A good systematic theology for every reader
595974
A good, clear systematic theology from a reformed Presbyterian perspective. The teaching is sound and solidly scriptural, and at the same time very accessible to the layman wanting a deeper understanding of the nature of God, the Bible, the sacraments, heaven/hell/angels, etc. As a Baptist one of the things that captured my attention was when Berkhof describes infant baptism and the situation of an infant, being baptised then later in life turning from faith, and describing this situation as that individual being judged as a breaker of the covenant. Perhaps my understanding of covenental theology isn't as strong as it could be, but I found this particular teaching difficult, and not necessarily tennable with Scripture. How could a person be held accountable to a sacramental decision that was made by the parent? I appreciate my presbyterian friends but find this teaching of theirs difficult.
2369127
A wonderful book--ideal for students of Christian theology, as well as for group studies for people who want to understand theology in a deeper way. I enjoyed studying this book in a group setting. The information is great for understanding how to relate to God better and to understand what it means to be a Christian and a follower of Jesus. Wayne Grudem does a superb job of classifying various theological topics and then explaining them in a clear and concise manner. Highly recommended!
85941
Michael Hortons newest book, "Core Christianity," is not exactly a systematic theology.  Neither is it exclusively a biblical theology or a book on practical theology.  Hortons "Core Christianity" is all three put together in around 170 pages.  Horton said he wrote this book with the purpose of helping Christians understand the reason for their hope so they will be able to talk to others about that hope (p. 14).  There are twelve chapters in this book, including an intro and conclusion.  (As a side, theres another Christian book with the same title written by Elmer Towns.  I haven't read that one so I cant comment on any overlap!)

In Hortons terms, the main themes of the book can be summarized in four themes: a) the drama of redemption, b) the doctrine of Scripture, c) doxology (praise/worship), and d) discipleship.  The chapters unfold like this:

1) Jesus is God, 2) God is Three Persons, 3) God is Great and Good, 4) God Speaks, 5) God Made the World but Weve Made a Mess of It, 6) God Made a Promise, 7) Joy to the World [the incarnation], 8) Jesus is Lord, 9) What Are We Waiting For? [eschatology], and 10) In the Meantime: Callings [vocation].

As you can see from the table of contents, the main topics of theology are discussed in this book (God, Creation, Salvation, Eschatology, etc.).  Horton also emphasizes the covenants and redemptive historical  Christ centered  aspect of Scripture.

I appreciate how Horton constantly kept the focus on God and his Word.  I also enjoyed the way Horton wove in solid theological truths, such as the Trinity, Gods attributes, the two natures of Christ, and so forth.  (As one minor critique on editing, the font in the sidebars is unpleasant on the eyes and not easy to read.  Perhaps its better in the Kindle version.)

"Core Christianity" might be considered the smallest version  of Horton's larger theology books "<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/The-Christian-Faith-A-Systematic-Theology-for-Pilgrims-on-the-Way/dp/0310286042/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">The Christian Faith: A Systematic Theology for Pilgrims on the Way</a>" and "<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Pilgrim-Theology-Core-Doctrines-for-Christian-Disciples/dp/0310330645/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Pilgrim Theology: Core Doctrines for Christian Disciples</a>"  This is not a critique, but an observation: Core Christianity is a few of Hortons other books simplified and put into one.  There isn't really any new material in this book.  So if youve read other books by Horton, you might not need this one.

However, if you want a shorter yet detailed summary of Christian theology from a Reformed perspective, this one is a good one to get.  I probably wouldn't give this book to a new Christian who's not a reader, since it is rather detailed.  However, for those who are readers and OK with a bit more detail, this is a good intro type book.  As with Hortons other similar books, its focus is not on man and what we do, but on God and what he has done for us in Christ!  Thats the good news!
2927803
Reformation Theology, edited by Matthew Barrett (book review)

Those who enjoy heady theological reading will most likely receive a ton of benefit from this massive volume.  Numerous Reformed theologians, including Michael Horton, Graham Cole, and Carl Trueman, to name a few, have contributed to this work as principal authors.  The book, as Barrett explains, provides a systematic summary of Reformation thought.  If youve read or studied any other systematic theology works, then that wordsystematicshould give you a good idea what you're in for when you dive into this one.

