Basic Theology: A Popular Systematic Guide to Understanding Biblical Truth

Rating:
Summary: Good theological overview
Review: "Basic Theology" is a very sound overview of Christian theology. The book is written from an orthodox perspective that examines different camps that exist within the theological realm. Ryrie does not hesitate to expose the weaknesses of some heretical views, which is very helpful for the "lay" reader who might lack the ability to discern the truth. Also, Ryrie appears to be a four-point Calvinist because he disagrees with the doctrine of "limited atonement". I tended to agree with him on almost all points, except for his rejection of the doctrine of "lordship salvation". (For a great book that exposits the Biblical support for the validity of "lordship salvation" read John MacArthur's popular book entitled "The Gospel According to Jesus"). Overall, though, I would definitely recommend this book for the beginning theology student.

Rating:
Summary: Good theological overview
Review: "Basic Theology" is a very sound overview of Christian theology. The book is written from an orthodox perspective that examines different camps that exist within the theological realm. Ryrie does not hesitate to expose the weaknesses of some heretical views, which is very helpful for the "lay" reader who might lack the ability to discern the truth. Also, Ryrie appears to be a four-point Calvinist because he disagrees with the doctrine of "limited atonement". I tended to agree with him on almost all points, except for his rejection of the doctrine of "lordship salvation". (For a great book that exposits the Biblical support for the validity of "lordship salvation" read John MacArthur's popular book entitled "The Gospel According to Jesus"). Overall, though, I would definitely recommend this book for the beginning theology student.

Rating:
Summary: Amazing self study book
Review: Basic Theology is a very concise and easy to read book on theology. Great for beginners or anyone brushing up on the subject. It covers all the major areas of systematic theology and gives good evidence to counter arguments so that they reader may objectively see both sides of the argument.

Rating:
Summary: Not the Five Star I Expected
Review: I bought this book based upon the 5 star review(s) it received at amazon.com. Having read the Ryrie Study Bible for years I expected somewhat of the same by way of written style, however, I discovered a cleaned-up theological volume that had no controversy (in the good sense) and most everything was packaged neatly and cleanly. Very dry, almost a sleeper. The good side is that the information is trustable and reliable, so it can be safely used for reference, which is how I would use it.

Rating:
Summary: Not the Five Star I Expected
Review: I bought this book based upon the 5 star review(s) it received at amazon.com. Having read the Ryrie Study Bible for years I expected somewhat of the same by way of written style, however, I discovered a cleaned-up theological volume that had no controversy (in the good sense) and most everything was packaged neatly and cleanly. Very dry, almost a sleeper. The good side is that the information is trustable and reliable, so it can be safely used for reference, which is how I would use it.

Rating:
Summary: The First Systematic Theology I Read
Review: I finished reading Basic Theology in 1991 right after I returned from Iraq. After Bible College and Seminary we pastors sometimes accidentally reccomend resources that are out of the reach of many of our parishoners. This one is an exception! Have no fear of reccomending this text for anyone, especially new believers (and young people who are seeking to understand the Bible.) When I baptize a new believer I purchase them a Ryrie study Bible. It is not that I endorse all that Ryrie teaches, but the consistancy he brings in his study Bible is helpful. Besides, if this book is purchased as a companion to The Ryrie Study Bible, Ryrie's bias can be compensated for since it is known.

R. Bultmann (proving a broken clock is right twice daily) once said that "presuppositionless exegesis is impossible." To understand the presuppositions behind the Ryrie Study Bible examining Basic Theology has no second!

Dr. Robert Stein once said in Hermeneutics class that everyone should learn one system of Theology as a touch stone to compare all other systems one encounters. For a young Christian this is a perfect example of a touch stone to enter into dialogue with other systems of Theology.

Several high school students were so impressed with (in a previous church) that they saved their allowances and each bought a copy. They were not disappointed. It was exciting that they were able to begin to access the Bible in a systematic manner. Ryrie puts it all together, in a readable format.

