The problem with theology today is that there is no overall unifying theological idea in which to make sense of everything written in scripture. Science is seeking for a unified theory to explain natural phenomena. Theology needs a similar approach.
The idea of "covenant" is such a unifying concept. (Actually as far as I'm concerned it is "the concept". No one has been able to offer a satisfactory replacement.) Paul Ramsey said, "Never imagine that you have rightly grasped a Biblical idea until you have reduced it to a corollary of the idea of covenant." Mont Smith said, all theological errors stem from a lack of understanding of covenant.
Without an unifying concept, one is forced to choose some aspect of covenant and make it the whole like John Michaund, "There are about 2 or 3 important scriptures in the bible - the rest is take or leave." Such treatment of scripture leads to a multitude of distorted theologies.
God is the covenant maker and covenant keeper and he never deals with man outside of a covenant. The first thing he did with Adam was have him learn language (naming the animals) and then making a covenant with him. Right from the start, covenant is there. In fact one can define "being made in God's image" as "being made a covenant maker and keeper" like God.
What is wrong with Theology today? Answer: Theologians have little understanding of covenant or have dispensed with it altogether. What should be the core of theology is left out.
I agree; covenant is key!:)
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