Im not a theologian of high-level academic education, but I am indeed a theologian in the sense that R.C. Sproul uses it: Everyones a theologian.  I am a theologian merely in the sense that I enjoy reading and studying theology and learning to apply it to all of life.  That said, Barrett writes, This book is written in such a way that the specialist and the nonspecialist alike will enjoy it.  Barrett went on to explain how academic specialists will benefit from Reformation Theology, and then continued, Nonspecialists, however, will benefit the most.  Each chapter serves as an introduction to the doctrine at hand, explaining what the major Reformers believed, why they believed it, and what impact their beliefs had.

I write all of that in order to explain that the term nonspecialist is very likely limited in scope, rather than broadly applied to all interested readers.  When I first encountered the phrase, I thought I was the kind of nonspecialst Barrett in mind.  While reading, however, I quickly discovered that Barrett may actually have had Masters and PhD level readers in mind, general practitioners with higher education, so to speak.  Im no dummy, but I found that many of the concepts contained in the book required more than mere interest.  Instead, a good grounding in deeper theological matters is crucial. However, even given some difficulties, I still took away from this book some lasting theological truths that will continue to shape and sharpen my understanding of Gods Word.

According to Barrett, Reformation Theology was written because At the center of the Reformation was a return to a gospel-centered, Word-centered church.  No question about it, this was the great need in the sixteenth-century church.  I concur, and would add that this is the great need even today in the church.  Preachers abound who preach an easy-believism Jesus, a Jesus who merely wants to help us be successful or have better marriages, a Jesus who doesnt require anything more from us than a slight wave of the hand on a Sunday morning to tell the preacher, Yeah, Im in.  The Reformers, however, fought and died for the doctrinal purity of the Church, something far different than were accustomed to reading and hearing today.  Yet many today have allowed what the Reformers gave blood to obtain to slip away into obscurity.  For that reason, Im thankful for the resurgence of great books and works on Reformation theology.

As a general outline, each chapter following the history of the Reformation introduces 17 theological concepts: Sola Scriptura, the Trinity, Predestination & Election, the Person of Christ, Sanctification, Eschatology, etc.  The chapters begin with an introduction to traditional Reformed views, followed by the evolution of what various reformers (such as Luther, Calvin, and Zwingli, to name a few) have taught.  Each chapter typically concludes with a short portion allotted to dissenting opinions.

Recommendations: I think this book would be a great gift to ones pastor who has interest in deeper theological writings.  I give it 4 out of 5 stars.

Disclaimer: I received Reformation Theology free of charge from Crossway Publishers in exchange for my unbiased review of it.  All opinions are mine, and I was not forced to provide a positive review.
1880465
[Note - I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in return for writing a review; this did not influence my opinion]

This introduction to Christian doctrine is by an experienced theologian, and gifted teacher, which will benefit a variety of readers. In 60 concise chapters (averaging about five pages each), Dr. R. C. Sproul, founder of Ligonier Ministries, surveys all the primary topics of systematic theology in a most engaging manner.

The eight divisions of the book cover these topics in an orderly manner, using traditional terminology: Introduction (which includes revelation, inerrancy, canonicity and authority), Theology Proper, Anthropology and Creation, Christology, Pneumatology, Soteriology, Ecclesiology, and Eschatology. In the first chapter, Sproul shares four assumptions about systematic theology:  the first, that God has revealed Himself in nature and in the Word; second, God reveals Himself "according to His own character and nature ... in an intelligent way that is meant to be understood"; third, there is a unity and coherence to the Word of God; and fourth, there is a consistency to His revelation since "He is the same yesterday, today, and forever."