If you are looking for a present to give on Epiphany Sunday this is an excellent gift. The value of the ease of reading cannot be stressed enough! This was part of his goal in writing and he accomplishes this and his other goals in an agreeable manor. There is a glossary in the back that explains the technical words which the average layman does not know, but should learn. This is not the text my Bible college used for Introduction to Doctrine, but there are several that do use it as an introductory text book.

For those who are not a fan of Ryrie or Dispensational Theology (whether progressive, traditional or classic), this book is still worth having. Ryrie consistantly honors God and holds an undeniably high view of Scripture. He is doing his best to engage the text, aware of his own bias. We should be so humble as to write a book that people can understand! Ryrie demonstrates his firm grasp of the content of the Bible as he put this book together in simple (not simplistic or reductionistic) terms. If your goal is to read and understand the major doctrines of Scripture, and you want a book that does not impress with fancy words, but with understandable language, then book is for you. BUY THIS BOOK!

If you are looking for more in depth studies in systematics I reccomend that you purchase Grudem's Systematic Theology and purchase all of the books in his cross reference system. If you are not infinitely rich then I would rccomend the following books to buy: Lewis Sperry Chafer's Systematic Theology eight volumes in four books for a fuller treatment of Dispensational Theology; Robert Reymond's A New Systematic Theology of the Christian Faith, now in its revised and updated printing for current reformed theology; Francis Pieper's 4 volume Christian Dogmatics for a conservative Lutheran perspective (reformed leanings); Millard Erickson's Christian Theology, now in its second edition for Baptist thinking; Paul Tillich's Systematic Theology if you really want a philosophy book rather than a theology book and Wolfhardt Pannenberg's three volume Systematic Theology for very helpful continental Lutheran theology. Grudem's and Erickson's have condensed shorten versions which are similiar to Ryrie, but Ryrie is not condensed or shortened - it is just easy to read. Ryrie is the BEST place to start!

Rating:
Summary: Excellent for Teaching an Adult Class
Review: I have read several theology books, but chose this one to use for a class of adults at our church. I am developing a 30 week course, you may download the lectures/slides at ... and read sections of Ryrie's book that go along with each lesson. If you are studying Theology by yourself, this is the book to get.

Rating:
Summary: An easy to read book on what Christians believe
Review: I have to admit that this book is excellent. Ryrie presents the theology of Christianity in an easy to understand way, and he saturates the book with scripture references. I don't agree with everything he has to say about the end times and about certain aspects of dispensational theology. But the book is still well outlined, easy to follow, and fun to read, and you can't say those things about too many theology books.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent book on basic conservative evangelical theology
Review: If you're trying to find a theology book that is easy to read, not to difficult, and gets to the point on every matter, this book is for you. Ryrie does an excellent job presenting every theological category from Theology proper to Eschatology in an easy and understandable way. Though it is not an indepth systematic theology textbook like those other ones that contain over a 1000 pages, this book won't disappoint you. Even though Ryrie doesn't spend pages upon pages on explaining or proving a doctrine he can get right to the matter with a few paragraphs. Although written from a dispensationalist and moderately Calvinistic perspective, you will not see harsh polemics against other views. Even his chapter on Eschatology doesn't contain harsh diatribe against opposing views but presents alternative views fairly and clearly. Also, his section on soteriology is very helpful emphasizing God's grace to the fullest. Even though Ryrie could have put in more categories in his book, it is understandable that he doesn't since this book is supposed to give readers a basic outline of major evangelical doctrines. If you're a new seminary student or a Christian just trying to understand what they teach at systematic theology courses this book is the right place to start. However, if you're planning to purchase this book, I would recommend you the newer edition published by Moody. The newer edition has better fonts, paper type, and a new section on Bible passages. Overall, this book should be had by any Christian that wants to understand the doctrines that come from the Bible.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent book on basic conservative evangelical theology
Review: Ten years ago, a man that was discipling me gave me a copy of this book. This book is now the most read and re-read book in my personal library. Ryrie carefully explains basic Christian doctrine so that every person can understand it! Ryrie is the quintessential conservative theologian! Do you sometimes read articles/books/journals on specific doctrines and come away frustrated, not knowing what to believe? Rest peacefully, Ryrie's book is one that you can trust to help guide you in your faith. I recommend this book this book without reservation!