Systematic Theology

Rating:
Summary: Scripture Saturated Systematic Theology
Review: Though I have found immense help in Dr. Grudem's book over the past months, I have post-poned a review in order to get a complete reading of it first. Now that I have read it all, I can say that this may be the best systematic theology written in the 20th century.

Dr. Grudem combines theological insight, practical application, and faithful exegesis of Scripture with simple, uncomplicated language and clear thinking. The result? The most readable and informative Systematic Theology one could desire. Every chapter starts with a question and ends with application questions and a hymn! Education is turned into exaltation over and over again as Grudem moves you from deep thinking to appropriate feeling about the greatest truths in the universe.

The arrangement of topics is typical. Grudem covers the doctrine of God, man, Christ, salvation, church, and last things. Like any book of this magnitude, it has strengths and weaknesses. But the strengths are more than the weaknesses. The section on theology proper (the doctrine of God) is outstanding. Grudem's explanation of the Trinity is very helpful avoiding both modalism and arianism. His treatment of God's character and attributes is especially good, arguing strongly against the "open" view of God and process theology.

The chapters on Creation and Providence are also very well-done containing lengthy Scriptural arguments for his position. His soteriology is Reformed and not much different than you would get from Berkhof or Murray. Still good, though.

Grudem spends much time discussing the Holy Spirit (though the chapters are scattered around the book and not in one section)and especially the church. His understanding of the nature of the church is excellent avoiding denominationalism, yet affirming a very Biblically-grounded argument for plural elders governing a congregational church. He is baptistic in polity, though not dogmatic on the issue. He believes that charismatic gifts are still current in the church today, but is wary of extremes. Whether one agrees with Grudem or not on this issue, he should be read, because he approaches the subject from a scholarly standpoint with supreme concern for the text of Scripture. One can't afford to neglect his arguments in forming their opinions (I still somewhat unsettled on many questions relating to this and so do not write from a bias.)

On last things, Grudem defends historic premillenialism and presents some thoughtful arguments to both amillenialism and dispensational pre-tribulation premillenialists. He should be read here. But again, he proceeds with caution.

The weakest chapter of the book is the one on the Atonement. Although Grudem provides some excellent scholarship on the question of Christ's "descent into hell" here, there is a lack of depth in his treatment of this most glorious doctrine. Berkhof and Gill are better.

Overall this is an excellent book. It's greatest strength is its textual basis. Grudem's chief concern is to be Scriptural and for the most part he succeeds well. You don't have to be a theologian to read this book. But you will become a theologian if you do.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent evangelical systematic theology
Review: This has to be one of the most useful systematic theology books out there in the market. Grudem's book is scholarly, reliable, and pastorally oriented. The book covers almost all subjects on systematic theology and follows the traditional pattern starting from prolegomena to eschatology (and everything in-between). The book is scholarly enough for students to use as a research reference, but easy enough to read for lay Bible studies. Grudem writes from a Reformed, Baptistic, and Charismatic perspective (an interesting mix), but integrates these various traditions well in his book. Unlike Erickson's systematic theology, Grudem focuses more on the issues within evangelicalism. His book is more geared towards evangelicals who want to know more about evangelical issues and pastoral concerns. It is not a comprehensive theology book that covers the whole spectrum of beliefs. Many people have problems with this approach because it becomes too narrow (if one wants a more broader book they should check out Erickson's instead). However, the goal of Grudem's book was not to explain and analyze everything out there in the theological world (again, the purpose of the book was to establish what views are biblical and how they relate to Christian living). Those who criticize this book because it is too narrow and fundamentalistic should realize that Christianity has set truths that cannot be compromised with. The Gospel is not about overturning regimes, indifferentiating males and females, and being "nice to people" by saying that truth really doesn't matter. The Gospel is about Christ's life, death, and resurrection bringing us redemption from sin. Another aspect of Grudem's work that is a great plus is his bibliography. He gives us a comprehensive list of other systematic theology books we can use as references. He also lists the page numbers at the end of every chapter of other systematic theology books on a respective topic. The only complaint I have is Grudem's view of the Spirit gifts. As a mild cessationist I was not convinced that he broke the arguments of cessationists. Besides that mild complaint, this book is a must have for believers who want to strengthen their Christian walk and know more about God's truths.

