Theology for Today, 2001 Revision

by Elmer L. Towns

Theology for Elmer Towns. This is a comprehensive look at theology Proper including Pneumatology, Christology, Angelology, Satanology, demonology, Soteriology, Hamartiology, Anthropology, Ecclesiology and Eschatology. The book begins with a Prolegomena to Theology.

Genres: Theology, Biblical Studies, Reference, Christian

934 pages, Hardcover

First published September 24, 2001

About the author

Dr. Elmer Towns is a college and seminary professor, an author of popular and scholarly works (the editor of two encyclopedias), a popular seminar lecturer, and dedicated worker in Sunday school, and has developed over 20 resource packets for leadership education. He began teaching at Midwest Bible College, St. Louis, Missouri, for three years and was not satisfied with his textbooks so he began writing his own (he has published over 100 books listed in the Library of Congress, 7 listed in the Christian Booksellers Best Selling List; several becoming accepted as college textbooks. He is also the 1995 recipient of the coveted Gold Medallion Award awarded by the Christian Booksellers Association for writing the Book of the Year, i.e., The Names of the Holy Spirit.

He was President of Winnipeg Bible College for five years, leading it to receive American Accreditation and Provincial authority to offer degrees (1960-1965). He taught at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, in greater Chicago, Illinois, in the field of Religious Education and Evangelism (1965-1971).

He is co-founder of Liberty University, with Jerry Falwell, in 1971, and was the only full-time teacher in the first year of Liberty's existence. Today, the University has over 11,400 students on campus with 39,000 in the Distance Learning Program (now Liberty University Online), and he is the Dean of the School of Religion.

Dr. Towns has given theological lectures and taught intensive seminars at over 50 theological seminaries in America and abroad. He holds visiting professorship rank in five seminaries. He has written over 2,000 reference and/or popular articles and received six honorary doctoral degrees. Four doctoral dissertations have analyzed his contribution to religious education and evangelism.

His personal education includes a B.S. from Northwestern College in Minneapolis, Minnesota, a M.A. from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, a Th.M. from Dallas Theological Seminary also in Dallas, a MRE from Garrett Theological Seminary in Evanston, Illinois, and a D.Min. from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California.

Reviews

[Chris Bloom · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was required reading in my theology class, so I have to judge it on a somewhat different standard than the books I actually choose to read. On that scale, it's decent; as a systematic theology it's a little scattered, but Towns has a good eye for example and a pleasant enough style. I doubt I'll be dipping into this one on a regular basis, but it could have been much worse.

[Josh Baker]

First off I had to read this for my theology 202 class this past 2 months. I understand the theological back ground of Liberty so I kinda guessed what I was getting into. At the same time though as a person who attends a SBC church but affirms reformed theology this book basically slammed my beliefs and told me I was stupid for thinking any differently than Elmer towns.

[Kelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this for Theology class. I pretty much like Dr Elmer. His lectures are hilarious (and informative) and never really match his writing style. Its pretty matter of fact, besides being biblical. I always learned a lot. Its definitely a good source.

[LeaAnn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading a number of excerpts which will end up being the majority of the book for Theology class. Very good source. Will definitely keep the excerpts for future reference. Fortunate enough to have Dr. Towns explain it in video as well. Love his teaching.

[Dane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished my second Theology class that completes the end of this book. It is an excellent resource, and I highly recommend it for every Christian in order to better understand what we believe and why we believe it.

[Virginia Kindrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book to have on my shelf

[Chris]

This book I was initally excited for. I had lost my copy of Thiessen's Lectures in systematic Theology, so this was going to be the replacement. As far as the content, it seems relatively good so far. The theology is consistent with modern evangelical conservativism. Yet, many of his scriptural proofs are ride with errors. He references habakkuk 1:1 as a point of emotion, yet vs 2 is where the emotion comes in. He references 1 john 1:11, yet there are only 10 verses in 1 john 1. I believe what was meant was 1 john 1:1 and 2. I have just started in bibliology, but I may just put this one down and continue with grudem and my new copy of thiessen as I've yet to see the same errors in publication. Either towns' editor is failing him, or he is mis-rep=resenting his position. Not sure.

[Josh Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this for my attention theology class. I thought Towns was thorough and thoughtful in his approach. His tone is gentle and provides many views of the different areas of theology. Even though I don’t agree with him on all points he is not critical of those that do not arrive to the same conclusions from scripture. I enjoyed the fact that it was an accessible and not incredible heady for the average ready. I’d highly recommend for anyone that is wanting to get a robust overview of systematic theology.

[Julie Winkler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent study!

[Brian Reagan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Write a review...Elmer Towns is an exciting and engaging individual, and his work of theology resonates with the enthusiasm. However, the real question in reviewing a text on theology is whether or not it achieves its purpose. Dr. Towns does an excellent job of presenting what is essentially a mid-line, independent, fundamentalist Baptist systematic theology.

Is it however the truth? While I greatly respect Dr. Towns' scholarship and insight, the text cannot be presented as a good work of theology o systematic theology as such. Because it is Baptist in its thrust it does not agree with nor support the first thousand years of church history in its soteriology--doctrine of salvation, not does it genuinely agree with ancient Christian faith.

Nevertheless, as a presentation of Baptist theology, which many in the emerging and other church movements are weak in, it is a good text. As a theology in agreement with ancient and apostolic Christianity it cannot and does not meet the bill, but then again nothing that is Baptist ever could.

[Rick · Rating 1 out of 5]

Worst book I have ever been forced to read.

[Patrick McWilliams · Rating 1 out of 5]

From the introduction: "The author is a Calvinist; however, I do not agree with the five major points of Calvinism."

Well alrighty then.

[Ezra Lee]

sasds

[Robyn Busic · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really has a lot of good information to help expand your Christian worldview.