GIRS Syllabus index: Survey Studies in Reformed Theology

Genevan Institute for Reformed Studies
Syllabus Unit 1: Prolegomena Bob Burridge ©1996, 2006

How We Know About God
Revelation, Scripture, its Use and Interpretation
Westminster Confession of Faith chapter 1

The only authoritative standard for the interpretation of Scripture is the Scripture itself. All else lacks certainty. If we are to do theology biblically, then we must base our work on data directly derived from the canonical books of the Bible alone. This is what the Latin term "Scriptura Scripturae interpres" means. Literally it is "Scripture interprets Scripture."

The articles in this study help lay this foundation. I strongly recommend that you study the topics in the order in which they are listed. The later topics assume the earlier ones. The technical name for this field of study is "Prolegomena". It means "before study" since we must know how to determine the mind of God before we do any other study about him.

This unit was updated in the fall of 2006.

Lesson 1: Knowing the Truth
Lesson 2: Revelation
Lesson 3: The Canon
Lesson 4: Inspiration
Lesson 5: Preservation
Lesson 6: Translation
Lesson 7: Interpretation

Reading Assignments

Bob Burridge

This Syllabus: Prolegomena

A. A. Hodge

Commentary on the Confession of Faith: Introduction, ch 1

C. Hodge

Systematic Theology (Vol 1, Introduction)

W. G. T. Shedd

Dogmatic Theology (Vol 1 Introduction, Bibliology)

L. Berkhof

Principles of Biblical Interpretation

Westminster Faculty

The Infallible Word (a symposium)

Berkeley Mikelsen

Interpreting the Bible (pages 99-176)

Cornelius Vantil

The Defense of the Faith

O. Palmer Robertson

The Christ of the Covenants