Rating:
Summary: Helpful and useful systematic
Review: Strengths - (1) Grudem's Systematic is very readable, written in a very clear and precise style. (2) Grudem interacts well with most of the trends in modern evangelicalism. His critiques of Pinnock and his Arminian friends are outstanding. (3) Grudem summarizes a lot of his own research in the chapters and sections on inerrancy, gender issues, the descent of Christ into hades, church polity, and spiritual gifts. A lot of this is outstanding material that you cannot find anywhere else. (4) Other sections, such as the canon of scripture, the ordo salutis, and eschatology are very good. (5) Grudem provides strong scriptural support for his positions. (6) There is a good emphasis on personal applications. A lot of this material will preach. It can be used in Bible studies and sermons. (7) It contains very useful bibliographic information. Weaknesses: (1) There is almost a total lack of historical theology and interaction with non-evangelical theologians. (2) Grudem spends too much space discussing minor disagreements with his colleagues at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. (3) Too much space is devoted to Grudem's pet issues (spiritual gifts) while other issues are neglected (general and special revelation).(4) The heavy emphasis on charismatic theology in a couple of chapters is likely to make the book offensive to people who could benefit from the rest of the chapters. (5) The chapter on the atonement lacks the kind of synthesis that you find, for example, in Erickson's Systematic. But despite these weaknesses, Grudem's Systematic is one of the best recent systematics by an evangelical and definitely worth reading.

Rating:
Summary: In-depth summary of reformed theology, fair and balanced.
Review: As a member of the Evangelical Free Church of America, which is decidedly Reformed in its theology, I have had ample opportunity to get familiar with this book. Grudem's approach, like most systematic theology texts, is to categorize major areas of Christian doctrine and to discuss each in detail with heavy reference to supporting scripture passages. For example, this volume begins with basic tenets like the doctrines of God (i.e. his existence, nature, attributes, etc.) and the Bible (authority, canonicity, etc.), and moves on through a host of topics such as atonement, the doctrines of man and sin, angels and demons, election, and eschatology, to name just a very few.

The book is divided into major study units covering a particularly broad topic, for example, the doctrine of the Bible. That topic is then further divided as each chapter covers a major subtopic within the larger doctrine. Each chapter includes cross references to systematic theologies by other authors of all major Catholic and Protestant denominations, for ready comparison of how each doctrine is treated by those with other viewpoints. Not only is this a great study resource, but it is also very useful for group discussions, as each chapter concludes with a list of discussion questions, worship suggestions, and a relevant scripture passage for memorization.

The single quality which makes this volume such a valuable tool, however, is the author's full discussion and fair treatment of competing viewpoints. For any given topic, the author will first lay out all major "mainstream" views of the doctrine, and discuss the biblical texts which lend support to each. He will then state the position which he finds to be the most persuasive, and detail his reasoning with additional reference to scripture.

In every case, the text is heavily footnoted and all competing views are treated in a fair and scholarly manner. It is apparent that the author has taken great pains to avoid misrepresenting the views of those with whom he disagrees, and is very gracious in acknowledging the relative strengths of their positions where it is warranted. Grudem also readily admits, in the case of certain difficult issues, that the scriptures may not provide a definitive answer.

The net result is an incredibly useful and valuable tool for evaluating a wide range of Christian doctrinal issues, with an opportunity to review multiple viewpoints in the process and see the supporting texts for each. I am grateful to the author for the depth of understanding and clarity it has added to my own studies. You may not be reformed in your theology, but don't let that dissuade you from looking into this incredibly well researched and annotated study resource. It may challenge some of your beliefs (it certainly did for me) and you may not agree with all of his positions (I don't), but the experience will be a great benefit.

