Faith (continued)
  18. The Protestant Rule of Faith (continued)
  19. Chapter I
  20. Chapter II
  21. The Second Objection
  22. The Second Objection (continued)
  23. Chapter III
  24. Chapter III (continued)
  25. Chapter III (continued)
  26. Chapter III (continued)
  27. Chapter III (continued)
  28. Chapter III (continued)
  29. Chapter IV
  30. Chapter IV (continued)
  31. Chapter V
  32. Chapter V (continued)
  33. Chapter V (continued)
  34. Chapter V (continued)
  35. Chapter V (continued)
  36. Chapter VI
  37. Chapter VI (continued)
  38. Psalm ii
  39. Chapter VII
  40. Chapter VII (continued)
  41. Chapter VII (continued)
  42. Epistle to the Hebrews
  43. Chapter IX
  44. Chapter X
  45. Chapter X (continued)
  46. Chapter XI
  47. Chapter XI (continued)
  48. Chapter XI (continued)
  49. Chapter XII
  50. Chapter XII (continued)
  51. Chapter XIII
  52. Chapter XIII (continued)

How to cite it

Chicago
Charles Hodge. Hodge: Systematic Theology, Vol. 1. CCEL, 1871–1873. https://www.ccel.org/ccel/hodge/theology1
MLA
Charles Hodge. Hodge: Systematic Theology, Vol. 1. CCEL, 1871–1873. https://www.ccel.org/ccel/hodge/theology1
APA
Charles Hodge (1871–1873). Hodge: Systematic Theology, Vol. 1. CCEL. https://www.ccel.org/ccel/hodge/theology1

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