Inductive. None of the writers of the New Testament set out to write systematic theology. As we read the New Testament [and the Old Testament] we learn theology in bits and pieces. Gradually, if we are careful, we can assemble these pieces into what I think of as a ‘Biblical theology’. However, the starting point for any understanding of theological or Biblical truth is discovering what the Bible says.
Biblical. There are other sources of knowledge. Science, our experiences, and theological systems may all influence our thinking. But by definition and purpose, Inductive Biblical Thinking is about the Bible.
The New Testament contains the writings and sayings of Jesus and his apostles and those under their authority. If we want to know and understand basic Christianity we have to go back to those documents.
Jesus and the writers of the New Testament quoted the Old Testament. Together the Old and New Testaments make up the Bible. In quoting the 66 books of the Bible that are almost universally accepted by Christians, I will do so assuming their accuracy and their authority.
Thinking. While we may consult books, pastors, commentaries, and other Christians; we must not treat their understanding of scripture as final. They may or may not have it right. We ourselves must do the work of thinking – and we must compare their teachings with scripture itself.
This means, of course, that the reader of this blog must compare my comments to the scriptures under discussion!
– SSXG