Master of Divinity Program

Systematic Theology

I have been asked to say something about the Systematics Department here at RTS Jackson in which I teach two of the four courses. I could tell you that Systematic Theology was once regarded as the “Queen” of theological disciplines, but that would sound a tad uppity. I could tell you that Systematic Theology builds on every other discipline: history, languages, exegesis, philosophy, mission, doxology – yes, everything, but that would sound a tad triumphalist. I could tell you that no theological student worth his or her salt can fail to enjoy engaging with Augustine, Anselm, Luther, Calvin, Cunningham, Hodge, Murray, and a host of others, and that would sound a tad commonplace. So instead let me tell our philosophy here at RTS Jackson, not my own words but borrowed from the sixteenth century theologian and pastor, William Perkins, who said: “Theology is the science of living blessedly forever.” Now, that is exciting!

True Christian theology is for the glory of God and the good of his people. As such, good theology never exists in a vacuum. It exists in the interest of pastoralia. That is, it exists in order to be applied to the day-to-day problems of the Christian church. Every doctrine has its application, and every true, good and useful application must be based on right doctrine. Because of this, the church used to insist that her theologians be pastors and her pastors theologians. That’s our vision in the theology department of RTS. Pastor-theologians in the business of forming pastor-theologians.

Duncan Rankin

Christology stands at the center of Gospel ministry preparation. The study of God’s incarnate Son – not vaguely and sentimentally, but in careful theological detail – is the focal point of Systematics. The doctrines of God, Man, and Salvation intermesh with the person and work of Christ, forming a seamless whole. And even practical matters are a function of good Christology: His divine person, His human and divine natures, and His breathtaking unity are all crucial for truly Christian thinking and ministering. The Apostle Paul tells us that even the mundane things (e.g., simple Christian kindness and how we handle our finances) are ultimately informed by who Jesus is and what He’s done for us.