Systematic Theology [Hardcover]

There are a number of clear strengths to this book. First, this book is by far the most accessible systematic treatment of theology I've ever read. If there is any systematic theology book that theology novices could really sink their teeth into, this is it. This book, while effectively dealing with the many difficult theological issues that need to be dealt with in any adequate systematic theology, avoids drowning these difficult issues in difficult terminology that too many systematic theologies wrongly assume are common terms that non-theology focused Christians understand and don't need defining. This is what makes so many systematic theologies inaccessible to most Christians. While it's true that this represents a sad commentary on the relevance of theological fundamentals and ideas in the minds of too many Christians, I felt that this book by Grudem is a great place to begin reeducating everyday Christians to think theologically and to be able to grasp the material without being intimidated. This is an enormous strength of this book.

Second, I find myself agreeing with many of the endorsements of this book from a diverse variety of theological perspectives in saying that this book is respectful of varying theological traditions and is clearly written in a spirit of Christian love. Grudem is mostly reformed in his theology and clearly articulates a reformed theology here. But he does so without being disrespectful to alternate viewpoints. In addition, his bibliography at the end of each chapter and at the end of the book is extremely thorough in giving readers a long list of resources from a variety of theological traditions.

Third, I felt that Grudem's book was fairly thorough in dealing with the many areas of systematic theology. I felt that his section on ecclesiology was especially good, while also clearly articulating persuasive positions on election, reprobation, grace, and providence.

Having said all this, I do believe that Grudem's book reflects a disproportionate emphasis on charismatic gifts that was both unpersuasive and overdone. Grudem clearly makes an investment in this book to advancing charismatic operativeness. In fact, it seemed to me that Grudem devoted more time to this particular issue than on many of the fundamental doctrines of God and salvation. Given that the operativeness vs cessationist debate is (or at least should be) a secondary issue, I did think it was inappropriate for Grudem to treat this issue as if it was a primary article of faith, which is unfortunately a common attitude that has encompassed the charismatic gift issue in elements of both sides of the debate.

In the end, while I was close to giving the book 4 stars because of the sometimes missplaced emphasis outlined above, I felt that this book was simply too good in too many other areas to demote the review I'm giving it. I wholeheartedly agree with Grudem's introduction where he desires Christians to think theologically because theology is not a dry, academic exercise, but a vibrant expression of God's faithfulness that can dramatically transform our faith when undertaken in obedience to God. Since I think this book has reintroduced the wonder and amazement of theology to so many Christians who had previously adopted a 'see no evil, hear no evil' attitude towards theology which I think is a terribly half baked approach to the Christian life, I believe that Grudem has done the body of Christ an enormous service which will hopefully result in greater interest and passion in contemplating the great things of God as a joyful endeavor of the mind.

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.

On the other hand, Grudem's work is flawed by its overly scientific-rational approach to theology and doctrine. His treatment of the authority of the Scriptures, for example, is unconvincing in many of the details, eg. inerrancy etc. Evangelical theology, to be taken seriously, must move away from the 'prooftexting' approach, and interact on a more substantial level with some of the real challenges presented by alternative theological and philosophical understandings of Scripture which have equally been established out of a high regard and respect for the Bible.