Systematic Theology

by Anthony C. Thiselton

In this concise, one-volume systematic theology, celebrated scholar Anthony Thiselton comprehensively covers the spectrum of Christian doctrine with an eye to practical application for Christian discipleship.   Written with students and busy ministers in mind, this book is readable and accessible, comprising fifteen chapters of relatively equal length, with each chapter containing five evenly balanced subsections for teaching and learning convenience.   Rather than setting out an abstract system, Thiselton explores theology as a living, organic whole. The book thus includes biblical foundations, historical thought, contemporary writers, and practical implications. Expertly incorporating biblical exegesis, philosophy, conceptual grammar, and hermeneutics, this work is the most succinct multidisciplinary systematic theology available.

Genres: Theology, Religion

468 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 20, 2015

About the author

Anthony Charles Thiselton is emeritus professor of Christian theology at the University of Nottingham and a fellow of the British Academy. His recent publications include Approaching Philosophy of Religion, Discovering Romans, Systematic Theology, The Holy Spirit, and The Last Things.

Reviews

[Jess Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!

Thiselton est vraiment très doué pour exposer en peu de mots des sujets parfois complexes et profond. Son écriture est très fluide, très facile à lire.

Franchement j'aurais pas dit non à 100 voir 200 pages de plus mais ce n'était pas le but de l'auteur de faire trop gros.

(bon ben du coup je suis conquis et je crains de ne plus avoir d'excuse pour lire son commentaire sur 1 Corinthiens. Vu que comme Wright il sait apparemment écrire je n'ai plus peur d'attaquer un pavé de Thiselton)

[Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

A kind of "drive by shooting" systematic theology. Sticks pretty closely to the standard theological loci, though with some curious changes (i.e. a chapter on the challenge of atheism). Not really a good go-to systematics text, but a nice smattering for the advanced student. Even still, Thiselton's knowledge is unparalleled in terms of multi-disciplinary theology and it shows in this text.

[Cal Davie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very decent introduction to the theology of the Christian faith, and an excellent resource for theology students. At times, Thiselton's philosophical understanding appeared to be limited with lines such as "Nietzsche was a nihilist" which is clearly a vast oversimplification. Nevertheless, he is more philosophically engaged than a lot of modern systematicians. His biblical theology is very strong and he brought much nuance to complex passages and issues. This is well worth a read, and although not quite perfect, it's possibly one of the best textbooks on the market for theology undergrads.

[Douglas Fyfe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. For some reason it was in the bargain bin ($10 from $60) but it was excellent. Especially for anyone into historical theology; Thiselton is superb at going back to primary sources to explain the trajectory that leads to contemporary understandings.
Highly recommend this book.

[Pat Phelps · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this systematic was just ok. There were some sections I find strange for a systematic (animal/non-human creation), but overall Thieslton did a nice job of the major categories. More on scripture could have also been added.

“Take up and Read” - Saint Augustine

[Grant Knepper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really well done intro to the topic. Fairly neutral perspective that makes it good for use as a textbook.

[Zach Waldis · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thiselton is super smart, and an important source on hermeneutics. But this book falls flat. Thiselton is super quote happy and one wonders just what exactly Thiselton himself has to contribute. The book says it is intended for students and busy ministers, but I can't say that I would recommend this book to either of those groups.