What is Biblical Theology? Some may think it is the opposite of Unbiblical Theology. Actually, though, it is compared with Systematic Theology. Systematic Theology deals with how the Bible as a whole deals with doctrine X. And Biblical Theology? Well, it depends how you view Biblical Theology.
After reading this book, I've concluded there are two different approaches to Biblical Theology. When I was in Bible College, I took the term to mean small picture, topical Biblical Theology. Instead of asking what the Bible says about the topic, it looks at one book at a time to determine what that book teaches about the subject (e.g. what Nehemiah teaches about prayer).
In this helpful book, author Nick Roark looks at what I'd term as big picture, thematic Biblical Theology. His approach is not what the Bible teaches about a certain topic, but rather what is the overarching story/message of Scripture, and how each part of the Bible fits into that big picture. That story is of Creation, the Fall, Redemption, and Restoration.
Early in the book, Roark deals with some of the various theologies we have today (e.g. the Prosperity Gospel). Then, he takes several chapters going through the story of the Bible and how it is developed through Scripture. Then, he goes back to the theologies and answers them in light of the metanarrative of Scripture.
I originally checked this out from the library. However, my wife thought it was important enough for us to own a copy of. I highly recommend it.
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