Why Should Women Study Systematic Theology? by Rebecca Dennison

On the eve of leading a summer class on Systematic Theology for women, Rebecca Dennison answers “Why should I, as a woman, study Systematic Theology?”

To help me see God and myself rightly
To quote John Piper in his talk at the 2008 True Woman Conference, “Wimpy theology makes wimpy women.
That’s my assumption that I bring to this evening. Wimpy theology simply does not give a woman a God that is big enough, strong enough, wise enough, and good enough to handle the realities of life in away that magnifies the infinite worth of Jesus Christ. Wimpy theology is plagued by woman-centeredness and man-centeredness.  Wimpy theology doesn’t have the granite foundation of God’s sovereignty or the solid steel structure of a great God-centered purpose for all things.”

To help me train up younger women
To quote Wayne Grudem, “Systematic Theology is any study that answers the question, “What does the whole
Bible teach us?” about any given topic.”
2 Timothy 3:15-16 (New International Version)

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

We, as women, are instructed thus:
Titus 2:3-5 (New International Version):

Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.

Given the definition of Systematic Theology, the usefulness of scripture for teaching, and our instruction to teach younger women, it seems plausible that studying Systematic Theology could assist us in fulfilling the words of Titus 2.

As a way to love God with my mind

Matthew 22:36-38 (New International Version)

“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: ” ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment.

We all, men and women, have an obligation to love God with our whole minds. Some time ago I realized that
while I use my mind analytically at work to understand issues and solve problems, I tend to be content to let
other people tell me how to think about the issues and problems of my faith. Shouldn’t I rather be like the
Bereans?

Acts 17:11 (New International Version)

Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.

The Women’s Ministry is offering a class based on Wayne Grudem’s “Systematic Theology” this summer.

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