Oh, I'd love to read Vos, but sadly, I just don't think I'm smart enough! I have to read some sentences outloud--more than once!!--to understand sometimes. I have even resorted to diagramming a few sentences! <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/giggle.gif" alt="" /> I will say, though, that what I have managed to read was worth the effort. It was that way with Owen (and still is to some extent) but by perservering I am now able to read him with some understanding. Is there hope for me???
Trust the past to God's mercy, the present to God's love and the future to God's providence." - St. Augustine Hiraeth
Reformed Dogmatics by Hoeksema Manual of Theology by Dagg Systematic Theology by Berkhof Abstract of Systematic Theology by Boyce Doctrine according to Godliness by Hanko
Hanko's explains more than 235 topics each only a page or two long. It has helped much in understanding infant baptism.
I did not know until tonight that R.C. Sproul's "Essential Truths of the Christian Faith" is available as a PDF file here:
WOW! Thanks Theo!! This is great. I own the book. But I do allot of my evangelism online, so I love to find good books online that I can click and paste from and suggest to readers.
Grace and Peace be with you.
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
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.
I will here confess to all that I have a disease called STDD. (Systematic Theology Discipline Deficit)
I have read (I think) the entirity of Calvin's Institutes and large portions of some of the rest. I really like Robert Reymond's new work but I am afraid that I only use it for reference when a particular subject or doctrine comes to mind.
My "discipline" problem comes up when, for instance, I am reading Calvin and he causes related thoughts concerning other doctrines to jump into my tiny little mind. I must then jump somewhere else. The word "reactionary" was invented because of me.
What I find most interesting and important is the love of reformed people and the reformers for the idea of systematic theologies in the first place. I believe that this love emanates from a deeper appreciation, that our sovereign God is the most logical and systematic Being in existence. This love for Him is an acknowledgment that He has an infallibly wise, systematic and determined plan for His children and to the ultimate degree, all of His world.
This, of course is opposed to the Charismatic's, Roman Catholic's and the world's disdain for a living God who acts to the minutest detail in all events of history to His glory. This disdain for our living God is generally and idiotically expressed with the words: "That is only doctrine, you need to experience God". This heretical and emotional attitude toward Scripture and the systematic, propositional revelation of God is in reality a denial of His omniscience.
They have completely ignored the truth that, because of our sin and depravity, our God speaks to us only through the mediation of His Son in Scripture alone and by the illumination of His Spirit THROUGH the Word. (Faith Alone)
Denny
Roms 3:22-24
Denny
Simon Peter answered Him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life." [John 6:68]
Just a brief testimony to the value of systematics. I converted out of studying Calvin's Institutes. I was running a University Tutorial on Reformation History as part of a Medieval/Rennaissance Unit towards a Arts Degree. Deciding to master my subject matter, I started up on the Institutes which I borrowed from the Uni library. I converted in the light of the doctrine of justification, which simply blew away anything else I had ever read. I had never even vaguely understood Christianity until then, and its hard to accept that which you don't understand.
After Calvin, I read Berkhof, whose systematic I found by chance in a second hand shop, and I read Hodge before I actually met anyone (else) who believed in an infallible Bible, about 4 months later, when a young Presbyterian lass tried to convert me on campus. You can imagine my joy at finding out that there were people who believed in Justification and weren't dead. You can imagine her surprise when I shortly asked her if she was Supralapsarian or Infralapsarian.
Trew story. Praise God for his mercy.
Let me mention the apologetic power of systematics - telling me that Jesus loved me meant nothing until I understood what that meant in the light of what he had done.
let me also recommend: John Brown of Haddington's Systematic (Christian Heritage Books 2002). overwhelming scriptural references for all the classic doctrines makes this excellent in controversy.
Ursinus - Commentary on the Heidelburg Catechism (Presbyterian and Reformed). A classic.
As I mentioned in the book-thread, I just recently worked my way through this one and I recommend it strongly to you:
A New Systematic Theology of the Christian Faith [2nd edn] Author:Reymond, Robert L. 1210 pages Nelson ; ISBN:849913179 Height:240 Width:157 Depth:45
A revised edition of this reviewer’s favourite single-volume systematic theology. Dr Reymond is Presbyterian and this affects his treatment of the covenant, church and baptism, nevertheless, this book is magnificent. It is written in elegant style, is deeply reverent and Scripture-believing throughout, and is clearly designed to promote doctrinal knowledge as a means of glorifying Christ. Every doctrine is demonstrated from Scripture, modern debates reviewed, and criticisms explained (and despatched). Complex matters are patiently and clearly unravelled. Very strongly recommended.
Sola Scriptura! Solus Christus! Sola Gratia! Sola Fide! Soli Deo Gloria! Total Depravity, Unconditional Election, Limited Atonement, Irresistable Grace, Perseverance of the Saints
How can you counter his arguments if you dont read his words and only go by what others say he taught? <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/bash.gif" alt="" /> Some people like to mislead other people about the teachings of others.
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?
It is not like I dont want to finish reading them. Problem comes while reading and then I read something in one and it puzzles me, I read on that from other books I have and dont go back to where I started.
