Systematic Theology and Ecclesiology

Systematic Theology studies Christian faith and Christian ethics. Christian faith and the content of the Christian tradition are often summarised in confessions and doctrines concerning God (including God’s revelation and knowledge of God, God’s creation, God’s providential care, God’s image, humankind), Jesus Christ (including his person, life, and work of salvation), and the Holy Spirit (including the life-giving work of the Spirit, the church, the sacraments, the ends of creation). This is studied in the light of contemporary questions, claims, and experiences. 

In Ethics the foundation of Christian morality is researched. It is often summarised in questions about what morality is and how it can be established, what constitutes a moral society, how moral people behave, what are moral actions in view of specific ethical questions, and whether Christians should adhere to a particular form of morality.

Ecclesiology focuses on the history and polity of the church. Church History includes church and theological history from the time of the early Christians/church until our present age. The South African context receives special attention within an ecumenical framework. In Church Polity the focus is on the way in which our theological thinking about the church can manifest in the order within and for the church.