Download: Restoration Theology Student Notes
Welcome to Restorationist Theology
-
Christian theology is worthwhile and exciting.
-
All Christians do theology – it’s how you summarize what the Bible says.
-
Everyone is a theologian; key question: Is your theology accurate? How to improve it?
-
Class goal: Think through theology comprehensively and methodically.
Defining Restorationism
-
Based on 3 beliefs:
-
Christianity has drifted from originals.
-
Possible to recover original Christianity.
-
We should recover and live it today.
-
-
Also called Christian primitivism (primitive = good, meaning early/original).
-
Goal: Correct errors based on final New Testament Christianity.
-
Class method: Systematic way to evaluate beliefs.
Why Restore? (Making the Case)
-
Example: Prayer for travelers – includes St. Christopher (patron saint), but Bible doesn’t mention saints or praying to them.
-
-
Shows how traditions add non-biblical elements.
-
Restorationism questions these additions.
-
-
Reasons to restore:
-
-
Bible warns against false teachings (e.g., Matt 7:15, 2 Pet 2:1).
-
Church history shows drift (e.g., indulgences, purgatory not in Bible).
-
Avoid errors from tradition; seek truth like Bereans (Acts 17:11).
-
Restorationist Approach
-
Dares to question received doctrines.
-
Slogan: “Fides quaerens veritatem” – faith seeking truth.
-
Not just explaining church teachings; evaluate and seek greater truth.
-
If you believe in restorationism, class teaches method to evaluate beliefs.
-
Restorationists are “Bible people”: Evaluate based on Bible, let it critique faith (not squeeze Bible to fit creed).
Class Preview
-
Outline of sessions:
-
Why Restore?
-
Milestones to Modern Restorationism.
3-6: Bible focus (primacy, manuscripts, translation).
7-9: Interpretation and application.
10-14: Branches of theology (biblical, systematic, etc.).
15: Method to evaluate doctrines.
16: How it changes the world.
-
-
Goal: Equip you to judge beliefs against Bible, measure doctrines.
-
Worth time to learn restoration theology.
