Best Systematic Theology?

[JM]

Pick one.

[I could only list 10 in the poll, sorry.]

 

[Apologetic_Warrior]

There are so many good choices, between Hodge and Bavinck it's a tough call, but I think for now, I'll go with the Dutch Reformed Herman Bavinck, and his "Reformed Dogmatics". The best choice though really depends on what a person is wanting in scope. Wayne Grudem's systematic could easily be considered the best for being concise, clear, and bringing rich theology into terms for laymen new to systematic theology, that can be grasped (with enough work) by the average layman. I think it's helpful to have multiple systematics' for different reasons.

 

[JM]

Bavink is up there for sure. I bought his work as it was published, one by one.

 

[the particular baptist]

Gill, then Brown.

 

[JM]

I found a used copy of Hoeskema's Dogmatics for $4 bucks so I ordered it. From what I've read he thinks highly of Gill, I look forward to reading it.

 

[Apologetic_Warrior]

Bavink is up there for sure. I bought his work as it was published, one by one.

I bought the first two when they came out (yay first prints), and recently picked up a like new copy of the third volume (boo second print). Still need the fourth, they're pricey for where I'm at financially atm.

I think Calvin's institutes is the most important and influential systematic. I have the Lewis and Beverage translations. Bought the 500th Ann Beverage edition not too long ago.

 

[JM]

The Beverage is now be reconsidered as the better edition. What do you say?

 

[Apologetic_Warrior]

The Beverage is now be reconsidered as the better edition. What do you say?

No clue, if I could read in the original language, do the comparisons, I might have more of an opinion. From what I've read (not sure of the expertise of the source), there are pros and cons for both editions. I really would like to know which is better though.

 

[Anoetos]

I only put Berkhof first due to the importance of his systematic to American Reformed Christians, but I have a special place in my heart for Bavinck as well.

 

[JM]

Anyone read Hoeksema?

 

[Apologetic_Warrior]

I only put Berkhof first due to the importance of his systematic to American Reformed Christians, but I have a special place in my heart for Bavinck as well.

Hey Anoetos, it's good to hear from you. I don't know if you remember, but years ago I posted at Tweb under the handle "Calvinist4Him". I took a long vacation from posting on forums, it's been years.

Yeah, Bavinck really goes into detail, rich in history, expounding on more than just the reformed views while hammering them down in the final analysis. He doesn't avoid difficult aspects of theology like the two nature's of Christ or the order of salvation.

 

[Anoetos]

Good to see you, brother! I hope you are well!

 

[JM]

If you vote "Other" please post your pick in the thread, thanks.

 

[GrinningDwarf]

I've only seen three from that list so I don't feel qualified to vote, but just wanted to add my .02 to the discussion...

Isn't 'best' kind of a subjective term? Best for what? Best for who?

A systematic theology that doesn't get read but just sits on a shelf looking impressive isn't of much value to anyone. Grudem's might have some things wrong about eschatology and spiritual gifts, but it is also by far the most easily understood by the layman, and I would bet it is the most widely read for that reason. I also own Berkhoff's, and while I refer to it when I'm researching a topic, all of the untranslated foreign words, phrases, and even entire passages is really a barrier my my using it more regularly. I don't understand German or Latin, and that reduces Berkhoff's usefulness for me.

 

[JM]

Isn't 'best' kind of a subjective term? Best for what? Best for who?

Yes it is and the poll is subjective as well.

A systematic theology that doesn't get read but just sits on a shelf looking impressive isn't of much value to anyone.

This is the subjective part...right? I read mine and often, even Chafer's work.

 

[ReformedChapin]

I've read Grudems, Calvins and Berkoffs systematic theology. For beginners Grudems is probably the best since it allows you to understand basic theology with basic language, unfortunately there is a lot of errors in it. I really wish there was a truthfully reformed systematic theology for lay people out there.

After that, I cannot make a decision between Calvins and Berkoffs. I see Calvins early attempt ( a great one) as foundational for all reformed believers. Berkoffs should just be a standard for everyone seriously trying to understand theology but it's hard to understand.

 

[Anoetos]

Chap,

You know that Berkhof prepared two shorter, more concise versions for lay people, to serve as introductions to the systematic. We're working through his Summary in Sunday school, ATM.

 

[Apologetic_Warrior]

Anybody read Michael Horton's new systematic theology? I think John at Monergism esteemed it as "book of the year".

 

[JM]

It looks good and I know I need to read more modern theological works, it's on my list.

j

 

[kenrapoza]

I've heard great things about Horton's new book (and I love his work in general) - in particular one of the unique elements seems to be how he weaves Biblical theology into each systematic topic. I haven't read it yet - I actually have a poor track record with systematic theologies because I tend to just reference them every now and then instead of sitting down and slogging through the whole thing. That's why I haven't voted in this poll, I would like to but I haven't gotten enough face time with many of them to really think that my opinion counts.