Rating: 
Summary: Standard, Higher Education Text
Review: I bought this theology at the urging of one of my ministers at Church. I found the book deep, but not overwhelming. Erickson comes from a robustly evangelical, gently Calvinistic background. He is respected by moderates and conservatives alike for interacting with other positions fairly, namely that position of Karl Barth--Erickson offering an Evangelical interaction.For the information of one reviewer who said that Erickson's book Lacked the intellectual rigor of a Barth or Rahner, I would reply that this is an intro-level text at seminary , not a doctoral text (I went to one seminary bookstore to look around and conversed with other PhD students to find this out). In fact, Erickson's willingness to interact with Barth on numerous occasions is praiseworthy. Although Erickson is said to be Calvinistic in his approach, there will be times that he annoys Calvinists (See Wayne Grudem for a slight difference in, for example, "Does Regeneration precede faith?"). To get the most out of this text, read another systematic theology at the same time to compare and contrast. Final Analysis:
THis is a good work, especially for young evangelicals as myself. It is a work that will get one excited about systematic theology.
Rating: 
Summary: Thoroughly dumbed down
Review: I have read the three volume earlier edition. After reading 250 pages of this one my intelligence was so insulted that I quit reading it. The content is mostly fluff relative to the first edition. One example is the author telling the reader that some words have one meaning and others have several. The author is unaware that the sun will eventually run out of energy. He wonders if Adam and Eve would have lived in the garden for all eternity. The first edition is available at used book sites such as Amazon. There is a reason the used versions of this edition are available at such a deep discount.
Rating:
Summary: Thoroughly dumbed down
Review: I have read the three volume earlier edition. After reading 250 pages of this one my intelligence was so insulted that I quit reading it. The content is mostly fluff relative to the first edition. One example is the author telling the reader that some words have one meaning and others have several. The author is unaware that the sun will eventually run out of energy. He wonders if Adam and Eve would have lived in the garden for all eternity. The first edition is available at used book sites such as Amazon. There is a reason the used versions of this edition are available at such a deep discount.
Rating:
Summary: My favorite systematic theological set
Review: I have the 3-volume set of Erickson's work, and it is the one I utilize first when looking for background on a particular issue or doctrine. Erickson is evangelical, orthodox, and even fair. He shares different perspectives on an issue, though he will let you know what his conclusion is. In addition, he is very clear about his points and is not impossible to understand, unlike some books out there can confuse more than enlighten. Erickson deals with every issue you would expect a systematic theology book to discuss. You may not agree with everything he says, but then again, is there anyone you would agree completely with? I recommend this as a valuable tool.
Rating: 
Summary: An excellent resource!
Review: I was pleasantly surprised as I read through Erickson's volume. I found it very well balanced - not too difficult for the lay person to read and understand, yet not too simplistic - instead looking at past and recent attempts to understand the biblical material before presenting his viewpoint. As I have worked through the book, it has been great to learn so much about different ways of looking at key biblical doctrines, such as sin and humanity, and the importance of getting them right. Part 1, relating theology to philosophy (among other things) was excellent, especially for a reader lacking any background in philosophy. Part 7 and 8, looking at the person and work of Christ were a great reminder of who Jesus was and what He has done. Highly recommended.
Rating:
Summary: The Best
Review: I've never read a better overview. This easy to read book provides an outstanding summary of the Christian faith. Reading this book is one of the best disciplines I've ever committed to.
Rating:
Summary: The Standard Evangelical Systematic Theology Textbook
Review: If there is one evangelical systematic theology book to own for reference purposes, Erickson's book should be it. The positive thing about this book (in contrast to many others) is that this one covers viewpoints from various angles. Though Erickson does give his own opinions on certain matters (for instance, he is a mildly Calvinistic Baptist with premillennial leanings) he still gives a fair hearing to views that differ from his own. Not only that, Erickson is willingly to engage with non-evangelical viewpoints giving the reader the insides on what those outside of the conservative evangelical circle believe. If there is one textbook that evangelical seminaries should use for their systematic theology courses this book should be it. Though many will argue that Erickson is soft on certain theological points, they should realize that he is not out there to push one particular evangelical line (except, of course, those that are foundational to orthodox evangelical theology). Overall, the information contained in this book is very useful. It should be the standard theology textbook for any Christian library.
Rating:
Summary: Good, Comprehensive Bible Reference
Review: In my humble opinion, Erikson has written an excellent book on the several areas of Christian doctrine, including: Studying God, What God is Like, What God Does, Humanity, Sin, the Person of Christ, the Work of Christ, the Holy Spirit, Salvation, the Church, and the Last Things. Roughly 1300 pages along, I believe the book to be plenty comprehensive for the person who aspires to know more about Christian doctrine. Granted, while some may believe the book is not "deep" enough, I believe most readers will be encouraged to think more deeply about their beliefs concerning Christianity. My impression of Erickson is that he is well-learned and humble as he carefully presents his beliefs without blistering opposing points of view. A recommended read and resource for your Bible reference library!
Rating:
Summary: Good, Comprehensive Bible Reference
Review: In my humble opinion, Erikson has written an excellent book on the several areas of Christian doctrine, including: Studying God, What God is Like, What God Does, Humanity, Sin, the Person of Christ, the Work of Christ, the Holy Spirit, Salvation, the Church, and the Last Things. Roughly 1300 pages along, I believe the book to be plenty comprehensive for the person who aspires to know more about Christian doctrine. Granted, while some may believe the book is not "deep" enough, I believe most readers will be encouraged to think more deeply about their beliefs concerning Christianity. My impression of Erickson is that he is well-learned and humble as he carefully presents his beliefs without blistering opposing points of view. A recommended read and resource for your Bible reference library!
Rating:
Summary: Good Theology--A Great Reference Title!
Review: Millard Erickson has written a wonderful book in 'Christian Theology.' It is in-depth (as its length indicates) yet concise. Each section deals succintly and adequately with the subject matter at hand. Particularly helpful to me in my research and preaching are the indexes in the back of the book. The index of biblical passages cited is what truly makes this book a must have for any student, scholar, minister, or interested lay person. The biblical expostions that pepper this book's contents are also very good. In fact their inclusion in this theological work is what makes it useful to me, an aspiring biblical scholar. Erickson has hit a homerun here! If you are teetering on the edge of deciding whether or not to purchase this volume, let me push you over the edge...this is one of the most read and best written one-volume systematic theologies to date! It is a must have!
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