How Does the Claim of Multiple Biblical Theologies Undermine Unity?
Biblical theology aims to understand the Bible’s message as a unified whole while respecting the diversity of its parts. Yet in modern scholarship, many have argued that we should speak not of a single biblical theology but of multiple biblical theologies—each tied to a particular author, community, or historical period. While this claim rightly observes the Bible’s variety of voices, it also raises serious questions about unity.
If taken too far, the idea of multiple biblical theologies can fracture the canon, minimize the role of the Holy Spirit in inspiring Scripture, and weaken the church’s ability to proclaim one coherent message of salvation. For those committed to the bigger Gospel—the story of God’s reign from creation to new creation—this is no small matter.
1. Definition of the Claim of Multiple Biblical Theologies
The claim of multiple biblical theologies asserts that the various biblical authors each present distinct and sometimes incompatible theological perspectives. Instead of one overarching theology, the Bible is seen as a collection of separate theological viewpoints, such as:
A “Pauline theology” different from a “Johannine theology.”
A theology of Deuteronomy that contrasts with that of the prophets.
A wisdom theology (e.g., Proverbs, Ecclesiastes) that stands apart from covenantal or prophetic frameworks.
While diversity is undeniable, the question is whether these differences amount to contradiction or whether they can be integrated into a larger whole.
2. Historical Background of the Concept
This idea emerged in part from the historical-critical method of the 18th and 19th centuries, which emphasized reconstructing the original setting of each biblical book. Scholars began to speak of “theologies” in the plural because they approached each text as an independent product of its own time and community.
While this helped recover the distinct voices within Scripture, it also made it easier to treat the Bible as a loose anthology rather than as one inspired and coherent revelation.
3. Challenges to the Unity of Scripture
Accepting multiple biblical theologies without a unifying framework leads to several challenges:
Doctrinal Fragmentation – The church’s teaching risks becoming a collection of isolated messages rather than a unified proclamation of the Gospel.
Loss of the Canonical Storyline – The Bible’s overarching narrative from creation to consummation can be obscured.
Weakening of Biblical Authority – If biblical voices contradict one another without resolution, Scripture’s role as the unified Word of God is diminished.
These challenges strike at the heart of biblical theology’s purpose.
4. The Role of Canon in Preserving Unity
One of the primary correctives to the fragmentation of multiple theologies is the recognition of the biblical canon. The canon:
Establishes the boundaries of Scripture as God’s inspired Word.
Brings diverse voices into conversation within a shared authoritative framework.
Affirms that apparent tensions within Scripture are part of a larger divine design.
The early church did not assemble the canon randomly—it recognized those writings that together bore a unified testimony to the person and work of Christ.
5. Integration Through Redemptive History
A key way to address the claim of multiple biblical theologies is to read Scripture through the lens of redemptive history. This means:
Understanding each book’s contribution to God’s unfolding plan.
Seeing how themes develop from promise to fulfillment.
Interpreting all Scripture in light of Christ, who unites its diverse strands (Luke 24:27).
By tracing the storyline from Genesis to Revelation, biblical theology shows how different voices speak in harmony within God’s overarching covenant purposes.
6. Implications for the Bigger Gospel
The bigger Gospel proclaims that Jesus is not only the Savior of individuals but also the reigning King over all creation, fulfilling God’s promises to Israel and bringing the nations into His kingdom. If the Bible is seen as a set of unrelated theologies, this unified proclamation is lost.
By contrast, when we affirm that the diverse voices of Scripture harmonize in Christ, we can:
Preach the whole counsel of God with confidence.
Show how every part of the Bible points to the reign of Christ.
Maintain the integrity of the mission God has given His people.
Conclusion
The claim of multiple biblical theologies highlights the Bible’s diversity but risks undermining its unity if taken as an end in itself. Without a unifying framework grounded in the canon and centered on Christ, the discipline of biblical theology becomes fragmented, and the church’s witness is weakened.
True biblical theology must hold diversity and unity together, allowing each biblical voice to be heard while affirming that all proclaim one bigger Gospel—the good news of God’s kingdom fulfilled in Jesus Christ and awaiting its final consummation.