Those familiar with the teaching style of R. C. Sproul from his many previous books or video presentations, will readily hear his voice on every page -- especially in the various personal anecdotes and ubiquitous Latin terms he employs (and defines) along the way. References to the Westminster standards are included, and Reformed theologians (Augustine, Luther, Calvin, Edwards) are amply quoted. Other theologians and historical viewpoints are mentioned along the way -- and heresies are clearly named.

One weakness of this volume might be seen in one-too-many uses of formal logic to illustrate a point (he twice refers to reducio ad absurdum arguments; helpful on page 300, unhelpful on page 256).

While comparable in size and scope to Bruce Milne's Know the Truth: A Handbook of Christian Belief (IVP, 3rd Ed., 2009), Sproul's Everyone's A Theologian feels less like a textbook, and more like an easy-to-read survey. Indeed, several chapters can be read in one sitting, and the whole book straight through in a few day's time. There are very few footnotes used, and the majority of those are pointers to Sproul's other books. Given the brevity of these chapters, the book would be more valuable if it included a list of recommended reading by topics or a bibliography at the end. Scripture and subject indices are included.

The strength of this volume is found in its accessibility to modern readers, its consistent Reformed views and its passion for making truth known. For instance, at the end of chapter 19 on the nature of sin (one of the best chapters), Sproul writes, "We must never conclude that sin is an illusion. Sin is real. Sin is mysterious, but there is a reality to the evil in which we participate. It does not simply intrude upon us from outside. It is something with which we are deeply, intimately, and personally involved in our hearts and souls" (107). And this sample, from the chapter on providence, shows the pastoral passion of Sproul which is found throughout:  "Knowledge of divine providence brings comfort in our suffering. God is in control not only of the universe and its operations but also of history.  ...Our lives are in His hands, our vocations are in His hands, as are our prosperity or our poverty -- He governs all these things in His wisdom and goodness" (81).

This is a helpful, biblically faithful book which will help its readers become better, biblical theologians.

*(This book review has also been published in the April edition of The Banner of Truth magazine.)
4320863
This book belongs in every pastor's and seminary student's library, irrespective of  one's position on Calvinism, Arminianism, or Free Grace soteriology.  It is also a most suitable text for the layperson, with readable language and liberal use of  illustrative analogies. Dr. Badger states the purpose of his work is "to suggest real, reasonable, and biblical answers to the questions Dortian Calvinsim has posed.  It will examine Calvinsim and the opposing Arminian beliefs, analyze them, and present a solution to the confusion.".  He later notes "This book will attempt to accurately demonstrate the inadequacy of the two major Protestant positions of salvation and lead the reader into a biblical solution compatible with the nature of God, the nature of man and the message of God to man as revealed in His Word. .... The purpose here is not to defend any system regardless of how "sacred" it might be to someone.  It is to discover and understand the truth of God's plan for mankind in the realm of soteriology."  In a frank but fair manner Dr. Badger has succeeded, following his lofty objectives in crafting an invaluable resource.  More than once he urges the reader to set aside preconceived  ideas or "systems" and carefully examine the biblical text and context.  Thus, while not a difficult read, the book demands that the reader be engaged and think.  One may reread passages several times to fully absorb the content.  Dr. Badger's formulation and logical presentation deserves serious consideration.

As to structure and content, the book follows an outline-like format, with each chapter containing an introduction (I.), several additional headings (II., III. etc), and subheadings (A., B., etc.) under these.  This convention allows the reader to more easily follow the inescapable logic and flow of the text. To assist, incorporated in every chapter (except history) are useful tables summarizing and comparing the various positions/issues under examination.  The introductory chapter includes the challenge/confrontation, theological motivations for the Reformation, the definition of TULIP (five points of Calvinism), some personal insights on the author, key issues, and plan for the text. Subsequent chapters present a brief summary of Reformation history,  the Free Grace understanding  of Sin and Guilt,  and chapters covering the five points individually and associated Free Grace responses/positions.  Two alternative Free Grace solutions are presented for the doctrine of eternal election, with one preferred. Those conversant with the original languages will not be disappointed, as key biblical texts are individually examined., but not excessively such that those without such skills miss the broader argument. A concluding chapter summarizes the findings, noting the shortcomings/failures of  both Arminianism and Calvinism and what the Bible explicitly states.  Six useful appendices contain key doctrinal conventions/statements and two excurses by the author covering biblical ethics/interpretation and perseverance of the saints and carnal Christians.

