Systematic Theology

by Wayne Grudem

book data

228 ratings, 4.22 average rating, 49 reviews (more data...)

rating	frequency	%
5		49%
4		30%
3		15%
2		3%
1		1%

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published

January 16th 1995 (first published 1994) by Zondervan

binding

Hardcover, 1296 pages

isbn

0310286700 (isbn13: 9780310286707)

description

The Christian church has a long tradition of systematic theology, that is, studying theology and doctrine organized around fairly standard categories ...more

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10/10/08

Tim rated it:

Widely praised in the insular evangelicalism tainted by a taste of modern Reformed thought, Grudem's Systematic Theology is a perfect evangelical circle-jerk, unafraid to be unaware of any currents of modern or historical thought. Relying mostly on evangelical systematics of the last 150 years, and, of course, on his own bent vision of Scripture, Grudem nevertheless assumes his work is timeless and objective.
Grudem defines systematic theology as any study that answers the question, "...more Widely praised in the insular evangelicalism tainted by a taste of modern Reformed thought, Grudem's Systematic Theology is a perfect evangelical circle-jerk, unafraid to be unaware of any currents of modern or historical thought. Relying mostly on evangelical systematics of the last 150 years, and, of course, on his own bent vision of Scripture, Grudem nevertheless assumes his work is timeless and objective.
Grudem defines systematic theology as any study that answers the question, "What does the whole Bible teach us today?" about any given topic." (21) This definition purposely abandons history and philosophy, redefining systematics as a subset of Biblical theology. But it certainly lacks no arrogance as it strides forward to grasp the Scripture and put it to the author's own use.
Systematic theology thus boils down to a sorting of relevant Biblical passages. Grudem's work is, of course, naive in what it ignores about the cultural placement of the reader and it is plain stupid in what it ignores about historical theology and the development of doctrine. Because he ignores church history, Scripture becomes God's one fixed action in history (Does it even replace Jesus?). He tries to claim that Scripture alone, not "conservative evangelical tradition," (he should add Reformed in between conservative and evangelical) is his norm, but that is an unreflective claim. It is obvious from his index that the thinkers he is interacting with are in a small circle of modern Anglo-American evangelicals (aside from well wishes to Calvin and a few other continental reformed types from before the 18th c. His reading also includes a couple of Catholic and Arminian straw men).
Systematic theology involves the reflection of the church in a particular age on the content of revelation and the previous history of the church's thought. It can be confident in its declaration, but also must be humble before the one who it attempts to speak about, treating God and his actions with awe. Theology is both scriptural and cultural, but the ultimate measure and center of the message is Jesus Christ, the incarnate word. The theology of today, interacts and is shaped by the theology of yesterday (that is the historical aspect here), but must be written fresh in every generation. Grudem's lack of any historical concern or awareness of his own placement in culture allows him to speak with assurance that is just not warranted.
Grudem's work is also often praised for being devotional, but that aspect does not derive from the text itself, but is added on in discrete devotional sections. Other theologians, including Barth, von Balthasar, and Bloesch, have led me to worship. Grudem, with his underlying polemical focus on the insipid quarrels of a corner of evangelicalism, only raises my ire. His division of theology and ethics, one about knowing and believing, the other about doing, entirely ignores the pastoral place of theology in the church's history (see Ellen Charry) and entirely separates the mind from the will. It also only further encourages the pronounced evangelical tendency to separate knowledge and faith from everyday life.
Evangelicals, every believer, need to know and do theology well. But Grudem does not encourage thought, he provides his own "timeless" answers. Overall, this is a horrible work that encourages intellectual arrogance and laziness, as well as historical amnesia. Its popularity is a blight upon evangelicalism and I cannot say enough bad things about it. (less)

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05/23/08

Rob rated it:

Read in June, 2008

Grudem gives us a very readable and modern systematic theology. I especially enjoyed his chapter on the Trinity; as I recall, after reading it I exhaled and remarked, "Now that was some good theology!" (I began reading this book with my late pastor, John Baker, in summer 2004.) His bibliographies are helpful cross-references with other systematic theologies, divided into their respective theological traditions (e.g., Anglican, Baptist, Reformed, etc.). Grudem holds to an interesting bu...more

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01/23/08

Courtney rated it:

I started reading this in September of 2007 and am involved in a 15 month discussion group so I will be reading this book for all of 2008. It's a very organized (thus "systematic") manner of looking at what Scripture has to say about various topics, from the canon of Scripture to its inerrancy and sufficiency, to the Trinity, to God's providence, to satan and demons, to creation, to election, and the list goes on. There are 57 chapters - each covers a different topic and includes eve...more

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11/20/08

Craig added it

Great theology book. In particular I like it that he concludes each chapter with a hymn of worship and challenging questions for application, so that theology should lead to worship in song and obedience. Differences I have is his old view of earth rather than young and his understanding of the church in O. T. rather than beginning at Pentecost, i.e. he is not dispensational. I also see pretribulational rapture than posttribulational rapture. I liked the book very much.

