Rating: 
Summary: Selected as the text for a 3-semester theology class series
Review: I have adopted Grudem's "Systematic Theology" as the text our college uses for its foundational three-semester systematic theology course. Grudem has a knack of handling difficult topics clearly and concisely, and his excellent writing style has been helpful for students who have had no previous exposure to theology.
Grudem knows his topics well, and has gone beyond most introductory theology texts in several areas: 1) each chapter closes with a list of personal application questions, so that the student may appropriate truth into living; 2) each chapter gives an excellent bibliography for further study; and 3) each chapter ends by recommending a hymn for singing, showing that good theology demonstrates itself in doxology.
In summary, I would say this: I have been searching for a good introductory theology text for twenty years, and have ended my search with this book. If I could have had the time and ability to write my own text, it would have been very similar in format and content to Grudem's.
Dennis Thomason. Yellowstone Baptist College,
Billings, Montana
Rating:
Summary: Theological Neophyte Review
Review: I really like this book on theology because it is simple and logical and can be read like a novel, unlike other theology books I have read where the material is very dry. Grudem is a conservative theologan, and since I am conservative I like that as well.
I have found my understanding of Christianity has improved immensely since I have read this book; if you want to strengthen your faith, read this book.
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Summary: Clarity, intelligence, and humility
Review: Dr. Grudem provides a well-planned discussion on all aspects of reformed theology. This book is neither arrogant nor weak in its presentation, but instead relies on scripture to form and refute various points of view with respect and humility.
I'm thankful that this man took the time to create such an awesome book, but by no means thinks of himself as the source of knowledge. Even with his profound insights and logically admirable work, at all times Dr. Grudem makes it clear that his intent is to allow the "Theo" to shine through, with "logy" only acting as a channel through which God can be seen and known.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent first time study
Review: I'm not a theologian and not a pastor -- just an evangelical believer. Grudem's book is a top rate reference for me. I enjoy the end-of-chapter questions and devotional materials. A1+. (What's with all of these limey reviewer's panning the book? Is there a better Brit theology book out there?)
Rating:
Summary: Simply the best systematic theology out there.
Review: I studied under Dr. Grudem, and I believe that his Systematic Theology is simply the best of all I have read. His ability to explain very complex issues from various angles really helped me to better understand them. I recommend his book to any and all.
Rating:
Summary: Indispensable
Review: Wayne Grudem has provided a wonderful resource for all who are interested in "the fundamentals of the faith"...not only theologians and professional pundits, but for the believer who wants to know "why I believe what I believe." Abounding in Scriptural references, and thorough in research, this book is by no means dry or confusing. Grudem is clear, lucid, and relevant in his writing. Eminently understandable and spiritually sound, SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY is indispensable for any Christian seeking a deeper understanding and a deeper walk with Christ. It's not shallow...at nearly 1300 pages, Grudem certainly plumbs the depths of his subject matter. But, it's formatted and segmented in such a way as to be the kind of resource that can be referenced quickly and repeatedly, or read at a more leisurely pace. An essential must-have for every Christian library! I also recommend THE COVENANT & THE KINGDOM, edited by Rev. Charles Simpson for further systematic Bible study.
Rating:
Summary: Very enjoyable for theology lovers.
Review: This book is nicely laid out. After the coverage of a subject in each chapter, it has sections at the end of each chapter entitled: "questions for personal application "; "special terms"; "bibliography"; "sections in evangelical systematic theologies" (cross-reference with other systematic theologies); and "hymn."This book is subtitled, "An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine," and even though it has 1290 pages, it cannot cover its subjects comprehensively. It does serve as an excellent introduction to various topics though. It addresses most of the main arguments for both sides, although I find that at times, Grudem dismisses counter-arguments a bit too quickly. While he does well to concisely rebut some opposing viewpoints, but I have found a few places where his rebuttal -- while probably solid -- does nothing to answer against a position somewhere between his own and the discussed opposing viewpoint. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in getting an overview of theology, but I would always recommend that in theological debates, one always examine at least two opposing authors. Grudem presents opposing viewpoints nicely, but he can only speak for his opponents to a limited extent. You can look up some varying viewpoints on practically any doctrine on the Internet, and I recommend that you do so.
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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.
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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.
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