Systematic Theology - Wayne A. Grudem

[J.A.I]

Systematic Theology
by Wayne A. Grudem

Does anyone have this book ? If so, what do you think ? What do you like / dislike about it, and so on ? I am thinking about getting it

God bless.
In Christ,
Jai

 

[Ioustinos]

Hi!

I have not read his systematic theology book but I did have to use his book "Bible Doctrines", which is a miniture version of his systematic theology book, for my theology class this semester. I can tell you that Grudem is a pre-millenial dispensational, Calvinist, with an "open but cautious" view when it comes to spiritual gifts. Although I do not agree with all his views, I will say that Grudem is honest with his presentations of the Scriptures.


God Bless

Jesaiah

 

[J.A.I]

Thanks Jesaiah!
Does his pre-millenial dispensational, Calvinist self show in his presentation ? Or does he write it from an unbiased viewpoint (w/the exception of his view on spiritual gifts) ?

 

[Andyman_1970]

I've been reading Millard Erikson's "Christian Theologies", it's very good and is the textbook some seminaries use when teaching "Sytematic".

 

[J.A.I]

I am looking into that one, Andyman, thank you I will be in a Biblical studies program hopefully in the Fall, and am wanting to do a little reading up during the Summer

 

[TomUK]

Grudems book is excellent. I would reccommend it over bible docrine (an abridged verson of systematic theology) as you pay a few pounds less but lose a lot of material. His style of exposition is very logical, which at times detracts from its general fluidity, but as a result all of his arguments are very well structured.

 

[Knight]

I have the Erikson book. It is excellent.

None of these are quick reads though. They shouldn't be they're Masters level seminary textbooks.

One you might consider is R. C. Sproul's "Essential Truths of the Christian Faith." It's well articulated and easy to follow.

 

[J.A.I]

I'm not looking for an easy or quick read This will be my 1st year in theological studies, but I have been studying on my own as well It's a hobby - expositories, commentaries, and so on.

 

[Knight]

Is this formal training? (ie: seminary level?) Just curious.

I still recomend Sproul's book. We use it as a resource for theology clases through our church.

 

[J.A.I]

Yes it is

 

[SavedByGrace3]

I sometimes have a problem with the concept of "systematic theology." I have read several volumes and they bother me. So I am going to shoot my mouth off here and likely get into trouble. Won't be the first time.

I see many people taking the bulk mass of scripture and attempting to make every point and issue boil down into a rational statement of "faith".
I am not sure this is wise. I sometimes think this is actually a dangerous thing to do. I have seen some dear hearts take seemingly contradictory passages on a subject and attempt to come up with an compromise that would fit both. In the end this sometimes makes for very bad doctrine. Usually this results is wishy washy doctrine that believes nothing in particular and everything in general.
Sometimes God does not want us to create agreements, rather He specifically and directly wants us to weight one against the other and choose one over the other.

The result of these efforts is often:
"This is the absolute truth.... but not always."

 

[Andyman_1970]

Definition of Systematic Theology:

Systematic theology is any study that answers the question, "What does the whole Bible teach us today?" about any given topic.

This definition indicates that systematic theology involves collecting and understanding all the relevant passages in the Bible on various topics and then summarizing their teachings clearly so that we know what to believe about each topic.

One simplified way I have heard it "defined" is "using Scripture to be the commentary on Scripture".

In my study of Erikson's book, it has been nothing but solid Biblical basis for the various topics. With this book, I like how he objectivly presents all the "side" to a various topic and then analyses them with the Scripture.

 

[welshchick]

J.A.I. - i have this book - i've had to use it for my course this year. i am in my first year studying Theology, and so it has been a good help in my Christian Doctrine class especially.

What i was mostly impressed with was the easy-to-understand style of his writing. The other books on the reading list were Berkhoff's Systematic Theology, and Warfield's and Hodge's Studies in Theology - all of which i found impossible to read and understand. Grudem is a breath of fresh air compared to them in terms of readable-ness!

There are one or two things that i know my dad has an issue with with Grudem's book (i really can't remember them right now!) but overall, for studying for Theology i think it's a great book and well worth the investment.

 

[nooby]

Can recommend this.

Clear, in depth, firm but respectful.

Enjoy.

 

[Foundthelight]

I picked up this book on Saturday. I had heard that it was well recomended. He is very up-front in the Foreword about his biases. Since I am reformed this doesn't bother me. I will say that most reviewers say that he does a good job of presenting the other points of view.

 

[Curt]

Quote:
This definition indicates that systematic theology involves collecting and understanding all the relevant passages in the Bible on various topics and then summarizing their teachings clearly so that we know what to believe about each topic.

This is right on to the point of us summarizing. This is why God gave us The Holy Spirit who will summerize, and guide us in the application each individually according our individuality. When this happens we will be like those in the upper room who were all together in one accord. This is happening with Christians all over the world right now, and when they come in contact with each other there is no controversy amongst them. The religious are the ones who have a problem with them because they do not seem to adhere to any specific "church doctrine", and they can't handle the fact that maybe they are doing something wrong.

Use the body priciple in this. Not all parts of the body function alike but they all function together in harmony with out questioning the other parts purupose or function. We are the Body Of Christ, and anything we do that He didn't do is wrong. Thats the bottom line, and always will be.