Download: Restoration Theology Student Notes

Welcome to Restorationist Theology

Christian theology is worthwhile and exciting.

All Christians do theology – it’s how you summarize what the Bible says.

Everyone is a theologian; key question: Is your theology accurate? How to improve it?

Class goal: Think through theology comprehensively and methodically.

Defining Restorationism

Based on 3 beliefs:

Christianity has drifted from originals.

Possible to recover original Christianity.

We should recover and live it today.

Also called Christian primitivism (primitive = good, meaning early/original).

Goal: Correct errors based on final New Testament Christianity.

Class method: Systematic way to evaluate beliefs.

Why Restore? (Making the Case)

Example: Prayer for travelers – includes St. Christopher (patron saint), but Bible doesn’t mention saints or praying to them.

Shows how traditions add non-biblical elements.

Restorationism questions these additions.

Reasons to restore:

Bible warns against false teachings (e.g., Matt 7:15, 2 Pet 2:1).

Church history shows drift (e.g., indulgences, purgatory not in Bible).

Avoid errors from tradition; seek truth like Bereans (Acts 17:11).

Restorationist Approach

Dares to question received doctrines.

Slogan: “Fides quaerens veritatem” – faith seeking truth.

Not just explaining church teachings; evaluate and seek greater truth.

If you believe in restorationism, class teaches method to evaluate beliefs.

Restorationists are “Bible people”: Evaluate based on Bible, let it critique faith (not squeeze Bible to fit creed).

Class Preview

Outline of sessions:

Why Restore?

Milestones to Modern Restorationism.

Goal: Equip you to judge beliefs against Bible, measure doctrines.

Worth time to learn restoration theology.