
Charles Hodge
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On Method
0PSA 119:160PRO 2:6JHN 16:13ROM 1:202TI 3:16Charles Hodge emphasizes the importance of theology as a science, highlighting the need to understand the internal relations of biblical facts and the laws that govern them. He stresses the necessity for systematic theology to arrange, harmonize, and defend biblical truths, showing their consistency and coherence. Hodge discusses the speculative, mystical, and inductive methods in theology, advocating for the inductive method that aligns with the scientific approach of deriving principles from facts. He asserts that the Scriptures contain all the facts of theology, and the theologian must collect, combine, and deduce principles from these biblical truths, guided by the same rules as the man of science.
Theology
0JHN 3:3JHN 3:36ACT 4:12ROM 1:19ROM 5:18ROM 10:131CO 6:9EPH 2:12HEB 12:14Charles Hodge preaches about the nature of Theology, emphasizing that it is concerned with the facts and principles of the Bible, arranging them in their proper order and relation. The sermon delves into the definitions of Theology, highlighting its distinction as natural and revealed, and the importance of understanding theology as the science of the facts of divine revelation concerning God and our relationship with Him. Hodge discusses the insufficiency of natural theology in providing salvation, pointing out the necessity of a supernatural revelation through Christ for the redemption of sinners.
Rationalism
0PRO 3:5ROM 1:201CO 1:20COL 2:82TI 3:16Charles Hodge preaches about the importance of understanding the different forms of Rationalism and their implications on faith. He emphasizes the necessity of faith being based on God's revelation and the importance of reason in judging the credibility and evidence of a revelation. Hodge also highlights the need for unity between philosophy and theology, acknowledging the authority of facts and the higher authority of the Bible over human speculation. He stresses the importance of interpreting the Bible in accordance with established facts and the need to yield to God's revelation when it contradicts human philosophy.
Mysticism
0MAT 6:6GAL 5:16COL 2:81JN 4:1Charles Hodge preaches about the rise of Mysticism and Quietism during different periods in history, highlighting the pursuit of union with God through various means such as negation, abstraction, and disinterested love. Leaders like Molinos, Madame Guyon, and Archbishop Fenelon promoted these movements, emphasizing the importance of the inner life over external forms of religion. The Quietists sought a state of perfect rest and union with God, often leading to controversial beliefs like sinlessness in the perfect state. Despite facing persecution, these Mystics and Quietists attracted many followers who sought a deeper spiritual connection with God.
Roman Catholic Doctrine Concerning the Rule of Faith
0JHN 17:17GAL 1:8COL 2:82TI 3:16Charles Hodge preaches against the Roman Catholic doctrine of tradition, highlighting the rejection of the Rationalists' view of human reason as the source of religious truth. He emphasizes the importance of the Scriptures as the sole authority for faith and practice, rejecting the Romanists' claim of an infallible Church teacher. Hodge argues that tradition is unreliable, leading to error and subverting the authority of the Scriptures, and that the obscurity of tradition makes it unsuitable as a rule of faith accessible to the people. He refutes the Romanists' claim that Protestants receive the New Testament on the authority of tradition, asserting that the Scriptures are believed based on internal evidence, external historical proof, and the witness of the Spirit.
The Protestant Rule of Faith
0LUK 12:12JHN 10:351CO 14:372TI 3:162PE 1:21Charles Hodge preaches about the doctrine of inspiration, emphasizing the belief that the Scriptures are the infallible Word of God, written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. He highlights Protestants' agreement that the Bible contains all supernatural revelations of God and is the rule of faith and practice for the Church. Hodge explains the Canon of the Old Testament, rejecting apocryphal books and emphasizing the recognition of books included in the Jewish canon. He discusses the nature of inspiration, distinguishing it from revelation and emphasizing that inspired men were the organs of God, speaking His words. Hodge refutes objections to the doctrine of inspiration, addressing discrepancies and errors in the Bible, historical and scientific objections, and adverse theories like the naturalistic doctrine and Schleiermacher's theory.