I have to make a confession, I haven't actually completed any of my selections. I don't exactly have a desire to actually read through a systematic theology book.
But the two primary systematic theology books that I refer to, are Berkhof and Grudem.
I have a tendency for casual reading to use Grudem. I know that he's a bit off but for me, it's allot easier to read.
I don't know if you would consider "A Body of Divinity" by Thomas Watson a systematic theology, but I think it can be classified as one. I just received my copy today as a matter of fact. I also receieved "The Ten Commandments" and "The Lords Prayer" as well. I plan on reading "A Body of Divinity" all the way through.
Y.B.I.C,
Dave.
Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. - Galatians 2:16
Uh Oh, I guess I didn't read it right. I use Berkhof and Reymond regularly and have probably read about 75% of the Berkhof, but I have not read any of the ones I chose from cover to cover. I didn't know anyone really read them cover to cover! <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/giggle.gif" alt="" /> My bad; hope I didn't skew your survey. . .
Trust the past to God's mercy, the present to God's love and the future to God's providence." - St. Augustine Hiraeth
I picked Berkhof, Grudem, and Calvin. I haven't actually finished any of them cover-to-cover, but have read large portions of each of them. The Grudem book I have is called "Systematic Theology" and not "Bible Doctrine" though. As Dave said, Grudem is easy to read, but I have a number of disagreements with him. Also, one book that is not necessarily a full systematic theology text, but has had a rather large impact on how I read systematic theology books is C.V. Til's "An Introduction to Systematic Theology".
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?
I can only speak for myself. I have used my systematics as resource materials to help me prepare to teach small group studies, to check myself to see if my understanding is orthodox, to flesh out doctrines, etc.
After reading your post, I can really see the strength and importance of reading "cover to cover" I shall endeavor to do that in 2005!
Trust the past to God's mercy, the present to God's love and the future to God's providence." - St. Augustine Hiraeth
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?
My reason for not reading a concise full blown systematic all the way through, cover to cover? Well I suppose it's because of time. As a layperson with a full time job and a family, I don't have allot of time to read. So far I haven't made a conscious commitment to read through a systematic. But I think I will start to do that.
There are two books that I would recommend to anyone who is just starting out. These books are pretty good also to carry around for quick reference because they're paper back and smaller.
1. Essential Truths of the Christian Faith by R.C. Sproul. 2. Concise Theology by J.I. Packer
These are two great books to get someone started down the systematic path.
Dave.
Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. - Galatians 2:16
Dave, I wholeheartedly agree with your assessment of Sproul's Essential Truths of the Christian Faith. I have the book and I go to it first. If I need more info then I will go to my Berkhof (which sadly is the only one that I have).
John Chaney
"having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith . . ."Colossians 2:7
If I need more info then I will go to my Berkhof (which sadly is the only one that I have).
I submitted a post a while back asking about what Systematic theology book everyone here would recommend. Berkof's of course was the predominate choice.
Let me just say this. Not very many Christians study theology or have any desire to do so. Shoot, for that matter, not very many Christians read their bible. So the fact that you have "a" systematic theology book is saying allot. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> And the fact that it is Berkof's.... well let's just say, that if your going to have a systematic theology book, again, I believe Berkof's is the primary choice with the members of this forum. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/BigThumbUp.gif" alt="" />
The only reason I have Grudems is because I had a gift certificate for Lifeway Christian book store and I wanted to own a systematic theology book. I don't actually own Berkof's. I go to the library for that. Hehe, I can count on it being there, because no one ever... ever checks it out except me. LOL. One of these days I'm going to buy it. But right now I'm saving up for the Hendriksen New Testament Commentary... which is pretty pricey. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/bingo.gif" alt="" />
Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. - Galatians 2:16
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 have read through Berkhof, Hodge (both Charles and A.A.), Dabney, Hoeksema, Cunningham and most of Warfield.
In regard to your asking what other Systematics people have read which were not included in the poll, I have read Gill's Body of Divinity and his Cause of God and Truth. Also, I guess I should add the Works of Owen, Boston and Edwards, which although they cannot be specifically called "Systematic Theologies", they nonetheless cover a very wide range of theological studies.
Commentaries normally teach a little closer to what we call Biblical Theology (or O.T./N.T. Theo), differing slightly from Systematic Theology. Of course, there primary purpose is to interpret the text, et. al.
ST answers the question of "What does the whole Bible teach about any given topic.?" ST involves collecting and understanding all the relevant passages in the Bible on various topics and then summarizing their teachings. This differs from BT which organizes its topics historically and in the order the topics are presented in the Bible. Both are beneficial as are historical theology (a historical study of how Christians in different periods have understood various theological topics) or philosophical theology (studying theological topics largely without use of the Bible, but using the tools and methods of philosophical reasoning and what can be known about God from observing the universe). (Grudem, Wayne A. Systematic Theology).
As far as commentaries: Baker NT, Hendriksen & Kistemaker is the best--for the time being.
J_Edwards, your post has been helpful to me. Thankyou. I was not sure of the difference between BT and ST. Have you ever heard of a distinction made between BT and CT; is there a difference? I was talking to someone about nt wright and they were saying that he teaches BT as opposed to ST. I asked what BT was exactly and he gave me this example. He talked about how Jesus was seen gardening (i cant find where but probably when mary magdaline mistook Jesus as the gardener). He said there is a reason for him being seen as a gardener and it is because a lot of the great OT kings were great gardeners Nehemiah 3:15. I did a very poor job of explaining what he told me, but he said that is BT. A little off topic i guess. Is this the same BT you mentioned that is in commentaries.
The absolute best "Biblical Theology" text you can hope to own and read is Biblical Theology by Geehardus Vos. Doubtless, there will be some who will dispute my putting Vos' work at the top of the heap, but that's okay.... they are entitled to their choice of inferior works. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/evilgrin.gif" alt="" />
BTW, N.T. Wright does NOT use "Biblical Theology" to arrive at his heretical views. He uses, "UNbiblical Sophistry". <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/rofl.gif" alt="" />
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