Inductive method in Charles Hodge's Systematic Theology

Charles Hodge was known famously through his assertion that Theology is a science and Bible is the store-house of facts in which we used the inductive method to collect and discover all those embodied facts. After discover the facts, people need to systematize the facts of the Bible, ordered through the means of systematization of facts like natural science. By this, Hodge can come in conclusion that there is a correspondence and overlap between Theology and science in general. It is vital to note that when he mentioned about the idea that Bible is collection of the facts of God, he did not present this view in the doctrine of Bible rubric but under the context of Prolegomena and method on theology. Hence, he did not treat the text of Bible as a scientific books and diminished the spiritual dimension of it. However, the strong nuance of his scientific method can lead people to think into that direction. 

Actually, his approach in analyzing the text can be traced back all way down to Francis Bacon. Probably, Hodge was influenced by Him. In his ground breaking work (1620), Novum Organum, Bacon presented the strong case of inductive reasoning (Baconian Method). Deductive reasoning was very popular, a method of ancient philosopher, propagated by Aristotle. The basic idea of deductive reasoning is this, premises lead to a certain conclusion. For instance, all man are mortal. Socrates is a man. Therefore, Socrates is mortal. Francis Bacon inductive method seems to challenge the old method of doing scientific inquiry. It is not the logical prepositions to be tested (deductive) but empirical verification of collected data/facts in order to come with a conclusion (inductive). 

Even, the basic premises for instance all man are mortal that is basic to deductive reasoning need to be verified empirically. According to inductive reasoning, the more data the greater conclusion being true. For Hodge, inductive method is the best way in Systematic Theology because it somehow bridge between the other extreme of approach that is to say, Mystical Method and Speculative Method. Speculative method have a potential to elevate reason as the only judge of truth whereby Mystical Method bring experience as the yard-stick of truth. Inductive try to bridge both extreme whereby reason and experience are inter-related and all the facts gathered, are important to justify the doctrinal conclusion. Hence, a Theologian base on Hodge understanding is the one who derived from, for instance "his theory of virtue, of sin, of liberty, of obligation, from the facts of the Bible", and not according to His  subjective theory (speculative or mystical).

The problem of inductive method of doing Theology is seems to present Theology as rigid and static in addition, cold. Theologian in the new school era like Kevin Vanhoozer argues for the more nuance method in doing theology that is to say, Theology as drama in which God unfolds his truth through the story-telling and in fact, Scripture is dominated by stories. Kevin Vanhoozer argues for the Triune-Theo drama. Theology is more than just collecting facts about God but how to see Bible as a divine script: our source of authority and guidelines in living. As Kevin Vanhoozer says, "Theo-Drama involves relationships in which Christian perform truthful prepositions (Beliefs), experience (Feelings), and narratives (actions) to reflect God's comprehensive revelation in Christ. In other words, "Bible is the "Church-script" that need to be played out rather than to be collected as a mere and cold scientific facts. Nonetheless, we need to note that all theology is contextual. Hodge approach is come from the reflection of his own context, at his time, the enlightenment (pursuit of objectivity). 

Apparently Hodge''s Theology is not static, since he did not deny the dynamic and the internal testimony of the spirit in approaching the Bible nor he see the task of Theology serve for head knowledge only. What concern Hodge when he says Theology as science with inductive as the main approach is to actually argue that Theology need to be arranged in orderly way. Scripture need to be read in its unity, consistency and harmony (In essence, facts cannot contradicts each other) and cannot be treated as random and unrelated voices of the past. Moreover, It is vital to note that what Hodge have in mind while speaking theology is about Systematic Theology and not Biblical Theology (which open for the multiple voices in the Scripture).

Nevertheless, there are important and after question that comes from Hodge's method in doing theology. Can everyone be a systematic Theologian just by simply assembling the facts in the Bible, regardless their background, let say Atheist? Although Hodge did not mentioned about this, I venture to think Hodge will argues for faith seeking understanding approach, coupled with inductive method. Indeed, doing theology need to be done foremost, through the lens of faith. People who do not believe in God and study theology is never actually study theology in the first place. They study religion. A little bit tricky, we can say they are not studying about God but only what others says about God.

At the end of the day, Scriptures is not merely a scientific and facts book. Bible is a living testimony of God's mighty act through God's speech (in liturgical reading we often says, "This is the word of God" and the response is "Thanks be to God") that bring a transformation as Karl Barth famously said in the past, "The speech of God as the act of God". Therefore, doing theology is more than assembling facts but one need to live in obedience and submissions to the declarative speech of God in Jesus Christ as recorded in the Bible. Hebrews 1:1-2 beautifuly written,

 "In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe."