This paper investigates Charles Hodge’s systematic-theological methodology and structure, fundamental doctrines, and apologetics, mainly focused on his opus magnum, Systematic Theology. Hodge here presents a stereotype of Reformed systematic theolog...
This paper investigates Charles Hodge’s systematic-theological methodology and structure, fundamental doctrines, and apologetics, mainly focused on his opus magnum, Systematic Theology. Hodge here presents a stereotype of Reformed systematic theology, which interpretes, defends, and applies Biblical facts doctrinally according to the principles of analogia fidei and analogia Scripturae. Hodge’s Systematic Theology reveals instructive-confessional-apologetical characteristics as significantly as Calvin’s Institutes does. Hodge has a firm conviction of the plenary and verbal inspiration and inerrancy of the Bible, which is deployed as the principia theologiae by Reformed orthodox theologians. He does not accept either such contemporary philosophical trends as Enlightenment, Romanticism, Historical Positivism, Naturalism, nor such theological ones as Liberal Theology, Biblical Criticism, the so-called Historical Jesus Study, which were assimilated by strong biased immanent, idealistic, ethical tendencies. The so-called ‘Princeton Seminary Old School’ peaked along with Hodge’s theological systematization and careful apologetics. He elaborated Reformed Orthodoxy in line with the American Presbyterian context and held on such orthodox doctrines as the immanent and economic Trinitarianism, Christ the Mediator’s unio hypostatica, the direct and objective covenantal imputations of Adam’s original sin and Christ’s righteousness, double grace(gratia duplex) of justification and sanctification, Christological essence and office of the church, and the spiritual but real presence(praesentia spiritualis sed realis) of Christ the Mediator in the Lord’s Supper.