In the use of the term theology several types develop depending on how the Word is used.
(1) A theological system: The word theology may be used of an exponent of a theological system as Augustinian, Calvinistic, Arminian, Covenant, or Dispensational theology.
(2) A method, source, or content of theology: It may be used of the source or content of the theology or the method of theology as:
Natural theology—Facts concerning God and His universe derived from nature or creation.
Revealed theology—Facts concerning God and His universe derived from Scripture as a whole.
(3) Biblical theology: Facts concerning God and His universe as set forth in the various books of the Bible from whence we derive other classifications as Pauline, Johannine and Petrine theologies.
(4) Historical theology: The study of the historical development of doctrine as well as its variations and heretical departures.
(5) Theology proper: This is theology in its true and proper sense. Theology proper contemplates only the Person of God—Father, Son and Holy Spirit, existence and attributes without reference to the works of each person of the trinity. This is a part of systematic theology.
(6) Systematic theology: This is the collecting, scientifically arranging, and categorizing, comparing, exhibiting, and defending all facts from all sources concerning God and His works.
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