Best Systematic Theology?

[ReformedChapin]

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.

That's good to know. You have a reference link?

 

[kenrapoza]

Are you referring to this?

A Summary of Christian Doctrine?

 

[Anoetos]

Yes, and [URL="http://www.amazon.com/Manual-Christian-Doctrine-Louis-Berkhof/dp/0802816479/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1299258869&sr=1]this[/URL].

 

[kenrapoza]

Oh ok. I own a copy of the Summary of Christian Doctrine but I haven't gotten to it yet. I use Berkhof's Systematic Theology as a reference - and I find it to be very good.

 

[ReformedChapin]

Yes, and this.

Your link didn't work for me.

 

[ReformedChapin]

Are you referring to this?

A Summary of Christian Doctrine?

Thanks.

 

[Apologetic_Warrior]

Anybody read James Montgomery Boice's "Foundations of the Christian Faith"? I've enjoyed what I've read by him. I think he had a talent for focusing on the essentials, the truths of primary importance. Too many folks easily get caught up in majoring in minors if you get my drift.

 

[Apologetic_Warrior]

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.

:cheers:

That makes two of us...

I voted other, but I am in the same boat. The way my life is, it can be difficult to take the time to read anything for any length of time. I have a desire to learn though, and am blessed with many many books to learn from. It's gonna take time and discipline and God given desire.

 

[Anoetos]

Let's try that again:

Manual of Christian Doctrine.

I believe this is somewhere between the Summary and the full systematic in size and exhaustiveness of treatment. All of the books are laid out in the same order though.

 

[JM]

Worst theology?

E.W. Bullinger, Dake?

 

[GrinningDwarf]

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.

I'm a big fan of Michael Horton, too. I pre-ordered The Christian Faith way before it was published.

When I received it, I was surprised by the structure. It's structure does not resemble the structure of other systematic theologies. It's more like a narrative; Grudem and Berkhoff are structured more like encyclopedias. This structure takes some getting used to.

 

[Calvinist Dark Lord]

Worst theology?

E.W. Bullinger, Dake?

That'd be Finney's Systematic Theology, which is neither.

 

[JM]

Dake uses Bullinger's Bible and Finney's work along with a sprinkle of Mormonism...beat that!

 

[kenrapoza]

Dake uses Bullinger's Bible and Finney's work along with a sprinkle of Mormonism...beat that!

Wow - that's a pretty sweet combo!

 

[Calvinist Dark Lord]

Dake uses Bullinger's Bible and Finney's work along with a sprinkle of Mormonism...beat that!

Finney was warmed over Grotius. Funny that both of them studied law. Perhaps they should have spent more time studying their bibles.

 

[Anoetos]

I ordered Horton's systematic the other day and it came today. I am looking forward to reading it. I admire Dr. Horton a great deal.

 

[JM]

Let us know your thoughts when it comes in?

 

[RefCath]

Michael Horton's The Christian Faith is superb!

 

[student ad x]

Pick one.

Only one ........... Berkhof

 

[AndOne]

Grudem for me.