Christian Theology -- Theism
Christian theology affirms theism, the belief in the existence of a supernatural God. Christian theism rests primarily on two solid foundations: special revelation (the Bible) and general revelation (the created order). While the Bible reveals the character and personality of God page after page, the “whole workmanship of the universe,” according to John Calvin, reveals and discloses God day after day. The Psalmist says, “The heavens declare the glory of God” (Psalm 19).
Christian Theology – Grounded in Jesus Christ
Christian theology points to what Christians believe—that a personal God has revealed Himself through a created world, and that He has a plan and ultimate destiny for that world. Christian theology is ultimately Christ-centered. The God who “so loved the world that He gave His only Son” has allowed for a personal relationship between Himself and fallen humanity.
Christian Theology
Humans rely on encounters to get to a truth, especially one happened historically. This is analogue to a car incident. The news is ultimately from eyewitness accounts gathered by a reporter as the author. However this is not good enough, a theory must be formed from an expert of mechanics in explaining how the car can possibly run into this car incident.
Similarly, the eyewitness accounts are ultimately from the disciples, they and those close to them authored the testimonies on Jesus' deeds and speeches. Out of the 4 gospels perhaps only John can bring his testimony to a theological level. This is natural as he is the one left with others martyred themselves to stand witness for what they have seen with their own eyes. Paul thus becomes the "export of mechanics" to provide a behind the scene explanation on Jesus' coming with the New Covenant to a theological level. This is also natural as Paul is the only apostle who is a Pharisee professed in Jewish laws and covenants. All left is for today's Christians to follow the same steps of the apostles to convey the truth of this New Covenant. In my opinion, that's what theology is in Christianity.
I have a problem with Paul. He never met Jesus. He should not be ranked as an apostle.
Paul met Jesus on the road to Damascus. The RISEN Lord spoke to him and Paul's ministry began.
Acts 9:3 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:
4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.
7 And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man.
8 And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus.
9 And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.