Systematic Theology

by Rousas John Rushdoony

Our Lord says, "seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness (or justice)iempasis added" (Matt. 6:33). The churches of our time seem to believe that God exists to save man and keep him happy. Theology is therefore only studied as an adjunct to the doctrine of salvation. This turns the world of Scripture upside down. How can anyone believe that God blesses this, or feels other than displeased? Theology belongs in the pulpit, the school, the workplace, the family and everywhere. Society as a whole is weakened when theology is neglected. Without a systematic application of theology, too often people approach the Bible with a smorgasbord mentality, picking and choosing that which pleases them. This two-volume set addresses this subject in order to assist in the application of the Word of God to every area of life and thought.

Genres: Theology

1301 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1994

About the author

Rousas John Rushdoony was a Calvinist philosopher, historian, and theologian and is widely credited as the father of both Christian Reconstructionism and the modern homeschool movement. His prolific writings have exerted considerable influence on the Christian right.

Reviews

[Erika Schanzenbach · Rating 5 out of 5]

I slowly worked my way through this two volume set over the past two years. It was well worth the time. A two volume systematics looks dry and daunting sitting on the shelf, but Rushdoony never strayed too far from practical application. A very helpful read, I’m sure I’ll reference in the future.

[G Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rushdoony is an acquired taste. That said, this set if worth keeping around and hanging on to. Good stuff. A little hard to read at places, and a little odd too in some of what he addresses, but overall good and solid content. Not a strict systamatician, but that's a good thing. Presuppositional, Postmillennial, Biblical, etc. There are better works out there (but not too many really). This one is good and very much worth engaging. All that said, I while I do think that he has a lot to contribute to the outworking of a Trinitarian world and life view, I do believe that he makes some substantial errors in his methodology and has some critical misunderstandings in regards to the creeds. Good stuff overall. And, despite his reputation and controversial stance on the law - he IS someone that should be taken very seriously. Hands down one of the most important American and Reformed thinkers of the last generation of theologians.

[Douglas Hayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely unique and wonderful treatment of theology. RJR has a number of things that I ALWAYS take issue with (e.g. low view of the church, patriarchal bent, etc) - but aside from that, his systematic theology is without comparison. I've never seen anything like it. In addition to typical theologies, Rushdoony also provides systematic theologies of things like: The Land, Work, Time, Authority and Prayer.

This theology is not to be missed by serious thinkers, and those who what to holistically apply the faith to every are of faith and practice.

[Jacob Aitken · Rating 3 out of 5]

The section on the bible was interesting, and it seemed like Rush presented two alternatives: van til or absolute statist tyranny! The rest of the book was disjointed. The footnoting was horrible at he used a funny font of KJV in his use of the bible within the text. A good section on law and land, but really tough to recommend as a whole.

[Aaron Slack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Indispensable.

[Felipe Sabino · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great! Excellent!