Systematic Theology: Which Text is the Best?
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- Опубліковано 3 сер 2024
- In this video, I tell you about several important Systematic Theology textbooks -
Wayne Grudem: amzn.to/2BDoDz3
Louis Berkhof: amzn.to/31rUBZM
John Calvin: amzn.to/2NyYQe1
Charles Hodge: amzn.to/2Vqfpxg
Geerhardus Vos: amzn.to/3hZehKu
John Frame: amzn.to/3i7MWpu
Thank you! I was anti-Calvin for so long without knowing anything about reformed theology.
I feel like my eyes have been opened! I still have questions but I'm learning!
Great topic Pastor Matt.
I have Grudem’s systematic theology it’s cool . For me it was a great introduction in to theology. It’s a good book for us guys in the pews . I also have Calvin’s institutes . I am still working my way through it . It’s a deep read as you said . Still it’s pure gold . I think you have sold me on another book or set of books. From Vos (Reformed Dogmatic ) the way you described the layout is what sold me . Thank you .
You keep this up in recommending books I am going to have to name a my next set of book shelves after you .
Thank you again pastor.
Blessings
Very sweet! I just learned about Wayne less than a week ago and I had no idea that there were other tomes of knowledge at this level beyond the catholic dogma. So many resources we have available to reap. The 3 volume Charles is only 4 dollars digital or something, for something pushing 3k pages! Very excited!
Great job with this video! I enjoy Grudem, Berkhof and Frame. Your commentary on each, I think, are spot on. I am currently reading through Horton's Christian Faith. Looking forward to reading through Beeke's new Reformed Systematic Theology volumes beginning this summer. Again, great job!
This channel is gold. Great videos, brother.
Just got my Louis Berkoff today. So glad to see that you recommend him.
Very happy you made this video, brother! My two favorite systematic theology’s are A New Systematic Theology of the Christian Faith by Robert Reymond. I’m 1689 and Dr. Reymond is a Presbyterian but I still love this volume! Secondly, Institutes of the Christian Religion.
👍🏽Reynond was a beast.
After watching your video I purchased Berkhof’s Systematic Theology, a first for my library. Thanks for the recommendation.
Great video as usual. It seems like the best is in fact a selection of several. Sometimes different perspectives can help make things click.
I also think it is good to expose oneself to those who don't agree with you on everything. Had I not done so it is unlikely that I would now be reformed.
Summary of Christian Doctrine, by Louis Berkhof is a great little paper back for those who find the big fat books a little daunting.
My favourite go to doctrine book is a single volume edition of Herman Bavinck on Dogmatic Theology.
There are actually 4 volumes that are amplified that I will get to. I have yet to read Calvin though I have always had his institutes.
Personally I like the Olive Tree app as is efficient to move between the hyperlinks to scriptures as you read.
I also have old favourite books too bound in gaffa taper like my 1977 NASB Ryrie study Bible that I still read nearly 40 years later.
I would take my old NASB and Bavnick to my dessert island.
Great sharing, enjoying the channel.
Thank you for the video! I actually have to read a Systematic Theology book for class. My professor gave us the option in what to choose. He broke them down in Scholastic, Historical/Traditional, Eclectic, and Contemporary groups. I went with the Eclectic and decided to choose Grudem. I should have pick another book to read alongside his work just to get some different views. I’m enjoying the read though. His work is more what I am accustomed to. Again thank you for the post.
Hi Matt. Nice listing of Systematics. Frankly, my favorite is Shedd's 3 Volume Set. IMO, his discussion on the Trinity is without rival. I also like Vos, whose son Johannes was a member of the Creation Science Fellowship, Inc. here in Pittsburgh back in the 80s. On the latter issue of the Doctrine of Creation, I always find it interesting how the majority of theologians post-Darwin simply gave up the ghost on the issue of Evolution. Partly because they did not have the back ground to deal with the deep time issue of Hutton and Lyell. No matter ... hail Shedd! :)
Thank you for posting this. This is very helpful. CBD has Charles Hodge's set for only $25, and I wasn't sure if I should get it. I think I'll take advantage of the sale.
