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centuries might help to refresh us... huffier—the lenes of selffulfillment through the scrs are now intermp te tot t4 ., in the new sy of theol of R Schuller ( 03) The PProphetic Paradox..partof the power of the prophetic voice i•— ‘ re %Aix f lies in its distance from the mainstream values of the culture, but yet the underlyng value of the popular dissent in Am. sson tends to tranform this dis voices into mainstream(112) Theol responsibiliites—the lel modern theol must.be congizant of the power of language & the contetntiosn Wu accmpany words in the enc..call for radical convesion.t his will] not be only a conversion of the wiill, but a conversionof the mind d A 5 fix.-4.Z mdrn world (112)) Missionar-- the missionry enc of th gsp with the mdrn world will,like eery tr mss.. (116) Evang Thel "part of the task of the evang theol is to lay bare the fundm assumptions of a culture—assumptions that characteristicaly go unnoticed by that culture (119).. Paul-- "no one is able to claim ky Last ignorance in regard to a knowledge of God [some rcbelagaint the knowing, others listen] Both Jew & Gentile rebel and distort the beliefs..2nd —Gd God is merciful & brings redemption to the people (127) Innate human capacity...many theolgin through the centures have suggested that there is an innate human .ccusr. capacity... to believe in God, ..were it not for the fact that this innate human capaciy has been suppressed by sin, we would believe in God with the sme kind of Spontanieyt that we beleivc in the ext around us (125) Trajectory of theol--a rambling chptr which only recaps a kdjs of philosophy.. Finally to the point "granting ♦)41 that the SPirit phy ansd substantil d decisiove roe in persuading us of the validity of belief in God, we might 4 .eA-4., jesus ..if the scriptures declare thcat Jesus was God incarnate, then it may be incumbered upon the bliever to N ri\I ‘d still ask what responsbiity remains for us as Christians to those who do not yet believe (131) Incarnate V° wrestle witht eh Q of how this is possible, rather that if it is possible (e.g. toward a Chalcedonian defn & \(\ away from a kenoitc theory) .. C.S. Lewis--- a man who has lived in many places is not likely to ... (1 decieved by the local errors of his native village ( I39).. Exploring pract theol Visions to skdj a mo ko• modern day relevant theol---however he reminds reader " the best theolgy is intensely personal" (144) Luther (justif by faith)—Calvin--emph H.Spirit in interp... Calvin--how many masters of teh Word sees '((fill. who are so poorly trained in Holy Scripture.. from the have neer made a habit of molding themselves / 4‘ entierely to the language of the Holy Spin,a s good scholars..(161).. More than J. Calvi, interesting & imp .st., to note that the Reformation was formed m=nymore thatn just J. Calvin..it i also included Verrnigli„ /or BuIllinger, Buccr, Zanchi, Beza, Hyperius, & Musclulus... Edwards Puritans ..redemption theme....Gerhard Vos.. adv Bibl theol as ksdjf Itc sys' ..heoll syst theol crranizes Bib in a thematic or topic fashion...Bib theol organizes mterl in a lust franicivork.."draws a hue 064) thscubb the inhes, of oi; fashion...Bib theol organizes mterl in a hist frameivork.."draws a line (164) d:scu.s. the inhet.. of cm, Aructe in the hist or drdemption revealed inthe Scr' comeback of thcol--schlars of religon some to be gaining a better bearing..churches iwth interest in such. hist doctrinesas the incarnation & the resuurreetion have flourished (192).. Modern or post theol..."there i s not single ..s.sdkdtheol movement of dominant theol movement at this time, so there is not singler fgr that towers over the theol field in the manner that a Barth. or Bultmann, or Tillich did (195).. "seeks to avoid both the extreme of ignoring pluralism and the i ..........------- extreme of wallowing in it.." (203) Bibl teleolog "theronviction that hist moves in keeping with the ir, purposeful plan of God" Enlightenement attacked this (207) Too much kdkdkd M. Tyler suggests that even A4 A subj auth must be kdj sin p-mdrn age..—the ideas of s/f allied with God must be rejected (210) Post mdrn kN4t Pt A4,06 6 nsm subjects everyting to crit (212) Rorty asserts pragmatism science inquiry rjects Enlight foundationlsm (221) Evang. Theo Framework not drive by the conviction of universlms but exclusivism with respect to ()e.," redemptive truth (240) thus as a result, it is driven by a desire to uncover to deceptive influences of sin, 41,,x•ve whatever the source may be, personal. cultural, traditional, or the like. And such influences are most easily irtSk fasication with pluralism which downplays the importance of truth (250)... Libertn thel---- demonstrated a 4 1 F' detected in encounters with p. who are different (240) Pluralism-- evang's must resist the post mod.. special fondness for Marxist pol theory, deconst lit theory...Unfortunately, using a variety of lang theories which de-emph the hist read of the Bible the P.M. theol is able to enter into the intentionalit of the Scr[s [ in a new way]...unfortunately, this porcess allows the Bibkle to end up sayng anything the critic wants it to say (254)..Evangs' have traditionally emphasized the speec of God to the neglect of the acts of God (264) Redempt. Theo--the essence of thel is the interpretation fo the hist of redemptin (268)... Theol (x3) exegetical dealing with the lit analyiss biblical dealing with the hist analysis systematic dealing with a topical arr...Exmple evang theol may be inclined to make a logical consideration of the attributes of God central to their framework,despite the fact that a descrptn of God's activity , phy a more central role in the • Scriptures than does a description of his attributes (272).. Which epoch ismodern church in? clearly in th -.period btwslie two comings of Christ, btwn the incarnation and the parousia" (278).. Comment--it begins to show itself as an overview ofthcol...redcmption, redemption. redemption, redemtion...Theot vision ;-- part of the intended goal of a theol vision is diedemyth of modern cultures..church proclamation "called to ?t,'''Afli Oust,kry'40t. 50