Together with Dr. Badger, I encourage the reader to evaluate the logical results when one objectively approaches the biblical text and its context, apart from any pre-conceived bias, imposed interpretive template, or system.  His prayerful presentation is worthy of serious consideration.

Roger Kadeg, M.S.; M.S.E.
4436284
While this particular text has been around for a while now, I have recently discovered it as a resource that is not only enjoyable, but helpful as well.  It is especially useful for those who wish to grasp the social and political upheaval that accompanied the  theological quest to define the relationship of Jesus to the Father.

Rubenstein is a Jew who grew up an Italian-American neighborhood.  Among his friends were many Christians and this inevitably led to discussion and even argumentation about the life and death of Jesus, as well as the those events were interpreted.  "They were friends," Rubenstein says, "but I learned to stay in my own house on Good Friday, since after hearing the sermon at St. Joseph's Church, some of them would come looking for me to punish me for killing Christ."  On at least one occasion he was physically assaulted and he remembers calling out through his tears, "But Jesus was a Jew!"

Amazingly, this childhood trauma of interreligious proportions has become fodder for interreligious understanding.  It gave rise in the author a desire to understand why Christian doctrine has developed in the way that it has.  The product of his quest is this fine little volume that reads not like a book of history or theology, but like a novel.  Even better, it is loaded with almost 300 explanatory footnotes.  They are located at the end of the text for easy reference without weighing down the pages of the novel itself.  In other words, you can put your feet up and enjoy the story or delve more deeply into the historical events around which the book is crafted.

If the first few hundred years of christological and trinitarian development remain a bit of a theological blur to you, then I recommend this enjoyable volume.  If you are already comfortable with that era you will still enjoy this narrative because of the important connections it makes between theology, history, and our fallen human nature.  Perhaps you and a Jewish friend can read it simultaneously!  It will surely spark some vigorous conversation, and perhaps it will spawn some interreligious understanding.
1470631
This book is intended primarily for theology students and practicing theologians. However, if the general reader can get through the first fifty pages, (s)he will be rewarded with brief, insightful discussions of open theology, complex systems, quantum physics, the "new" natural theology, the anthropic principle, multiverses, theodicy, and divine providence.

Chapter six (Motivated Belief) is particularly good. In it, Polkinghorne describes his motivations for his religious beliefs, which do not consist of "irrational acceptance of unquestionable propositions," but rather two kinds of motivation: (1) "general aspects of the human encounter with reality," and (2) "the particularities of personal experience, including . . . specific acts of divine disclosure expressed through uniquely significant events and persons."

Even though it starts out slowly, I highly recommend this book for science-minded readers seeking to integrate Christian faith with their scientific worldview. Plus there is quote near the top of p. 71 that is almost worth the price of the book, particularly if you enjoy understated British humour.
1292087
I am tempted to fear that I would be struck with lightening if I gave this any less than five stars, given the subject. But I have given other theology readers less than five and I am around to tell about it. This reader deserves five stars with a bullet, for at least four sound reasons.

First, it is BIG. If necessary, it could provide material for two semesters, if necessary. And the subject is so broad that one feels shortchanged if it is done in one. This was the text for the 1 semester course I took, and unlike the stated object of the course, no one theologian, with the possible exceptions of Augustine and Luther got the full treatment.

Second, there are selections of works in here which are simply not available anywhere else. They were translated, probably, by McGrath's army of graduate assistants. That alone may be worth the price of admission. My only reservation is that some theologians, such as Albrecht Ritschl, who wrote several bit, multivolume works, is represented by only a short selection.

