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J_Edwards said:
Many have posted that they do not read systematics from cover to cover. However, one of the strengths of a systematic is to make one consistent in their beliefs across the board....(whole counsel of God). Why not read one or many all the way through?

Joe,

I completely agree with you that reading a systematic cover-to-cover is the most productive way to read a systematic text. Jumping around in a book is not a very systematic approach. Actually, this is the way I have read them except I never seem to be able to finish one. So far, I'm stuck in the middle of book 3 of Calvin's Institutes. Coming to Japan interrupted my reading of Berkhof's book at about the 2/3 point (I wish I had brought it with me). I'm currently reading Grudem's book straight through, but I imagine I will get distracted before I finish. Since most systematics are very large, it requires an incredible time investment (although it's time well spent). Because it takes so long to finish one, it's easy to get distracted.

John