Rating:
Summary: More Questions Than Answers
Review: Grudem's Systematic Theology was required reading for my theology classes in Seminary. I must say that I enjoyed reading his work, even though I do not sympathize with Calvinism. I think that the most beneficial aspect of this work is that it is pretty easy reading (easy reading for theology anyway).

Grudem has included several features that make this one of the best Systematic Theologies in print today.

* He provides the reader with clear and understandable definitions of the theological terms he uses.

* He closes each chapter with Questions for Personal Application.

* In addition to suggestions for further reading for each topic, he lists parallel sections in other systematic theologies from a variety of perspectives (Anglican, Arminian, Baptist, Dispensational, Lutheran, Reformed, Renewal, and Roman Catholic).

* Each chapter has a Scripture Memory Passage related to the chapter topic.

* He includes a hymn that goes along with the topic of each chapter.

The main weakness of this work is the same weakness present in every systematic theology I have read. Namely, that the writer presents his system without addressing the passages of Scripture that do not easily fit in with his system. I finished the book with more than two hundred questions, wondering how Grudem would respond. Most of the questions were formed directly from Scriptures that seem to be in disagreement with Grudem's system.

Overall, I would still recommend this systematic theology. However, I would recommend that the reader ask questions of the text and then seek the answers in the Bible. This is how we grow in our understanding of theology. Even if you are not a Calvinist, this book will aid you in understanding theology.

Rating:
Summary: Theology at its best!
Review: Wayne Grudem has truly manufactured one of the best recent-day systematic theologies. Written from an Evangelical framework, it is Reformed on the major issues (Authority of Scripture, doctrine of God, fall of man, atonement, regeneration, election, justification, etc.) but is Charismatic/Third Wave on issues like spiritual gifts and the work of the Holy Spirit in believers' lives. This work is easy to read, but in no way watered down.

Dr. Grudem infuses academic and scholarly exegesis with a passion and hunger for God. By asking theological questions throughout, he provokes thought for the reader that leads to a better understanding of the material presented. He is very sound, theologically, and fair, personally. Of course he advocates the Reformed position, but he represents other theological perspectives adequately and without bias. Grudem also offers insightful comments, thorough explanations of doctrines, and conducts hermeneutics in a very understanding way. But what makes this systematic theology one of the greatest is that it is very life applicable for today's issues and relevant for even the layman.

Part 1 deals with the doctrine of the Word of God. In this section, Grudem presents convincing evidence for the infallibility of the Word of God. He also gives a satisfying history of the canonization of the New and Old Testament Scriptures.

Part 2 conveys the doctrine of God (existence, knowability, "incommunicable" and "communicable" attributes, the Trinity, creation, providence, miracles, prayer, angels, and Satan and demons). In this section, Grudem denies "open theism" (often argued by Clark Pinnock, Gregory A. Boyd, John Sanders, Richard Rice, and William Hasker) and reaffirms Calvinist convictions of the sovereignty of God. Also, his explanation of the Trinity is done excellently and clearly.

Part 3 concerns itself with the doctrine of man. This systematic is like others in that it includes the creation of man, the essential nature of man, sin, and the convenants between man and God...but Wayne Grudem has gone the extra mile by including male and female roles prescribed in the Bible. He holds true that both male and female are created equal in the image of God, but that their roles differ in the church and at home. Egalitarians will disagree with his complementarian theology, but no one can deny that Grudem presents his controversial case masterfully. He is a genius at explaining opposing viewpoints without misrepresenting them.

Part 4 and 5 each integrates Christology (doctrines concerning Christ) and Pneumatology (doctrines concerning the Holy Spirit). The deity of Christ, atonement, election, adoption, etc. is explained brilliantly with theological soundness, exegetical reasoning, and practical application. This section also deals with controversial issues like eternal security, baptism with the Holy Spirit, and progressive (as opposed to entire) sanctification. Grudem, Third Wave in his theology of the filling with the Holy Spirit proposes several hermeneutical arguments that differ from classical Pentecostalism.

