Systematic Theology Books

[JM]

Which books have you read on theology, which books would you suggest?

A reference to fundamentalist Christian theology from an evangelical point of view, divided into biblical, systematic, historical, dogmatic, and contemporary studies. Includes a glossary and indices of subjects, people, and scriptures. For the truly called rather than the simple believer or scholar. Annotation copyright Book News, Inc. Portland, Or.

I a copy of the Moody Handbook of Theology by Enns, it's good construction and not as basis as most books of this type can be. Enns gives a fair description of other systems of theology without degrading them. In general, it takes a dispensational baptist view.

Over the years Charles Ryrie's name has become synonymous with dispensational theology. Now his classic study, long considered a standard text for Bible students and pastors, is available to the next generation! This edition features 94 chapters arranged in outline style for easy reference. Considerable attention is given to the dispensational view of the end times. 560 pages, hardcover from Moody.

I've read Ryrie's work, I find it inconsistent and don't suggest anyone buy it. If you want a dispensational theology book from a baptist point of view, pick up the Moody handbook.

Pursue systematic theology and leave the stodginess behind with this introduction to the "science" of biblical doctrine. You'll benefit from the strong emphasis on the scriptural basis of each doctrine and the thorough treatment of categories. You won't outgrow this introduction because it includes a bibliography that's cross-referenced to 34 other systematic theologies.

The binding on this book is junk! The glue is cheap and it comes apart easy. Besides that, the theology is very Reformed and if that floats your boat you can't be without this volume. His work on baptism help me understand why my Reformed brothers baptize infants...(I still disagree).

Arguably the most important systematic theology ever produced in the Reformed tradition - I have found it to be the most valuable - English-speaking theology throughout the 20th century until now has been singularly impoverished by not having at its disposal a translation of Bavinck’s Dogmatiek in its entirety. The appearance of this volume, with the remaining three planned to follow in the near future, will be an incomparable boon for generations of students, pastors, teachers and others, serving to deepen understanding and enrich reflection in both historical and systematic theology. -Richard B. Gaffin, Jr. - Professor of Biblical and Systematic Theology, Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia

This set of books is in a different category all together! Herman Bavinck's four volume series (which I have read all of yet, vol. 3 & 4 are release this and next year) is amazing. It's extremely Biblical and logical...from what I've read (only his work on creation), it is a most have. It isn't light reading like Enns book, but if you struggle with it you'll be rewarded.

jason

 

[Gary]

Bible Doctrine
Essential teachings of the Christian faith
by Wayne Grudem, edited by Jeff Purswell

Here is Dr. Grudem's monumental yet accessible Systematic Theology, masterfully reduced some 800 pages by Jeff Purswell, who serves as the Academic Dean of the Sovereign Grace Ministries Pastors College.

A must-own volume for everyone with sincere interest in Christian doctrine.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Introduction to Systematic Theology

PART 1: THE DOCTRINE OF THE WORD OF GOD
2. The Authority and Inerrancy of the Bible
3. The Clarity, Necessity, and Sufficiency of the Bible

PART 2: THE DOCTRINE OF GOD
4. The Character of God: "Incommunicable" Attributes
5. The "Communicable" Attributes of God
6. The Trinity
7. Creation
8. God's Providence
9. Prayer
10. Angels, Satan, and Demons

PART 3: THE DOCTRINE OF MAN
11. The Creation of Man
12. Man as Male and Female
13. Sin

PART 4: THE DOCTRINE OF CHRIST
14. The Person of Christ
15. The Atonement
16. Resurrection and Ascension

PART 5: THE DOCTRINE OF THE APPLICATION OF REDEMPTION
17. Common Grace
18. Election
19. The Gospel Call
20. Regeneration
21. Conversion (Faith and Repentance)
22. Justification and Adoption
23. Sanctification (Growth in Likeness to Christ)
24. The Perseverance of the Saints (Remaining a Christian)
25. Death, the Intermediate State, and Glorification

PART 6: THE DOCTRINE OF THE CHURCH
26. The Nature of the Church
27. Baptism
28. The Lord's Supper
29. Gifts of the Holy Spirit (I): General Questions
30. Gifts of the Holy Spirit (II): Specific Gifts

PART 7: THE DOCTRINE OF THE FUTURE
31. The Return of Christ: When and How?
32. The Millennium
33. The Final Judgment and Eternal Punishment
34. The New Heavens and New Earth

Appendix 1: Historic Confessions of the Faith
Appendix 2: Glossary
Appendix 3: Annotated Bibliography of Evangelical Systematic Theologies
Author Index
Subject Index
Index of Scripture Passages Discussed

Published by Zondervan, 1999
Hardcover, 523pp

http://www.sovereigngracestore.com/bibledoctrine.html

 

[Gary]

Evangelical Dictionary of Theology, 2nd Edition
By: Walter A. Elwell, ed.

Christianity Today hailed it as "a work of responsible evangelical scholarship." For 15 years it's provided pastors, teachers, and students with a balanced overview of theological trends. Elwell's dictionary is especially noted for the caliber of its many contributors. In this updated edition, some articles have been revised and many new ones added. Includes helpful bibliographies. 1312 pages, hardcover from Baker.

Well worth it!

List of contributors:
http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/ ... &event=AFF

 

[JM]

Grudem is solid soteriology but isn't he Vineyard?

 

[Gary]

1) "Dictionary of Early Christian Beliefs - A reference guide to more than 700 topics discussed by the Early Church Fathers" by David Bercot (an Anglican, I believe)


(3) The ROMAN CATHOLIC 3-part volume "The Faith of the Early Fathers" by William Jurgens (a Roman Catholic)

 

[JM]

1) "Dictionary of Early Christian Beliefs - A reference guide to more than 700 topics discussed by the Early Church Fathers" by David Bercot (an Anglican, I believe)


(3) The ROMAN CATHOLIC 3-part volume "The Faith of the Early Fathers" by William Jurgens (a Roman Catholic)

The Dictionary of Early Christian Beliefs is good, but it is clearly biased by the Anglican editor.

Never seen the Roman Catholics...

 

[Gary]

Concise Theology - a guide to historic Christian beliefs
by J.I. Packer

“This guide to historic Christian beliefs, from one who is without a doubt one of the greatest living theologians, is an extremely apt summary of the Christian faith. Written in a lucid style, it does not embroil itself in theological controversies, but provides a readily understandable statement of the Reformed doctrine, constellated at every point by scriptural documentation.†Roger R. Nicole

“Concise Theology has all the hallmarks we have come to expect from its author: biblical and spiritual theology, tightly but securely packed, written with grace and calculated to produce praise and obedience. It will serve equally well as an introduction to doctrine, a manual of theological terms, or a devotional study.†Sinclair B. Ferguson

I have put most of this book online. Follow the link below. Enjoy!!!

http://www.geocities.com/gary_bee_za/packer/index.html

 

[Not_Registered]

Norman L. Geisler's Systematic Theology: Volume Three: Sin, Salvation is a great book explaining the biblical doctrine of sin and salvation. It touches on crucial issues that are often raised, such as man's free will; the role of man (if any) in salvation; the relationship between faith, grace, and salvation; man's sinful nature and the effects of it; unlimited atonement versus limited atonement; monergism versus synergism; and other important issues. Also, Geisler always provides biblical support and makes very convincing cases (in my estimation) for the views he holds.

 

[JM]

How about Augustus Strong's Systematic Theology? I've heard good things.