Thanks pastor Matt for the suggestion about reading Calvin’s Institutes one page a day. Never thought about that. God bless!
Reading plans for the Institutes can be found online to help you get through it in a year. It's easy once you start.
Calvin is insanely readable, but he is best taken in small chunks. His ability to say so much with so few words makes the Institutes rather densely packed.
Inspired by the 1 page per day idea! As a result I've started reading Berhkhof's ST, aiming for 1-2 pages per day. Re Grudem, his is the best ST I've read so far as he balances depth with readability so well. I haven't read his section on gifts/charismatic issues yet, but expect not to agree with all his views there.
I always enjoy you at work in your office/library. Show more.
Louis Berkhof is my absolute favorite! And for an abridged summary of Berkhof’s ST, his “A Summary of Christian Doctrine” is a fantastic intro.
Is Berkhof sufficiently readable (plain language-wise) for a teenager?
@@wemuk5170 definitely.
@@jensonlim9907 What a funny God-given coincidence today! I was spring cleaning with sweat this morning. Too many books! Throwing out books & stuff for charity, etc. And lo & behold, on the back of the old dusty shelves was LB’s Summary of CD! 😅
@@wemuk5170 definitely Im 13 and I think its not to hard to follow there is a lot of latin and hebrew for certain words but other than that I recommend you read.
Thanks for the info on systematic theology details
Growing up in the "system" we are give a lot of MacArthur resources. Much Appreciated. Now that other options are available, it can be overwhelming.
Pastor, this video helped me so much. Thank you for taking the time to share with all of us.
Thanks,, you really gave me what i needed and more. i want a good book on systematic theology.
Foundations of the Christian Faith by James Montgomery Boice. Love the book and the writings of Jim Boice.
The ones I have are Berkhof, Calvin's "Insitutes", and A Brakel's "Christian's Reasonable Service" (which is next my next ST to read!). In the future I'd like to get into Bavinck, Turretin, Vos, Hodge, and maybe others like Beeke, Horton, Letham, Thornwell, Dabney, John Brown.. there are so many it seems!
In the middle of Institutes on audiobook. Great review!
Wilhelmus a Brakel’s “The Christian’s Reasonable Service” deserves a spot on the list of one of the greatest works of systematic theology ever written! I recommend it to everyone! Very experiential, doctrinal, and pastoral.
I really enjoy Herman Bavinck's "The Wonderful Works of God." This is his 4 volume systematic condensed into one work. Great resource that I plan on going back to over and over again.
One of my favorites besides Institutes by Calvin and City of God by St. Augustine is "Christians Reasonable Service" 4 vol set by Wilhelmus Brakel, "Christian Dogmatics" by Cornelis van der Kooi and Gijsbert van den Brink, "Theology as a Life" by James H. Thornwell, and Systematic Theology by Robert Dabney
v helpful video ty pastor Matt
I have read Grudem's in my early Christian years and too agree he is more bent towards pentecostalism and charismatism. I also recommend John Gill for more conservative perspective. Mike Horton's quite wordy and require many readings to understand his point but it covers in depth. I will definitely look through Berkof and Calvin as per your recommendation!
Have you read the new ST from Beeke and Smalley ? The first volume is our and the second from a 4 volume set in coming out in November.
Another Reformed Systematic Theology that is liked is Institutes of Elenctic Theology by Francis Turretin
Hey Pastor, your thoughts on Erickson's vs Grudem's textbook?
Thank you!
Bavinck, Hoeskema, John Gill, John Calvin are all great for different reasons.
It's good to hear your recommendation of Herman Hoeksema.
I have dabbled in The Institutes and Grudem, but found Berkhof to be my favorite.
Im reading the institutes and I want something reformed but I am a credobaptist so what would be the recommendation (besides Grudem)?
Do you have an opinion on Beeke's Systematic Theology that's just been released. I've started reading Robert White's translation of the 1541 French edition, one of Calvin's earlier editions of Institutes. It seems more readable to not quite as much detail or rabbit trails.