Third, on the other side of the coin, non-theological writers whose work influenced Christian theology are included such as Wittgenstein and Dorothy Sayers.

Fourth, it is organized so that one could approach matters either topically or chronologically, as we did in our class.

The forewords and afterwords to each section are illuminating and go far to place the reading in its time and place. It is possibly the only reasonable alternative to buying twelve books, one for each of twelve major theologians, let alone the dozens represented in this edition. One warning. It seems that McGrath and Blackwell put out new editions every two or three years, which changes the order and number of things. If you need it for a class, pay close attention to which edition is being assumed (That is especially important for instructors as well.)
1455365
This is a slim volume but it is unexpectedly thorough for Christian readers whose theological study is grounded in the Reformed tradition. It's been a terribly handy resource for me to get a handle on commonly thrown about theological terms as well as references to sects and heresies for which one not only ought to be watchful but ought to be able to give a name to.

On reading an article by a leading Reformed theologian(Dr. Michael Horton), for example, I encountered this paragraph:
  "Like Luther, Calvin challenged the identification of the Good News as "a new law" and Christ as a new Moses. However, he introduced (with Melancthon's help)
  some critical nuances. While Luther disagreed sharply with Aquinas' characterization of the gospel as a "new law," he often perpetuates the tendency to treat
  law and gospel as equivalent to Old and New Testaments. The Anabaptists pushed this further toward a Marcionite antithesis. In Calvin's treatment, there is
  much greater nuance."

I looked up: Melancthon, Anabaptists, Marciontite. Here's the entry for "Marcionism/Marcionites":
"The teachings of Marcion (d. c. 160), which featured a sharp distinction between the 'God of wrath' of the Old Testament and the 'God of love' of the New Testament
and the view that Christ never became flesh. In Marcionism, Christianity replaces Judaism. Its canon was Luke's Gospel and ten Pauline letters."

The dictionary gave me just enough of an explanation to make heads or tails of the use of other such terms as well. I heartily recommend it for those who desire more than a passing knowledge of theology and less than a doctoral degree in divininty.
3876380
This book was a perfect synopsis to the extent of systematic theology. Most theology books I have encountered have been quite lengthy, but Lectures in Systematic Theology proved to be the perfect fit.
208580
Volume Three of Geisler's Systematic Theology weighs in about a pound or two (just like the other three books), and comes in at around 600 pages.  It is divided up into two main parts.  Part One is on Christian anthropology and the nature and doctrine of sin.  It is a small part of the book, consisting of about 150 pages.  The second part is the study of salvation, or soteriology.  Here is the brunt of this book, dealing with the nature, evidence, origin, assurance of salvation, along with a significant treatise on atonement theories, and the conditions and contents for salvation.  Also, there are some chapters devoted to the exclusivism/inclusivism/universalism debate, and some chapters devoted to Geisler's "moderate Calvinism" and how it differs from Calvinism on issues of atonement.  One can see that Geisler is really not a fan of what he  calls "extreme Calvinism" throughout this work.

