Elemental Theology: An Introductory Survey of Conservative Doctrine

Rating:
Summary: Not the best survey of systematic theology
Review: The original version of this book is one the first books on theology that I had read on my own perhaps some 17 years ago. Though I no longer possess the book, I remember it as being extremely reader friendly and fairly comprehensive covering virtually all of the major doctrines including general/special revelation, sin, salvation, angels, and last things, etc. It was, in fact, so easy to read and understand that I was able to finish it in only a few days (although at that time I could read all night long.) I believe it is supposed to be a sort of theological primer for its companion volume, "Christian Theology" by the same author, which is a more difficult read and goes into much greater detail. Written from a [Baptist] dispensational, premillenial, pretribulational viewpoint, it is an excellent book with which to begin your theological studies. The reader will have a great deal of basic theology under his belt when he finishes this book.

Rating:
Summary: excellent book to begin theological studies
Review: The original version of this book is one the first books on theology that I had read on my own perhaps some 17 years ago. Though I no longer possess the book, I remember it as being extremely reader friendly and fairly comprehensive covering virtually all of the major doctrines including general/special revelation, sin, salvation, angels, and last things, etc. It was, in fact, so easy to read and understand that I was able to finish it in only a few days (although at that time I could read all night long.) I believe it is supposed to be a sort of theological primer for its companion volume, "Christian Theology" by the same author, which is a more difficult read and goes into much greater detail. Written from a [Baptist] dispensational, premillenial, pretribulational viewpoint, it is an excellent book with which to begin your theological studies. The reader will have a great deal of basic theology under his belt when he finishes this book.

Rating:
Summary: Emery Bancroft, One of Baptist Bible Seminary's finest
Review: This book uses an easy to follow outline approach. It is clear, concise, easy to read and an accurate book on theology. Dr. Bancroft holds a thorough knowledge of doctrine and introduces us to what views other commentators historically have held. This book is grounded in scripture and is able to tie each scripture passage with each corresponding point of doctrine until a strong foundation has been laid.

Rating:
Summary: Not the best survey of systematic theology
Review: Though this book is biblical, dispensational, and conservative in its theology, I do not recommend this book for those wanting to get a start on learning theology. The book uses too many quotes and scripture passages that the reader will find that the author's own opinions and writings are lacking substantially. The set up is somewhat odd and confusing. It is not like other systematic theology books. The author starts off a discussion of a doctrine, but most of the opinions in the book are direct quotations from other authors. The book is filled with scripture quotations (which is good in its own right), but for a systematic theology book like this, it is best simply to give the reference of a verse or passage and write your own description of the doctrine in question. Also, due to the age of this book, most students, laypeople, pastors will find the book somewhat frustrating due to this out-of-dateness. If you're looking for a good systematic theology book for beginners in the dispensational, conservative, and evangelical stream I recommend Charles Ryrie's "Basic Theology" or Henry Thiessen's "Lectures in Systematic Theology." These books are far better organized and easier to understand.