Systematic Theology

Now that I have time available, I am wanting to further my education into God's word. Some
35 years back I attended a few classes at an IFB (local church) college, but was unable to
continue as life got in the way.

I would like to begin with a course on Systematic Theology, and this is an online book that
is accessible at no cost. I believe this link came from post a site member referenced.

Is this an appropriate text, or would another be recommended? I have downloaded all
three volumes in .pdf format.

Systematic Theology (Volume 1 of 3) by Augustus Hopkins Strong

"Strong's" is a leading Baptist systematic theology, but well over a hundred years old now. Thus, it is behind the times in many ways, but will be useful to you. It's a good place to start, anyway. It was the textbook the prof used when I first took a systematic theology course back in 1976.

When I teach a systematic theology course, the textbook is Christian Theology, 3rd ed., by Millard J. Erickson. This is the most used Baptist systematic theology nowadays, and is very helpful. If you have the bucks to put out to buy a hard copy, it is well worth it.

I have Grudem's "Systematic Theology" of which I often refer to. I also have the "Moody Handbook of Theology" by Paul Enns which was the primary textbook in the systematic theology classes I took in Seminary. It covers several different theology disciplines and is fairly objective so I would highly recommend it. Other books in my library include Emery Bancroft's "Christian Theology" in addition to a few resources on Logos.

I've enjoyed the nine volume, "Foundations of Evangelical Theology" Systematic Theology.
We have five of the volumes in our church library.

Scholars from various evangelical traditions have contributed to the set.
I'd suggest that if you have the desire to dig deeper into a particular aspect of theology, after you've read Erickson or Grudem, pick up one of these volumes.

Rob

Mike B said:

Systematic Theology by Augustus Hopkins Strong

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Amazon reviews

John of Japan said:

Christian Theology, 3rd ed., by Millard J. Erickson.

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Amazon reviews

Armchair Apologist said:

Grudem's "Systematic Theology"

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Amazon reviews

Deacon said:

"Foundations of Evangelical Theology"

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Amazon reviews

Mike B said:

Now that I have time available, I am wanting to further my education into God's word.

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My advice, foundation first, then choose your library:

"...'Strip away everything that you think you know about the Bible and approach it as a child that knows nothing, praying as David, "Let me behold wondrous things out of thy law". Begin on page one and read through as quickly as possible in order to get the idea of it'...."

kyredneck said:

Amazon reviews



Amazon reviews



Amazon reviews



Amazon reviews

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I'd take the Amazon reviews with a grain of salt. People are going to complain that it is either too liberal, too "Fundamentalist," too Catholic, too anti-Catholic, not Catholic enough, too Calvinistic, too anti-Calvinistic, not Calvinistic enough, too Dispensationalist, and so forth!

Then you will have some Yayhoo out there saying "My Systematic Theology is my KING JAMES BIBLE!" Yep, you got some real characters out there!

@Mike B. you might want to examine how well these systematic books have produced what God desires. That command is given in 1 Corinthians 1:10 in the 4th epistle that Paul wrote to the churches. Here it is.

1Co 1:10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind (see 1 Cor 2:16) and in the same judgment.

This command was given in the context of which man among them was to be exalted above the others and by perhaps one of the greatest minds in history, who went on to say this:

1Co 2:1 And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.
2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.

I ask myself, "is this true," and if so, I wonder how Paul could have written 13 letters both revealing and explaining the mystery of God, which is his church, which he said had been hidden in God from the beginning of the world. (and finally revealed now)

Eph 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: 10 To the intent that now (in this age)

I think the answer to the question of how to attain to a sound systematic doctrine is answered in these first chapters of 1 Corinthians.

The scriptures have taught me a dispensational framework where the formation of the church of Jesus Christ is the eternal purpose of this age, the holy God and Father of Jesus Christ his son, having been reconciled to a world of ungodly citizens by a one time sacrifice of his own blood atonement, and then being raised from the dead because he is absent personal sin. We learn that because of this effective sacrifice in the eyes of the Judge, he does not impute personal sins to any of the citizens while they live. That judgement takes place after death. He 9:27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: Therefore, all citizens are told this; 2Co 5:20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ s stead, be ye reconciled to God. (reconciliation is a two way proposition)


But, the unlimited atonement has a time limit. Under Moses and the law, it was one year and under Christ and grace, it is one age.

Thank you all for the recommendations. It is much appreciated.

John of Japan said:

When I teach a systematic theology course, the textbook is Christian Theology, 3rd ed., by Millard J. Erickson. This is the most used Baptist systematic theology nowadays, and is very helpful.

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After reading up on the suggestions, I am going to go with Christian Theology, 3rd ed., as
you have recommended. If you use it in teaching a course, then it's certainly sufficient for
my needs.