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397th out of 1,905 books
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1,848 voters
What Is Reformed Theology?: Understanding the Basics
by
R.C. Sproul (Goodreads Author)
Few evangelical Christians today understand Reformed theology, even though it has become an immensely influential theological tradition. Recognizing only key terms relating to predestination or the five points, many Christians want a better explanation of the concepts and beliefs that make up a Reformed perspective. What is Reformed Theology? is an introduction to a doctri...more
Paperback, 217 pages
Published
June 1st 2005
by Baker Books
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"Understanding the Basics"
"What do the "five points" of Calvinism really mean?
Perhaps you've heard of Reformed theology, but you're not certain what it is. Some references to it have been positive, some negative. It appears to be important, and you'd like to know more about it. But you want a full, understandable explanation, not a simplistic one.
What Is Reformed Theology? is an accessible introduction to beliefs that have been immensely influential in the evangelical church. In this insightful...more
"What do the "five points" of Calvinism really mean?
Perhaps you've heard of Reformed theology, but you're not certain what it is. Some references to it have been positive, some negative. It appears to be important, and you'd like to know more about it. But you want a full, understandable explanation, not a simplistic one.
What Is Reformed Theology? is an accessible introduction to beliefs that have been immensely influential in the evangelical church. In this insightful...more
This book solidified my basic understanding of Reformed soteriology. Dr. Sproul makes a convincing case as he explains TULIP and demonstrates knowledge of his opponents' positions. He seems to specialize in reductio ad absurdum arguments, and he really takes a logical argument and expounds on the systematic side of Reformed soteriology that is decidedly lacking in the Wesleyan and/or Arminian universe. I frequently caught myself saying "Wow, I hadn't thought of it that way before." (For the reco...more
What a great introduction to Reformed Theology! Sproul covers the basics of historical Reformed doctrine in two sections:
Part 1 Foundations of Reformed Theology
1 - God Centered
2 - Based on God's Word Alone
3 - Committed to Faith Alone
4 - Devoted to the Prophet, Priest, and King
5 - Nicknamed Covenant Theology
Part 2 Five Points of Reformed Theology
6 - Humanity's Radical Corruption
7 - God's Sovereign Choice
8 - Christ's Purposeful Atonement
9 - The Spirit's Effective Call
10 - God's Preservation of the...more
Part 1 Foundations of Reformed Theology
1 - God Centered
2 - Based on God's Word Alone
3 - Committed to Faith Alone
4 - Devoted to the Prophet, Priest, and King
5 - Nicknamed Covenant Theology
Part 2 Five Points of Reformed Theology
6 - Humanity's Radical Corruption
7 - God's Sovereign Choice
8 - Christ's Purposeful Atonement
9 - The Spirit's Effective Call
10 - God's Preservation of the...more
Sproul's book achieves what the subtitle proposes. The reader will understand the basics of typical reformed theology. I highly doubt that anyone who disagrees with reformed theology will be convinced by Sproul's arguments. But this isn't really a book that focuses on arguments but about explaining what reformed theologians believe. Sproul is a smart guy but I was frustrated by several of his statements mainly using the labal semi-pelagian to haphazardly and the 'problem' of Hebrews. In short, t...more
This is an excellent book for anyone interested in Reformed theology, especially those who are new to the subject and seeking an introduction or overview. He does use some terms that might be foreign to somebody who is not familiar with theology, but he explains them and there is a good glossary in the back.
Overall, the book was well organized and easy to follow and gave a good basic framework for the person wanting to delve deeper into Reformed theology or wanting to understand what it is all a...more
Overall, the book was well organized and easy to follow and gave a good basic framework for the person wanting to delve deeper into Reformed theology or wanting to understand what it is all a...more
In What is Reformed Theology?, R.C. Sproul seeks to present the absolute basics to the reformed tradition of theology, also known as Covenant Theology. Half of the book spent presenting a brief history of the reformation, the foundational teaching of Martin Luther and John Calvin, and the core components to Covenant Theology. The second half of the book is used to walk through the five points of Calvinism, or TULIP.
This books was...OK. I enjoyed Sproul's clarity in presenting the core component...more
This books was...OK. I enjoyed Sproul's clarity in presenting the core component...more
If you are a Christian (regardless of your theological "bent") you'll enjoy reading this book. Sproul does a very nice job of summarizing the five points in language that anyone can understand and gives the reader plenty of stuff to think about. The Book does seem to end rather abruptly, however, which is why I've given it 4 out of 5 stars. Also, I thought he'd cover a little more than just the 5 points, but that's pretty much what he stuck to. Ah well, a good read nonetheless.
