Theological Position Paper (Draft)
Jonathan Collier
Liberty University
RLGN 489-D01
Prof. Bohannon
4/1/2019
Introduction.
Christian Ministry is, at its core, discipleship. The labor of Christian ministry is
approached with from the mindset of developing the faith and spiritual foundations of other
people. It is, then, vital that any individual engaging in Christian ministry have a clear
understanding and solid foundation regarding their beliefs because those beliefs and the degree
to which they are understood greatly affects the labor of ministry. This paper will discuss several
theological statements and how their understanding affects ministry praxis.
Metaphysics
Metaphysics at its core seeks to answer the question “what is real?”1 A more formal
definition would say that metaphysics is a “branch of philosophy that deals with ultimate reality
by considering such things as the nature of time, freedom, essences, God, and the soul.”2 A
Christian worldview believes that God is the root of ultimate reality (Isaiah 44:24).3 as He is the
source of time (Gen. 1:14), nature (Gen. 1:20-25), mankind (Gen. 1:26,2:7,2:21-22), and the soul
( Psalm 139.13-14:, Ezek. 18:4). Through metaphysics, a Christian worldview understands that
without God as the creator, the universe, the world, space and time, and the rest of all creation
could not exist and that what Christians hold to be true and real came from the spoken
commands of God (Gen1-2).
Epistemology
1 William Hasker, Metaphysics (InterVarsity Press, 2016).
2 James K. Dew Jr and Mark W. Foreman, How Do We Know?: An Introduction to Epistemology
(InterVarsity Press, 2014).
3 All scripture is from the ESV Study Bible unless otherwise noted
Epistemology and metaphysics go hand-in-hand in a number of ways, though, they do
differ in many ways. Dew and Foreman assert that epistemology “is a branch of philosophy that
deals with the nature of our knowledge.”4 Epistemology seeks to answer questions such how we
know what we know. A Christian would understand that God, who is real and intelligent, created
everything in existence. He also created mankind in his likeness (Gen. 1:26), and having been
made in his image, He bestowed knowledge and intelligence upon his creation. Christians
believe that God provides knowledge and understanding (Proverbs 2:6) so that we may grow in
obedience and knowledge of Him (Proverbs 9:10). Understanding that knowledge comes from
God allows Christians to better understand how He reveals himself to us through not only his
Word, but His creation as well.
Axiology
Axiology lends itself to the study of values. Specifically axiology is “the philosophical
study of goodness.”5 In a general sense, values play a major role cultural constructs. All
individuals seek to understand what is good. Christians understand goodness and values through
education from the Word of God. The Bible is explicit in laying foundations for God’s design for
what is good and Christian values. God knows what is good and evil and so does mankind (Gen.
3:22). God created mankind to bear good fruit (Galatians 5:23-25), Christians are to become
more like Christ in our daily walk (Phil. 2:1-5). It is from studying Gods Word where the
Christian, through a biblical worldview can arrive to truths regarding goodness and values
derived from questions brought on by the study of axiology.
Educational Assumptions
4 Jr and Foreman, How Do We Know?
5 “Axiology | Philosophy,” Encyclopedia Britannica, accessed April 1, 2019,
https://www.britannica.com/topic/axiology.
There are a wide range of assumptions regarding Christian educational assumptions. One
specific reoccurring theme I have encountered are those believers who carry the assumption that
education is solely reserved for those formal training from a university. I do not believe you will
find in the bible where Gods Word can be understood only through formal education. Rather,
every person is called by God to learn of his nature, and live out his calling for his creation.
Every believer has been given knowledge and wisdom from God (Proverbs 2:6, James 1:5). The
Word simply needs to be engaged intentionally, and God sought after. All of this to say, there is a
need for people to be taught practical ministry application form those who are further in their
walk. Jesus modeled this approach in the way he taught his disciples. God created all people in
his likeness (Gen 1:26) and he intends for them to learn. Without education, faith, knowledge,
and values cannot take root (Ephesians 3:17-19)
Leadership Assumptions
The Bible lays foundations for leadership that apply to the home, the workplace, the
community and within the church. Christian leadership is more than a pastor behind a pulpit, or a
deacon, Though there are specific qualifications that those leaders should assume to possess (1
Tim 3:1-7, Titus 1:7). Practical leadership principals such as spiritual formation can be and
should be taught to any Christian, because all Christians are called to some level of leadership
since all Christians are called and sent (Acts 1:8, Matt. 28:19). Therefore while God reserves
certain positions for those whom He calls as teachers and overseers, He intends for all of His
creation to be equipped for the works to which we have all been called ( Ephesians 2:10,
Ephesians 4:11-16)
Conclusion
Metaphysics, epistemology, and axiology all apply to the Christian faith. While they all
study and seek understanding of various questions, when approached theologically, the answers
to those questions can be found explicitly within Gods Word. In turn the answers to these
philosophical questions help lay the foundations and continually shape our biblical worldview.
Lastly, with education comes the ability to teach Gods word practically (2 Tim 3:17) because the
more we know of God the better equipped we are to educate those around us for the various roles
of leadership that we have all been called to.
References
Hasker, William. Metaphysics. InterVarsity Press, 2016.
Jr, James K. Dew, and Mark W. Foreman. How Do We Know?: An Introduction to Epistemology.
InterVarsity Press, 2014.
“Axiology | Philosophy.” Encyclopedia Britannica. Accessed April 1, 2019.
https://www.britannica.com/topic/axiology.
ESV Study Bible. Wheaton, Illinois 60187: Crossway, 2017.
