[.ca] Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine (ISBN 0310286700)

Very enjoyable for theology lovers.:
This book is nicely laid out. After the coverage of a subject in each chapter, it has sections at the end of each chapter entitled: "questions for personal application "; "special terms"; "bibliography"; "sections in evangelical systematic theologies" (cross-reference with other systematic theologies); and "hymn." This book is subtitled, "An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine," and even though it has 1290 pages, it cannot cover its subjects comprehensively. It does serve as an excellent introduction to various topics though. It addresses most of the main arguments for both sides, although I find that at times, Grudem dismisses counter-arguments a bit too quickly. While he does well to concisely rebut some opposing viewpoints, but I have found a few places where his rebuttal -- while probably solid -- does nothing to answer against a position somewhere between his own and the discussed opposing viewpoint. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in getting an overview of theology, but I would always recommend that in theological debates, one always examine at least two opposing authors. Grudem presents opposing viewpoints nicely, but he can only speak for his opponents to a limited extent. You can look up some varying viewpoints on practically any doctrine on the Internet, and I recommend that you do so.

In-depth summary of reformed theology, fair and balanced.:
As a member of the Evangelical Free Church of America, which is decidedly Reformed in its theology, I have had ample opportunity to get familiar with this book. Grudem's approach, like most systematic theology texts, is to categorize major areas of Christian doctrine and to discuss each in detail with heavy reference to supporting scripture passages. For example, this volume begins with basic tenets like the doctrines of God (i.e. his existence, nature, attributes, etc.) and the Bible (authority, canonicity, etc.), and moves on through a host of topics such as atonement, the doctrines of man and sin, angels and demons, election, and eschatology, to name just a very few. The book is divided into major study units covering a particularly broad topic, for example, the doctrine of the Bible. That topic is then further divided as each chapter covers a major subtopic within the larger doctrine. Each chapter includes cross references to systematic theologies by other authors of all major Catholic and Protestant denominations, for ready comparison of how each doctrine is treated by those with other viewpoints. Not only is this a great study resource, but it is also very useful for group discussions, as each chapter concludes with a list of discussion questions, worship suggestions, and a relevant scripture passage for memorization. The single quality which makes this volume such a valuable tool, however, is the author's full discussion and fair treatment of competing viewpoints. For any given topic, the author will first lay out all major "mainstream" views of the doctrine, and discuss the biblical texts which lend support to each. He will then state the position which he finds to be the most persuasive, and detail his reasoning with additional reference to scripture. In every case, the text is heavily footnoted and all competing views are treated in a fair and scholarly manner. It is apparent that the author has taken great pains to avoid misrepresenting the views of those with whom he disagrees, and is very gracious in acknowledging the relative strengths of their positions where it is warranted. Grudem also readily admits, in the case of certain difficult issues, that the scriptures may not provide a definitive answer. The net result is an incredibly useful and valuable tool for evaluating a wide range of Christian doctrinal issues, with an opportunity to review multiple viewpoints in the process and see the supporting texts for each. I am grateful to the author for the depth of understanding and clarity it has added to my own studies. You may not be reformed in your theology, but don't let that dissuade you from looking into this incredibly well researched and annotated study resource. It may challenge some of your beliefs (it certainly did for me) and you may not agree with all of his positions (I don't), but the experience will be a great benefit.

Best Evangelical Systematic Theology on the Market!:
This text is simply a must for anyone interested modern evangelical Christian theology. The only thing keeping this book from being 5 star is Grudem's Calvinist bent, although he does at least try to present more than one view regarding several controversial positions. This work is well organized and well presented with plenty of scriptural references. If you are a seminary student, this book is a must.

An Excellent Systematic:
Most reviews below capture the essence of Grudem's work so hopefully I will add a comment or two without repeating other reviewers' compliments. First, Grudem quotes many of his supporting texts. This makes for facility, rather than looking up the text. Second, he interacts with several traditions thoughtfully. Third, as one reviewer notes already, he has a good annotated bibliography at the end. If one read the bibliography, especially our a-theological pastors, the health of the church would rise. He cites Reformed, Anglican, Lutheran, Baptist, Dispensational and Papist works (usually pre-Vat 2 Ludwig Ott and post-Vat 2 Prof O'Brien). Excellent bibliograpy. Fourth, Grudem attempts to incorporate doxological intent to each subject by inclusion of an historic hymn at the end. This is healthy given the American penchant to think the church began 10 years ago. Every evangelical seminary student should own and read this, of any perspective. Of course, for liberal seminary students, this might be over their heads and we would recommend something much shorter, maybe Berkof's Manual of Christian Doctrine---as a warm-up. Thanks Wayne for your clear labor of love.

A must for every Evangelical's library:
Grudem's Systematic Theology is not the typical boring theological treatise. It's an easy to read, clear, thoughful presentation of Evangelical theology. It is Reformed, Pre-millennial (and Post-tribulational), and is neither charismatic nor anti-charismatic (a very balanced evangelical work!). It treats opposing views fairly, though not always fully (which is typical of all Systematic Theologies). It also cross references most of the popular Syatematic Theologies of other Protostant, Evangelical, Reformed, Charismatic, and even Roman Catholic traditions. This work is witty without being reckless, readable without being simplistic, and thorough without being difficult. It is a great tool for the untrained layperson, as well as the trained clergy, regardless of the theological perspective. If I owned one Systematic theolgy, this would be the one.