RC Sproul offers a fantastic introduction to Calvinism/Reformed Theology. The book is well organized and offers a plethora of supporting sources for the main points of this theology. The only criticism of this book I can offer is that Mr. Sproul can be a bit technical throughout the book, but my hunch is that anyone interested in reading a book on this topic will have a familiarity with the theological terms used. Overall, this book piqued my growing interest in Reformed Theology and is a must r...more
This book, as indicated by the title, covers the basics of Reformed theology. Sproul’s book is a little more technical than Horton’s book 'Putting Amazing Back Into Grace, in that Sproul sprinkles Latin theological terms throughout; however, he always explains them and includes a glossary of foreign terms at the back of the book. This is a solid book that sketches covenant theology and the 5-points of Calvinism.
Sproul did what he set out to do excellently with this book. And his goal in the book is the title of the book. If you don't agree with the material (as I did) that doesn't change the objective quality this work contains. Namely, actually doing what it said it was going to.
What is Reformed Theology? is a great overview and introduction to Reformed Theology--that is, the whole of theology and not just the five points of Calvinism with which it is often equated. The overview of the TULIP was very well done, the section on Total Depravity presented a good overview of Jonathan Edwards understanding of the freedom of the will. Even if you don't agree with the finer points of reformed theology (e.g. their view of the Sacraments) this book is worth reading for its overvi
...more
great primer on reformed theology and Calvinism’ TULIP view on soteriology. the latter is discussed in the second half of the book and poses the bigger reading challenge – mostly due to the difficulty of the topics rather than the writer’s style and competence.
This book is based on the study of scripture, the study of history, and the study of nature. It broad down to two categories man view and God view. It gives a brief description of theology. Theology is the study of God.......
Great book. Sproul spends the first half of his book explaining the theology of the reformation (Calvin and Luther mostly) and the second half on TULIP. A must read for all those interested in theology.
I have read all but one chapter of Sproul's "What is Reformed Theology?". I need to go back and read the chapter that I skipped, but I will say that this is the book that "sold me" on Reformed theology.
Great book explaining the basic of Reformed Theology in a biblical framework. Recommended for those who may have grown up with a distorted view of what Reformed Theology really is.
Perhaps, you have wondered what is reformed theology. If so, this is the book for you. RC Sproul gives a great summary and review of the doctrines of the Reformation.
An amazing introduction into the sometimes confusing world of reformed theology. Sproul boils it down to basic concepts that are easy to understand and grasp.
A helpful overview of some major points of reformed theology. I wish Sproul had included more scriptural for several of the doctrines of grace.
Excellent overview and introduction to Reformed Theology. I'd mark this as a good book to come back and read from time to time as a refresher.
Although I disagree with the author on many points, he explains his arguments well, giving you a better understanding of Reformed Theology.
If your interested in learning what reformed theology really is (even if for refuting purposes) I highly recommend this light read.
Great book, explains what for some people seems a very difficult view of theology. Very readable
Great overview of major distinctives of the theological system sometimes called Calvinism.
You can't go wrong with this. Exemplary writing and teaching.
One of the best books Ive read on Reformed theology so far.
A good primer...looking forward to digging deeper.
This was an excellent book that revealed some things that I hadn't known about Reformed Theology. It answers many of the objections concerning Reformed Theology in a way that makes it simple and clear. And of course, R.C.'s doctrine is brilliant as always.
The other thing that really set this book apart was the surprising clarity that is evident in the writing. While handling sometimes complicated subject matter and theological hot buttons, R.C. manages to give thorough explanation without muddl...more
The other thing that really set this book apart was the surprising clarity that is evident in the writing. While handling sometimes complicated subject matter and theological hot buttons, R.C. manages to give thorough explanation without muddl...more
Great book for the armchair theologian.
Great overview of the Reformed faith.
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Dr. R.C. Sproul was born in 1939 in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. He is president of Ligonier Academy of Biblical and Theological Studies and the founder and chairman of the ministry that began in 1971 as the Ligonier Valley Study Center in Ligonier, Pennsylvania. In an effort to respond more effectively to the growing demand for Dr. Sproul’s teachings and the ministry’s other educational resources, th...more
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“It is a profound political reality that Christ now occupies the supreme seat of cosmic authority. The kings of this world and all secular governments may ignore this reality, but they cannot undo it. The universe is no democracy. It is a monarchy. God himself has appointed his beloved Son as the preeminent King. Jesus does not rule by referendum, but by divine right. In the future every knee will bow before him, either willingly or unwillingly. Those who refuse to do so will have their knees broken with a rod of iron.”
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Sep 02, 2012 12:40pm