Part 6 deals with ecclesiology (doctrines of the church). In this section Grudem explains the role and function of the church, the unity and purity of the church, the authority that the Church has, church government, sacraments, worship, and the gifts of the Holy Spirit given to the church for edification. Once again, even though Grudem is Reformed on the major issues, he is far from being a Cessationist like Warfield, Bruner, Reymond, Ryrie, and Gaffin. Grudem sponsors the non-cessationist position very persuasively. Whatever position you may adhere to, this section will definitely benefit and inform you.

Part 7 is the last part. Eschatology (doctrines concerning the last things--the future) is the theme of this part. The return of Christ, the millenium and final judgment and eternal punishment, and the new heavens and earth are each expounded. My favorite element of this entire systematic theology is that Grudem gives much attention to representing other viewpoints. This unique trait is especially appreciated in this part. He articulately explains the three views of the millenium: amillennialism, premillennialism, and postmillennialism. He also clearly explains the three views of the rapture in premillennialism (pre-, mid-, and post-tribulation rapture). Additionally, he educates the reader of the differences between historic premillenialism (which he advocates) and dispensational premillenialism. Grudem's systematic by far provides the most thorough investigation of differing theologies.

These 7 parts (and his 6 appendices) offer a truly amazing systematic theology that will please all who read it. This work is not only as theologically invigorating as Erickson, Litton, Wiley, Pieper, and Carter, but is filled with the personality that separates it from "dry" systematics. I recommend this systematic to theologians, professors, pastors, Bible students, and laymen alike. No matter who you are, you will sense that this book was written especially or you.

Rating:
Summary: A must for every Evangelical's library
Review: Grudem's Systematic Theology is not the typical boring theological treatise. It's an easy to read, clear, thoughful presentation of Evangelical theology. It is Reformed, Pre-millennial (and Post-tribulational), and is neither charismatic nor anti-charismatic (a very balanced evangelical work!). It treats opposing views fairly, though not always fully (which is typical of all Systematic Theologies). It also cross references most of the popular Syatematic Theologies of other Protostant, Evangelical, Reformed, Charismatic, and even Roman Catholic traditions. This work is witty without being reckless, readable without being simplistic, and thorough without being difficult. It is a great tool for the untrained layperson, as well as the trained clergy, regardless of the theological perspective. If I owned one Systematic theolgy, this would be the one.

Rating:
Summary: An Excellent Systematic
Review: Most reviews below capture the essence of Grudem's work so hopefully I will add a comment or two without repeating other reviewers' compliments.

First, Grudem quotes many of his supporting texts. This makes for facility, rather than looking up the text.

Second, he interacts with several traditions thoughtfully.

Third, as one reviewer notes already, he has a good annotated bibliography at the end. If one read the bibliography, especially our a-theological pastors, the health of the church would rise. He cites Reformed, Anglican, Lutheran, Baptist, Dispensational and Papist works (usually pre-Vat 2 Ludwig Ott and post-Vat 2 Prof O'Brien). Excellent bibliograpy.

Fourth, Grudem attempts to incorporate doxological intent to each subject by inclusion of an historic hymn at the end. This is healthy given the American penchant to think the church began 10 years ago.

Every evangelical seminary student should own and read this, of any perspective. Of course, for liberal seminary students, this might be over their heads and we would recommend something much shorter, maybe Berkof's Manual of Christian Doctrine---as a warm-up.

Thanks Wayne for your clear labor of love.

Rating:
Summary: Best Evangelical Systematic Theology on the Market!
Review: This text is simply a must for anyone interested modern evangelical Christian theology. The only thing keeping this book from being 5 star is Grudem's Calvinist bent, although he does at least try to present more than one view regarding several controversial positions. This work is well organized and well presented with plenty of scriptural references.

If you are a seminary student, this book is a must.

Rating:
Summary: Very good, but biased
Review: A very useful book, but clearly biased in favour of the Trinitarian and orthodox Christian position.

Very weak and dismissive arguments on the 'Soul Sleep' issue in particular.