1. Narrative (Main Flow / Reconstructed Text)

The development of modern theology engages with both historical context and contemporary culture. Over the centuries, figures such as R. Schuller have emphasized the prophetic paradox: the prophetic voice derives its power from being distinct from mainstream values, yet popular dissent often transforms these voices into cultural norms. Modern theology must recognize the power of language and the contentious interpretations words can carry, calling not only for a conversion of the will but also a transformation of the mind in engaging with the modern world.

Missionaries face the challenge of connecting the gospel with contemporary society, and evangelical theology must lay bare the fundamental assumptions of culture, exposing unnoticed biases. Paul’s writings highlight human rebellion and distortion of knowledge of God, yet affirm God’s mercy and the possibility of redemption. Many theologians argue for an innate human capacity to believe in God, naturally suppressed by sin, suggesting belief could be as spontaneous as our trust in the external world.

The trajectory of theology shows a rambling yet insightful history of philosophical influence, emphasizing the Spirit’s role in validating belief in God. Questions remain about Christian responsibility toward those who have not yet embraced faith. Incarnational theology wrestles with understanding Jesus as God incarnate, considering Chalcedonian definitions and moving away from kenotic theories. C.S. Lewis notes that exposure to diverse contexts guards against being misled by local errors.

Practical theology continues to explore relevant, modern applications, while affirming that the best theology is intensely personal. The Reformation involved more than Calvin, including figures like Zanchi, Beza, and Musculus. Puritan and Reformed theologians emphasized redemption and the thematic organization of biblical material. Modern scholars have revisited doctrines such as incarnation and resurrection, though there is no singular dominant theological movement today comparable to Barth, Bultmann, or Tillich.

Postmodern theology critiques universalist assumptions, embracing pluralism while risking relativism. Evangelical theology emphasizes exclusive redemptive truth, exposing sin’s deceptive influences. Liberation theology arises from encounters with diverse peoples. Pluralism challenges theological interpretation, allowing Scripture to be molded to critics’ preferences. Historically, evangelicals have prioritized God’s speech over God’s acts, though redemptive history remains central.

Modern theology exists in the epoch between Christ’s incarnation and parousia, seeking to demythologize contemporary culture while maintaining a coherent vision of redemption.

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Notes & Observations – 6

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Historical & Prophetic Context

• Reflection on centuries of theology reminds us of evolving approaches to self-fulfillment and Scripture.

• R. Schuller: emphasizes self-fulfillment in a modern context.

• Prophetic paradox: prophetic voices gain power by being distant from mainstream culture, yet their dissent often becomes mainstream over time (112).

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Theological Responsibility & Conversion

• Modern theologians must recognize the power of language and its cultural assumptions.

• True conversion requires mind and will, not just adherence to tradition (112).

• Mission theology: engaging the modern world requires contextualization without compromising core gospel truth (116).

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Evangelical Theology & Cultural Awareness

• Task: expose fundamental cultural assumptions that often go unnoticed (119).

