Systematic Theology

Rating:
Summary: Only for armchair theolgians
Review: Taken in small, topical bits, Dabney has a refreshingly strong (and very quotable) style. I admire Dabney for the way he was never afraid to trumpet G-d's truth and majesty in every line he wrote and his writings undoubtably make a worthy addition to a grand history of Calvinistic thought.

But I find his Systematic Theology to be a little too condensed. It's written in a very academic style that's suitable for a seminary classroom - after all, the book is based on his lectures at Union Theological Seminary.

So even though it's filled to the brim with useful arguments, proofs and refutations, I doubt that it would be enjoyed by the common believer, or even a thinking believer. If you're an avid collector of theological books, or an armchair theolgian, there's no question that Dabney's Systematic would be useful to have in your library. However, if you could only buy one systematic theology, I wouldn't reccomend this one.

Rating:
Summary: Great Reference
Review: This is one of the Best Reformed Systematic Theologies i have ever read, perhaps even better than Berkof's. This is a must have in your library, a great reference form numerious of scriptural issures, written over one-hundred years ago, some of the arguments are nolonger in the forefront of discussion, yet they are still very intresting, and there are many subjects still relevent today (and probly relevent for the next hundred years). Not only is this book a great scriptural reference, but Dr. Dabney also gives us a look into the ideals and mindset of ninteenth century southron Reformed ideology. This is a must have, and a cornerstone in my library, set right next to my Bible.