Theological Position Paper
RLGN489- D02 LUO
Dr. Mathew A. Vander Wiele Robert Johnson
7/14/17
Introduction
Theological analysis of educational assumptions has shaped the faith, beliefs and actions of
individuals. A person’s behavior will constantly pursue their beliefs. Theological positions are
based on numerous philosophical facets. These aspects include Metaphysics, Epistemology,
Axiology, and Ministry Praxis (Education and Leadership). The purpose of this paper is to
explain and define these five theological positions. So then these disciplines need to be used
effectively in ministry to affect the sharing of the gospel message.
Metaphysics
The branch of philosophy that inquires into the ultimate nature of reality.1 The term derives
from the practice of commentators of calling Aristotle’s book on such topics the Metaphysics
since it came after (meta) the book on physics.2 Metaphysics is widely held to be the central
issue in philosophy.3 Metaphysics has been conceived as a science with non-perceptible reality as
the subject matter as in Leibniz and Wolff, and as an attempt to deduce the complete, all-
encompassing system of reality, as in Descartes and Spinoza.4 This sort of metaphysics was dealt
a severe blow by Kant, who argued persuasively that human reason was incapable of
metaphysical knowledge.5 To accept a Christian perspective on reality necessarily involves
1 [Elw01]
2
Ibid,766.
3 Ibid.
4 Ibid.
5
Ibid,767.
making metaphysical commitments.6 A Christian worldview that is faithful to Scripture and
Christian doctrine will involve, for example, the belief that reality includes far more than is
amenable to direct empirical investigation.7 The Christian will be interested in God and his
relation to the body and in free will in relation to determinism.8 In so far as Christians seek not
only to give assent but also to exercise judgment and develop understanding they will pursue
metaphysical inquiry.9 Romans 12: 2 says “ Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this
world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and
approve what God’s will is- his good, pleasing and perfect will” (NIV).
Epistemology
The branch of philosophy that is concerned with the theory of knowledge.10 It is an inquiry
into the nature and source of knowledge, the bounds to knowledge, and the justification of claims
to knowledge.11 There is a significant ethical dimension to human belief and knowledge.
Proverbs 1;7 says “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge but fools despise wisdom
and discipline.” The question of the nature and source of knowledge has been dominated by the
rationalist/empiricist debate.12 Rationalists (e.g., Plato and Descartes) have held the ideas of
6 Ibid.
7 Ibid.
8 Ibid.
9 Ibid.
10
Ibid,382.
11 Ibid.
12 Ibid.
reason innate to the mind through its activity can originate the content of knowledge.13 While the
rationalist often speaks of experience, it is to denigrate it.14 It is the source of error. At best, it can
lead to opinion. Empiricists (e.g. Locke and Hume) have argued that sense experience is the
primary source of human knowledge.15 The content of the mind is built upon what it passively
receives from the senses or through reflection.16
Axiology
Axiology, (from Greek axios, “worthy” logos, “science”), also called Theory of Value, the
philosophical study of goodness or value, in the widest sense of these terms.17 It’s significance
lies (1) in the considerable expansion that it has given to the meaning of the term value and (2) in
the unification that it has provided for the study of variety of questions- economic, moral,
aesthetic, and even logical- that had often been considered in relative isolation.18 The term
“value” originally meant the worth of something, chiefly in the economic sense of exchange
value as in the work of the 18th- century political economist Adam Smith.19 Abroad extension of
the meaning of value to wider areas of philosophical interest occurred during the 19th century
13 Ibid383.
14 Ibid.
15 Ibid.
16 Ibid.
17 [Bri17]
18 Ibid.
19 Ibid.
https://www.coursehero.com/file/24921201/Theological-Position-Paperdocx/
This study source was downloaded by 100000881741430 from CourseHero.com on 03-01-2024 01:49:23 GMT -06:00
under the influence of a variety of thinkers and schools.20 This is how an individual forms values
and discerns right from wrong.21 The Bible says in Psalm 107;1 “Oh give thanks to the Lord, for
He is good; for His loving kindness is everlasting.”
Ministry Praxis- Education
Ministry Praxis- Education is defined as instructing and preparing people for the work of the
ministry.22 Christian education can be viewed as an effort to encourage people to gain an
authentic relationship with God.23 Studying Christian education gives us a biblical perspective on
how God created us to learn and interact together.24 With these insights we are able to more
strategically fulfill the Great commission. “Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them
to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always to the very end of
the age.” (Mathew 28: 19-20). Christian education is the process by which those who have
experienced a personal spiritual rebirth in their relationship with God partner with the indwelling
Holy Spirit to grow in the image of Christ.25
Ministry Praxis- Leadership
20 Ibid.
21 Ibid.
22
[Ant01]
23 Ibid.
24 Ibid.
25 Ibid.
God has called us to Ministry. But it’s not enough to have a vision for ministry if you do not
have the practical skills for it.26 Nor is it enough to do the work of ministry if what you do is
headed in the wrong direction.27 We need both vision and experience for effective ministry. We
need praxis.28 Praxis puts theory into practice. It brings cutting-edge ministry expertise from
visionary practitioners,29 Praxis attends to the inner life of the leader as well as the outer work of
ministry. Feed your soul and feed your ministry.30 If you are called to ministry, you know you
can’t do it on your own. Let praxis provide the companions you need to equip God’s people for
life in the kingdom.31
Conclusion
An individual’s theological position is based on what one knows. In applying these
assumptions to my personal education, I rely and trust in the word of God. I believe that God is
the creator and source of all things (Metaphysics). My theory of knowledge is based on the Bible
(Epistemology). My theory of value(Axiology) comes from the goodness of God. My Christian
Education (Ministry Praxis) can be viewed as an effort to encourage people to gain an authentic
relationship with God. God has called me to Ministry as a leader (Ministry Praxis- Leadership).
“God has prepared us for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up”
26 [Csi13]
27 Ibid.
28 Ibid.
29 Ibid.
30 Ibid.
31 Ibid.
(Eph.4;12). Remember, it is important to not only know these positions but to apply them as
well.
Bibliography
Anthony, Michael J. Introducing Christian Education: Foundations for the Twenty-First Century. Grand
Rapids: Baker, Accessed July 14, 2017. ProQuest Ebook Central, 2001.
Britannica Academic, s.v. "Axiology,".
http://academic.eb.com.ezproxy.liberty.edu/levels/collegiate/article/axiology/11479., 2017.
Csinos, David M., and Beckwith, Ivy. Children's Ministry in the Way of Jesus. Downers Grove: Intervarsity
Press. Accessed July 14, 2017. Pro Quest Ebook Central, 2013.
Elwell, Walter A. Evangelical dictionary of theology. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2001.
Publishers, Tyndale House. Life Application Study Bible: New international Version. Wheaton: Tyndale
House, 1991.