• Both Jews and Gentiles have historically distorted knowledge of God (127).

• Innate human capacity to believe in God exists, but suppressed by sin (125).

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Incarnation & Responsibility

• If Scripture declares Jesus as God incarnate, believers must wrestle with:

  1. How this is possible (Chalcedonian vs kenotic theories)

  2. Responsibility toward non-believers (131)

• C.S. Lewis: exposure to multiple contexts prevents cultural deception (139).

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Practical Theology & Personal Theology

• Modern theology should be personally relevant (144).

• Reformation figures: Luther (justification by faith), Calvin (emphasis on Holy Spirit in interpretation).

• The Reformation involved many contributors: Vernaigli, Bullinger, Zanchi, Beza, Hyperius, Musculus, Edwards Puritans.

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Biblical & Systematic Theology

• Biblical theology: organizes Scripture thematically or historically, tracing redemption history (164).

• Modern resurgence: focus on incarnation and resurrection, churches showing renewed interest in historical doctrines (192).

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Modern & Postmodern Theology

• No dominant theological figure today comparable to Barth, Bultmann, Tillich (195).

• Evangelical theology seeks balance: avoid ignoring pluralism yet resist overindulgence in it (203).

• Biblical teleology: conviction that history unfolds according to God’s purposeful plan (207).

• Postmodern critique: rejects Enlightenment foundations, emphasizes critical engagement with pluralism and Marxist/postmodern theory (210–221).

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Evangelical Focus

• Driven by uncovering deceptive influences of sin—personal, cultural, traditional.

• Must resist pluralism that downplays truth (250).

• Redemptive theology: history of redemption central, including both acts of God and speech of God (264–272).

• Modern church exists between incarnation and parousia, framing theology around this epoch (278).

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Key Takeaways

• Theology is both historically informed and contextually engaged.

• Redemptive history, cultural assumptions, and personal responsibility are central to effective theology.

• Modern theology requires a balance of Scriptural fidelity, cultural awareness, and personal relevance.

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If you want, I can continue next with entry 5 in the same structured format.

2. Notes (Annotations / Commentary)

• Prophetic paradox – distance from mainstream strengthens influence but may later be assimilated.

• Conversion of mind vs. will – theology calls for cognitive and volitional transformation.

• Evangelical focus – must critique unnoticed cultural assumptions.

• Innate belief in God – humans naturally capable but suppressed by sin.

• Reformation breadth – includes multiple reformers beyond Calvin.

• Practical theology – should remain relevant, personal, and contextual.

• Modern theology – no single figure dominates; pluralism is central concern.

• Postmodern critique – dangers of relativism; Scripture vulnerable to interpretation.

• Redemptive theology – emphasizes historical acts over abstract attributes.

• Epoch identification – modern church is in between two comings of Christ.

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3. Key Terms / Concepts

• Prophetic paradox

• Modern theology / contemporary engagement

• Conversion of will and mind

• Missionary contextualization

• Evangelical theology

• Innate human capacity for belief

• Chalcedonian definition / Incarnation

• Personal theology

• Reformation figures (Calvin, Zanchi, Beza, Musculus)

• Biblical theology (thematic vs. historical organization)

• Postmodernism / pluralism

• Liberation theology

• Redemptive history / acts of God

• Epoch: Incarnation → Parousia

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4. Unable to Decipher / Garbled Sections

• “huffier—the lenes of selffulfillment through the scrs are now intermp te tot t4 ., in the new sy of theol of R Schuller (03)” → partly unclear.

• “Wu accmpany words in the enc..call for radical convesion.t his will] not be only a conversion of the wiill, but a conversionof the mind d A 5 fix.-4.Z mdrn world (112))” → garbled.

• “the missionry enc of th gsp with the mdrn world will,like eery tr mss.. (116)” → unclear.

• “how many masters of teh Word sees '((fill. who are so poorly trained in Holy Scripture.. from the have neer made a habit of molding themselves / 4‘ entierely to the language of the Holy Spin,a s good scholars..(161)” → fragmented.

• “draws a hue 064) thscubb the inhes, of oi; fashion...Bib theol organizes mterl in a hist frameivork” → corrupted text.

• “M. Tyler suggests that even A4 A subj auth must be kdj sin p-mdrn age..—the ideas of s/f allied with God must be rejected (210)” → unclear.

• Miscellaneous typographical errors: “kdjdkd”, “s.sdkdtheol”, “irtSk fasication”, “Pt A4,06 6 nsm” etc.

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