Systematisk teologi og kontemporære erfaringsdata

Systematic Theology and Contemporary Data of Experience: An Evangelical-Pentecostal Perspective in Discussion of Liberation Theology Øyvind Gaarder Andersen, in his systematic-theological work, emphasizes both the Evangelical view of Scripture and experiential aspects of Pentecostal spirituality. In line with (t)his Evangelical-Pentecostal approach, the article discusses what the critical role of contemporary data of experience for Christian systematic theology should be in terms of influence on doctrinal content and working methods. To contextualize the discussion, the article begins by presenting liberation theologies’ common emphasis on certain experiences of suffering, marginalization, and praxis. It then discusses the critical role of contemporary experiences, highlighting notable similarities and differences between liberation theology and an Evangelical-Pentecostal perspective. The article argues that all systematic theology can be understood as a result of experience, but in the theological work process, not all data of experience should be evaluated equally. Evaluation of certain experiences will inevitably depend on the theologian’s epistemological standpoint, as well as whether one has weighty reasons for integrating them or not, which requires critical reflection or transformation regarding empirical fit. In this way, a principled Pentecostal openness to contemporary data of experience and a high Evangelical view of the Bible can be combined