Origin and Development of Theology Apostolic Age (30-100) Christian theology begins with the apostles They had to reconcile for themselves the message of Jesus Christ with their own religious experience as Jews. They had to preach the “Good News” – translating and interpreting the Gospel for diverse communities and cultures.

Origin and Development of Theology Patristic Age (100-500) Monastic Age (500-1100) Scholastic Age (1100-1500) Theology became more systematic. Theology assumed a devotional character Critical reflection on faith – speculative theology Technical theological terms were created. “A theologian is one who prays” Used not only Scriptures but other texts (Christians and non-Christian Specific theological problems were defined “The one who prays is a theologian” Relied too heavily on reason and logic Salvational, sacramental, liturgical, practical/experiential A theologian must seek the experience of life in Christ - conversion The Bible were second place to Aristotle and scholastic colleagues Leadership – bishops/theologians Leadership passed from bishops/theologians to the monks. Leadership passed from the monasteries to the universities.