Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine

I bought this after I was looking for explanations and contrasts with the minority doctrine of "soul sleep." I originally looked at dictionaries of Christianity, from the least expensive $6.00 +/- versions to $30 + versions. In all cases when a term was defined, they did not provide any contrasting terms or doctrines. I took a chance and figured an up to date Systematic Theology book would provide a more complete answer.Indeed, Chapter 41, Death and the Intermediate State, of Grudem's Systematic Theology provided the in depth answers I was looking for. The predominant more orthodox views on this topic were also fully discussed in clear and easily grasped verbiage. This sort of contrast and in depth explanations are missing in the several Christian doctrinal dictionaries I reviewed. The complete Index of this book served the purpose of "Dictdionary" for me.Other topics are similarly discussed with both minority and majority views.A few years ago I owned a copy of Geisler's Systematic Theology but sold it. It also had complete and easily understand explanations of doctrinal topics. As I recall, the paper was a glossy, higher quality stock and the higher price reflected that feature. That is the reason why I chose Grudem's top selling systematic theology book over the Geisler this time around.This book is highly recommended for anyone who comes up with questions about present day predominant and minority doctrines of the Christian Church.Speaking of "present day", the major criticism of this book seems to be that it doesn't provide historical doctrinal understandings as much as some would like. The beginning pages of this book fully explain that this Systematic Theology is NOT a "historical" systematic theology. It's focus and emphasis is on TODAY's principle doctrinal interpretations, not interpretations of 350 AD or 1045 AD, although where appropriate, historical understanding will be briefly contrasted.For a companion book on Historical Systematic Theology that is organized along similar categories as this book, "Historical Theology: An Introduction to Christian Doctrine" by Gregg Allison is recommended.

I gave one star because of Grudem's use of logic and assertion to make his point. I don't mind that his bias is Baptistic. It is the lack of cogent explanations of how other large bodies of protestants deal with some of the controversial issues FROM SCRIPTURE. I would not recommend this book except in conjunction with a similar book with reformed bias. And carefully weigh the scriptures for yourself, not what does man tell you but what does the scripture tell you. Can you discuss what scripture tells you to others who disagree and do you understand their position? This is the work Grudem fails in, it seems to me.

I would be remiss in writing a review critical of Grudem's magnum opus, especially given the biblical faithfulness and scholarliness of the work. I am impressed that he includes references from scholars who do not share his same viewpoint, including referencing sytematics of Catholic and Arminian protestant theologians. I have really only a couple beefs with Grudem's work, but they are so minor that they are not even worth mentioning (especially considering that I only gave his systematic a cursory reading).Overall, I would recommend this book to laypeople who are unfamiliar with systematic theology, or pastors who need a helpful and handy reference. I would not recommend this to someone who has spent more than a few years seriously studying theology, nor anyone who has read other systematics in the Reformed tradition - they will find almost no new content here. For pastors and church leaders looking for more of a concise brush-up, I would recommend either Grudem's "Christian Beliefs" or (where I started:) John Frame's "Salvation Belongs to the Lord".

There's probably a simple check to determine if Grudem's Systematic Theology is for you. Is God sovereign or is God <100% sovereign? Be certain of your answer or your head might explode if you dive into this study. If God is <100% sovereign (i.e. You might think that man might retain some level sovereignty) ... this is not the heavy duty read/study effort for you.Grudem's Systematic Theology has been the central text in a Systematic Theology Course I've been taking. Grudem diligently explores the detailed scriptural case for Calvinist theology and the TULIP tradition. Grudem's ability to skillfully move across and among traditions and understandings is remarkable. I thought it was extremely useful that Grudem provides references for each chapter into the parallels of other denominational systematic theologies inclusive of about every Trinitarian Christian tradition. Grudem considers the case for each of the reasoning's and the ordo salutis within a reader friendly and complete framework to be considered, rethought, resolved and perhaps settled adequately for the reader.Having read other Systematic Theologies, I found that Grudem's presentation delivers the best scriptural to theology "processology" that I've encountered. I followed a number of his trails through both scripture and history as initiated by Grudem's thinking for the sheer enjoyment of deep drilling a topic. I thoroughly enjoy an author that provides the `Ah Ha' moment in matters that I've randomly thought about but had never seen expressed ... there were a number of these gems here.Grudem is writing from a Calvinist perspective. 4.5-5 letter Calvinists should find that Grudem's Systematic Theology is a 5-star reading/study experience. If you aren't leaning from Arminian to Calvinist, read another variation on Systematic Theology.

A mighty book covering a multitude of theological topics in depth. He knows his stuff. He is a Calvinist, which he doesn't hide - though he tries to give a balanced view of the subject of God's providence (ie pre determination, free will, only the elect saved etc) he does argue more strongly for the Calvinist view point. It is a contentious subject. So I would say buy the book & concentrate on the other subjects which are very well covered. It is not a book for just light reading.

wayne grudem is an absolute delight, worth watching his videos online to get a judge of his character, plus it means when you read the book you get to hear it in his voice (hope im not the only one who does that!) I don't necessarily agree with him on everything but he has a great way of putting things and his approach to the topics is excellent.If your a Christian, this book will give you plenty to think about with regards to the major doctrines and if your not it will give you great insight into the heart of the Christian message and the core philosophies behind how Christian doctrines develop

Excellent condition and the print is quite easy to read. Written in a warm devotional straight forward deliberately uncomplicated style, it would appeal to any Christian who wants to have a deeper knowledge and understanding of Biblical Doctrine. One does not get lost in technicalities and I am very pleased that I bought this book, I wish I had known about it years ago when I first became a Christian as it would have saved me a lot of problems.

This is an excellent resource if you want to know what the Bible says as a whole about all sorts of things. I use it regularly.The title and hefty size can seem intellectual and intimidating, but Grudem is a very accessible writer. Faithful solid thorough Bible work.A the end of each chapter are great life-application questions and hymns to help the reader respond with the heart (not just head)God has gifted this man greatly.

Great price for this book. This book is a classic and a must for understanding the Christian world view.

This is a detailed work on the Scriptures, and is a complete study on all aspects of the Bible. A sort of reference book you can look into again and again. The literature is quite easy to understand and is a good read for anyone, even those who is not a believer, and ideal for the student intent to dig out the information she/he needs for a quest on biblical knowledge.

Very useful introductory book. It is thick but the subjects were arranged in systematic (well, it should, seeing its name!) order, and the topics were well categorised, I thought. Overall, I found it to be a good and useful biblical based book on Christian doctrine and one which I have found very helpful on many occasions.

I love it

The conrents of the book was fine. But the book was descibed as very good. I disagree it was very tired

Excellent for any scholar or student of theology. Great for in-depth study of Christian theology and useful for researching sermons

I find this tome useful and very informative on the whole spectrum of Biblical Theology: coming from an Evangelical perspective. However, the text and headings are rather difficult to follow. The glossary at the end of the book, could be more simply laid out, and definitions of Theological Terms, need to be simplified. Overall, value for money and covers a vast area of Theology in one volume.

College work

Great

This is the best Evangelical Systematic Theology today.The book is written in a way that will give many hours good reading to the Pastor and Theologian. The book will also help the new Christian because it is written in a way that avoids unnecessarily difficult theological terms.

There are dozens of books on theology, some so esoteric they are hard to understand.This book gets to the root of the question, in simple Anglo-Saxon, in as concise a manner as appropriate.Grudem, whilst giving his own view, also allows other interpretations.This book is ideal for ordinary Christians, for Theological students, and for Lay Ministers.