Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine
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Average rating4.3
15
Ratings3
Average rating4.3
This new edition of Systematic Theology by Wayne Grudem may be the most important resource you can own for helping you understand Scripture and grow as a Christian. The most widely used resource of the last 25 years in its area, Systematic Theology by Wayne Grudem has been thoroughly revised and expanded (all 57 chapters) for the first time while retaining the features that have made it the standard in its field: clear explanations, an emphasis on each doctrine's scriptural basis, and practical applications to daily life. With nearly 200 pages of new content and revisions that took several years, this new edition now includes the following distinctive features, making it even better: Updated, fuller analysis of several recent controversies within evangelicalism, including the eternal relationship between the Father and the Son in the Trinity, the question of God's atemporal eternity, the role of women in the church, "seeker-sensitive" churches, miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit, and contemporary worship music. New, thoughtful critiques of open theism, the "new perspective on Paul," Molinism (or "middle knowledge"), "Free Grace" theology, and the preterist view of Christ's second coming. Completely revised, stronger chapter on the clarity of Scripture. Completely revised, stronger chapter on creation and evolution, including a longer critique of theistic evolution and an extensive discussion on the age of the earth. New discussion of how biblical inerrancy applies to some specific "problem verses" in the Gospels. Additional material respectfully explaining evangelical Protestant differences with Roman Catholicism (with extensive interaction with the Catechism of the Roman Catholic Church), Protestant liberalism, and Mormonism. Completely updated bibliographies. All Scripture quotations updated from RSV to ESV. An explanation of why monogenes in John 3:16 and elsewhere should be translated as "only begotten" rather than merely "only" (this is a change from the first edition). A contemporary worship song added at the end of each chapter (while retaining the traditional hymns as well). New discussion on the impassibility of God. An extensive discussion on the eternal submission of the Son to the Father, taking into account controversies in recent years. Updated section on contemporary worship music. A discussion of recent criticisms of the penal substitutionary view of the atonement. Numerous other updates and corrections that have be prompted by letters and emails from people around the world and by interaction with the students Wayne has taught over the last 26 years both at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and at Phoenix Seminary. Part of the brilliance of Systematic Theology over the years has been its simplicity and ease of use. Each chapter follows the same structure. First, there is discussion of the doctrine being considered, such as justification or the Trinity or the deity of Christ. An explanation of that doctrine's biblical support and possible objections follow. Personal application and key terms to know for personal growth are then provided. Chapters also include a Scripture memory passage, references to other literature on the topic, and suggested hymns and worship songs. If you are someone who thinks theology is hard to understand or boring, then this new edition of Systematic Theology will likely change your mind. - Publisher.
Reviews with the most likes.
An easy to read understandable theology text. Where difficult terms were used they were defined.
I started the new edition of this tome as part of the 2021 reading challenge, trying to follow the reading plan provided by the author. I read it along with my wife (she read our physical copy and I read the kindle version).
My first thought was “why would I read through a reference book cover to cover? Isn't it more for looking up things as I have questions?” But with the challenge set, reading it cover to cover is just what we did. Thinking back to my ownership of the previous version, which has only rarely been cracked open, I'm so glad I made the investment in reading this book. It has been a long journey, but I've learned so much along the way.
Brief takeaways:
1. Reading the Bible is essential if you call yourself Christian. Constant, regular reading of a reasonable translation. So few Christians have ever done this. But it truly is essential because “common knowledge” is so flawed.
2. Systematic Theology is so helpful in understanding what the Bible actually says, as most of us have serious misconceptions or just have never thought about some aspects.
3. Expect your understanding on many areas of doctrine to be challenged. This is a very good thing. That challenge sharpens your understanding and puts you on better footing when discussing your faith.
4. After reading through this, it has changed my understanding of some major doctrines. And that's great too.
5. It's also made me more understanding of the diversity of thought within Christianity and honestly makes me more flexible in dealing with so many areas where there is disagreement. A lot of this is clarified in S.T. and even why differences have merit.
6. Other areas are solidified in a way that makes it clear that there is rampant apostasy within certain circles of Christianity and this errant teaching is seriously hurting the Christian Church in America (and the West) because modern western values are so clearly against Biblical teachining.
7. SO MANY things in this book have and will continue to change my daily walk with Christ, encouraging me to be bolder, more forgiving, more patient, and have more faith.
Finally, reading through an excellent source of reference like this makes it FAR more useful for the future because I know exactly what's covered and how to reference it quickly.
If you are a Christian and haven't made the investment in reading Systematic Theology, I strongly encourage you to do it. It is a sizable investment, but is likely to change you for the better in innumerable ways and make you a stronger Christian at a time when it is needed.
I also recommend you check out the 1-year reading plan, as well. Mostly it is 1 chapter a week, though some weeks it is 2 chapters. Some chapters are quick and easy while others are 60+ pages, but it's definitely doable. I started on Jan 10 and finished Dec 21, and I'm a slow reader. I also recommend the Kindle version to read because the physical book is larger than most of my med-school textbooks. Finally, I recommend taking notes with Obsidian, Notion, or RemNote. I started that 1/2 way through and it helped tremendously.
