16. Restoration Theology Can Change the World

Download: Restoration Theology Student Notes

Recap of Class Journey

• Covered interpreting Scripture: Primacy, perspicuity, textual criticism, translation bias, literary/historical contexts, application.

• Surveyed theologies: Biblical, systematic, analytic, historical, comparative.

• Ended with method to evaluate doctrines (objective rating on how well a doctrine is presented)

Addressing Criticisms of Restorationism

• Criticism 1 (Kevin DeYoung): Don’t interpret apart from creeds/traditions.

  • Response: Luther challenged traditions; Protestants shouldn’t act like Catholics. Traditions ok, but Bible critiques them.

• Criticism 2: “No creed but the Bible” is a creed.

  • Response: Everyone has creeds (beliefs); restorationists can use them but they should be editable

• Criticism 3: Overturn historic consensus.

  • Response: Not chaos; Bible is authority. Historic views ok if biblical; burden on unbiblical traditions.

• Criticism 4: Zipping back to 1st century ignores history.

  • Response: Not ignoring; learn from giants, but Bible first.

Benefits of Restorationism

• Clarity: Methodical approach resolves confusion; evaluates doctrines objectively.

• Unity: Denominations divide; restorationism unites via Bible.

• Evangelism: Intriguing label – “Restorationist” sparks questions.

Conclusion: Changing the World

• Restorationism combines inquiry/tech for authenticity.

• AI levels field; anyone can explore options.

• Time for disagreeing constructively: Debates, books, gatherings in love.

• Move toward truth/unity: Christianismi Restitutio.

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