Q&A: Systematic Theology Divisions?

Question

Into how many areas is theology divided? What is your favorite systematic theology source?

Answer

The answer to this question is very dependent upon one's background. Commonly we see: (1) the Doctrine of the Word of God, (2) the Doctrine of God, (3) the Doctrine of Man, (4) the Doctrine of the Person and Work of Christ, (4) the Doctrine of Redemption, (6) the Doctrine of the Church, and (7) the Doctrine of Last things. Each of these areas contains subsections that incorporate the majority of the Churches' doctrines.

I personally believe there is need for improvement in these divisions, that is, they need to be added to. Specifically, Practical Theology - or "how then shall we live?" - would seem a very important part of the divisions above. Though covered somewhat by terms such as "sanctification," this does not seem to do justice for the field of Christian ethics.

My go-to source for systematic theology to date is Louis Berkhof. However, I have over seventy-five sources I refer to on a regular basis, among which are John Frame's Salvation is of the Lord, and Wayne Grudem's Systematic Theology.