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04/17/09

Sara rated it:

Read in January, 2004

I would have never read this whole tome if it hadn't been required for a a Bible Doctrines class in college. Now though,Grudem's work has a warm spot in my heart. I may not always agree with his sytematic approach, but it's hard not to appreciate his clear and comprehensive explanations.

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01/05/09

Phillip rated it:

Read in November, 2008

A snapshot of conservative evangelical theology. An introduction, and therefore lacking in nuance. Dodges some important philosophical questions and neglects some important fields of theological inquiry.

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02/28/08

John rated it:

Read in January, 2006

recommended to John by: Seminary Profs
recommends it for: Evangelical Christians

The current best evangelical systematic theology.
Who should own: Christians who want to make sure their ideas are logical, consistent, current with the best scholarship, Biblical etc. (and which one doesn't?!!)
Every thinking Christian (the one's who breathe) should own this once they get past the basics.
The author is Evangelical, and probably the finest (and first) systematic theologian to come from the Pentecostal point of view. DO NOT discount this book if you are not penteco...more

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05/16/09

James is currently reading it

bookshelves: currently-reading

Read in February, 2009

Really helpful and biblical view on foundational topics of the Christian faith.

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03/12/09

Evan rated it:

bookshelves: christian-theology

Read in January, 2003

One of the two systematic theology books I commonly refer to.

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02/23/09

L. R. Bouligny rated it:

Read in February, 2009

Excellent resource, very readable. I go back to it again and again.

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03/23/09

Melanie added it

Read in March, 2009

This is fantastic. It's my second Bible.

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05/27/09

Jay Risner rated it:

Nicely done.

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04/30/08

Paul rated it:

bookshelves: systematic-theology

Read in January, 2004

Grudem's systematic theology is a fine addition to the field. Like Reymond's, Grudem's is a contemporary textbook. Grudem is soteriologically reformed. He is credo-baptist. He believes many of the charismata exist today. In other words, he's a non-cessationist. I definitely disagree with Grudem in these areas, as well as some others, but he is a great scholar nonetheless; and, you will profit from this book. And, you can't only read people you agree with on every point anyway.

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08/21/07

Rock Rockwell rated it:

(review of isbn 0851106528)

bookshelves: systematics

recommends it for: Christians wanting to go deeper

Grudem brings together Covenant Theology without reducing the active work of the Spirit. His work is biblical, clearly written, and provides a systematic theological doctrine that anyone can understand. It is not a book to read from start to finish - even though it would be beneficial - but can be used as a reference book for key theological and doctrinal issues when needed. I am a big fan of Louis Berkoff, but Grudem actually has found precedents on my bookshelf.

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10/04/08

David rated it:

I really enjoyed Grudem's systematic theology book. A big plus for this book are the application questions at the end of each chapter, which make the book great. Most systematic theology books do not do this!

Some of his teaching I do not agree with; however, on a whole I thoroughly enjoyed the book.

He also provides many good cross-references for future reading. This book is actually quite easy to read. Would recommend it.

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06/25/08

Bob rated it:

bookshelves: theology-reference

Excellent work. Haven't read it all, but I've used it countless times. Grudem is pastorally minded, devotional, yet extremely scholarly too. He is careful and does justice to both sides, yet he firmly asserts and defends his position. This covers spiritual gifts and other topics not typically covered in Systematic Theology books. Plus it is packaged in a single, accessible volume. Highly recommended!

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01/27/08

Jared Daugherty rated it:

Read in May, 2006

A great guide to systematic theology and what it means to interpret God's word with God's Word by checking the whole counsel of God throughout the Bible. Never read just one verse, but context, context, context. This is a must have especially for those serious about deeper theological studies and why they matter for our own walk with Christ Jesus, our families, churches, and communities.

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08/27/07

Josh Spilker rated it:

recommends it for: those generally interested in Protestant theology

Grudem breaks down every major issue/tenant of Protestantism, and is very fair in his assessment in things like end times or church governance. He states his opinion, but it is never heavy-handed.

Grudem is next to Solomon in wisdom. I mean not really, I forgot that some people can't quite read into my sarcasm.

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04/05/08

Wendy added it

bookshelves: never-finished

We are reading through the sections of this book on the Incarnation and Redemption, in conjunction with a tape series by James M. Boice called, "Developing a Christian Mind." It just so happens that we hit the part about the Incarnation at Christmastime. Grudem is so clear on such complex issues.

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05/17/07

Don rated it:

bookshelves: general, referencetextbooks, talbotseminary

Talbot Course: Systematic Theology 3

This is a MUST HAVE! It's well-organized; thorough; easy to read; every time I have a theological question, I'm sure to find something on it in this book. It's just handy to have around! Grudem is the man!

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