Called to Believe- Chapter 1

Epistemology- the study of the sources and means of gaining knowledge about a subject.

Formal Principle- the ultimate source of information in a belief system or philosophy. In

Lutheran theology, Scripture alone is the formal principle.

Material Principle-the main, essential teaching. Justification by grace through faith is the
material principle of Lutheranism.

Magisterial use of reason- an over-reliance on human reason which allows it to be superior to

the word of God.

Ministerial use of reason- the use of human reason that submits to the authority of God’s word
when reason and Scripture are in conflict.

Sola Scriptura- “Scripture Alone;” the formal principle of Lutheranism.

Review and Discussion- Question 2

If someone simply follows there reason when they are thinking about theology they will be
wrong a lot. They will not believe some of the things said in the Bible even though the Bible is
the formal principle.

What are three cautions when studying theology?

The temptation to treat the subject as only an academic discipline, when we consider other
theological views and positions we should see why they came to that conclusion but should not
agree with false doctrine, remember to be humble not arrogant even though other people are
wrong we still must respect them fully and gently.

What are the limits of theology and what does that mean for us as Christians?

The limits are that we should not invent new doctrines or modify the Scripture. We are to
confess the whole counsel of God without adding to it or taking away from it. God has told us
everything we need to know, but not everything we want to know. If God does not address an
issue in Scripture the we area allowed to speculate but not say that what we believe is what
God said.