As I say in the title, this is a must have for anyone studying systematic theology.  Some things I like about Geisler's work are the structures of his books and his thoroughness in discussing a lot of different positions on any issue.  Be prepared to read through a lot of headings and subheadings in this work - moreso than other systematic theologies I've read.  His treatment at the end of each chapter consists of a section of quotes from Church thinkers throughout history that buttress his arguments.  These are nice as well, though sometimes a bit repetitive.  I don't have any big problems with this work.  Just to note a couple of issues for me personally:  I am not a fan of Geisler's writing style.  I really don't think he's that great of a writer.  He's not a bad writer - it's just that he's not that great.  He's too terse in many places and he's often very repetitive.  At times I think he's overly complicated when I don't think he needs to be and at other times he's too simplistic, seemingly just throwing out proof texts to stop any further debate on an issue (at least that's what it seems like to me).  After reading numerous works by Geisler I'm still wondering why he calls himself a 'moderate Calvinist.'  If we're going to use these measuring degrees with our theological labels, I would call Geisler a 'slight Calvinist' or a 'Teensy-Weensy Calvinist.'  But these probably seem like very nit-picky complaints.  And to some degree there are.  Still, this is an easy five star rating for me.
4516191
This is an excellent book and should be read by non-theologians and theology students alike.  Many of the principles he teaches with regard to the proper handling of Koin Greek are very general linguistic ideas and would hold true for students of nearly any other language.  Above that, it is also a good primer on logical and argumentation fallacies as well.  He is a first-rate scholar and, whether you agree with (or even care about) his theology, you will find a lot of useful information, explained very well, in a fairly compact book.
1402606
I have recently read "A Theology of Luck" by Rob Fringer and Jeff Lane. This is a helpful book trying to sort out many questions of life that we are unsure how to deal with. Is a car accident God's plan for my life? Was Matthias being elected the 12 apostle God's work or chance? Does prayer make people better directly, or are we expecting God to be Santa Claus? Questions like this, and more, are dealt with extensively in this book.
I was impressed by how the authors used narrative to delve into a very complex subject with a spotty history on the church's part. The book is never boring. Further, it moves between complex depth and enjoyable stories with skill. Finally, I was very impressed by how much scripture they used to probe their questions and also seek understanding.

This is a theology text that packages itself as a small group resource. This is helpful because there is something in there for everyone: scholar, lay person, inquisitive minds, Christians early in their practice with questions and skeptics. I would recommend grabbing this book and seeing if it could become a resource for your church or small group to really delve into some deep questions, but deep questions that are a part all of our daily lives.
3445352
DeRouchie has engineered an acrostic compendium outline that successfully corrals the individual book/chapter authors into a disciplined whole. The central stylistic premise is very well developed. The theologian book authors aren't seen to wander and stick to DeRouchie's outline.

Combined with Bible study, this is solid primer. The Individual 'book' authors deliver considerable fertilizer for thought. There are some poignant gems that came as a 'say-it-out-loud' surprise to this fairly well studied reader.

It is a seminary-style intro textbook. It's always valuable to revisit the story but, it contains considerable introductory material for the new pilgrim. The upside is that it has enough gems for the deep diving theology reader to spend a day or so thinking about.
3902309
It may not be the definative theology of the century, but it is one of the best. For any Christian or student looking to understand the nature of and relationship between Christian worship and belief, this text is a rich resource.

The central premise of this text is that theology is secondary to the worship, the experience, of Christianity. He is influenced by, but not beholden to, the Phenomenology of Ninian Smart. Used in moderation this gives Wainwright another perspective by which to address his main thesis, that Christianity developed as much out of its evolving practices as it did its evolving ideas.

By looking at Christianity as an experience as opposed to a system of beliefs, Wainwright has developed a fantastic perspective as to how Christianity has formed, and what the beliefs of Christianity actually mean. He has a good understanding as to some of the principle aspects of Christianity- notably its scriptures, its worship and its traditions, that open up new thinking into Christian practice. It is neither a comfortably Protestant nor Catholic theology, but seeks to be eccumenical. Reading his ideas on the development of tradition can be reassuring and challenging- they sometimes remind us that we are once church, and occassionally he will say something alien to our customary understandings (both Catholic and Protestant), but not necessarily wrong.

My only critique is that the reader needs to take care to be aware of how Wainwright feels about the authority of tradition. While he explicitly points out worship and scripture as foundational for Christianity, one should realize that tradition plays a large role in this text- Protestant readers often seem to misunderstand his call for a 'magisterium' by not appreciating this.

Doxology is an absolutely unique, absolutely readable systematic theology. It incorporates practice, tradition and scripture in a reasonable, understandable way that seeks to be open to most denominations. This text is valuable to both scholars and churchgoers. There's a lot to ponder here.
2067660
Solid theology for an age of theological ignorance.  A guide for those of us who would be fishers of men.