Thank you, Matthew. I need to ask: who is the bobblehead depicted on your shelf?
Recommendations from the video:
6. Grudem's Systematic Theology
5. Calvin's Institutes of the Christian Religion
4. Berkhof's Systematic Theology
3. Hodge's Systematic Theology
2. Vos' Reformed Dogmatics
1. Frame's Systematic Theology
Edit: Watch the video for the explanation of *why* for each one.
I’m reading Joel Beeke’s “Reformed Systematic Theology - Revelation and God” a chapter a night at the moment. I’m benefiting greatly from it.
I love the devotional tone of it, and also the precision in definitions he uses. I always feel like praying and meditating on the Word after reading it.
My goal is to finish that, then read the same topics in Calvins Institutes.
Also I’m keen to get their next edition “Man and Christ” coming out soon.
Has anyone read Herman Bavinck? How did you find him?
I’m doing the same thing. Reading a chapter a day and benefiting greatly.
Bavinck is very good but sometimes the "historical" sections in each chapter are heavy. Also it is a bit dated (19th century)
For those wanting to ease into Systematic Theology, I recommend "Everyone's A Theologian, An Introduction to Systematic Theology" by R.C. Sproul. He does a great job of taking each theological topic and making them brief, yet you are left feeling the words written are substantial enough. It's a great steppingstone for further studies. R.C. had an amazing gift to take any topic and break it down for all to enjoy.
Thank you
I'm glad to know that I have the first three books you recommended. I also started with Grudem. What can you say about Michael Horton's THE CHRISTIAN FAITH and Millard Erickson's CHRISTIAN THEOLOGY?
Have you read Erickson's by any chance ?
@@Manatti06 not yet actually.
Matt, what are your thoughts on the Reformed Systematic Theology series of Beeke and Smalley? I'm still working on getting to a place where I can read the Institutes or Hodge's systematic, but Beeke and Smalley's systematic was right at my speed. If you haven't checked it out, I would definitely recommend it!
I'm reading those now & find them as orthodox as most of the ones already mentioned by Matt. 4 volumes so I'm reading 10-20 pages daily. I can because I'm retired from pastoral ministry but never from study.
I had read quite a few systematics before I finally sat down and read through Berkhof and I have to agree that he is probably the best go to text for Reformed Presbyterians.
I'm new to all of this. Do you teach classes on this?
Bavinck, Reformed Dogmatics. It’s not an easy read but well worth the effort. Also really liked Berkhof but Bavinck is the gold standard to me.
I wish you would talk about John Frame and Robert Letham’s systematic theology.
What do you think about Millard Erickson Christian Theology and Norman Geisler 4 volume?
What recommendations do you have for a good Systematic Theology for Reformed Baptists?
John Gill (?) with some caution.
Interesting and informative, thank you for covering this topic. Just bought Berkhof's book on Kindle for 99 cents. Want to know if you are familiar with The Portable Seminary by David Horton. If so what do you think of it?? Randy
thank you!
systematic theoology by grudem. thank u LORD!
Just to add a different perspective l find it valuable to keep H. Orton Wiley's 3 volume "Christian Theology". A great resource to get the Weslyian Perspective.
I like the original systematic theology found in St. John of Damascus' '"An Exact Exposition of the Orthodox Faith."
Is systematic theology by Wayne Grudem and Biblical Doctrine by John MacArthur both in agreement and both reliable teaching?
Crossway makes a systematic theology study bible in esv that's pretty useful.
John Frame is my personal favorite.
I have louis Berkhof's systematic theology. Really good
Ty
BB Warfield's theology books are also very good. Calvinistic and Presbyterian. Warfield is a good look at a 19th Century grasp of Calvin and Bavink and reformed theology in the wake of the American Enlightenment. He did have a strange fixation on Evolution, but still an amazing writer.
Thank you very much for this video. Your videos are very helpful and interesting. Glory to Jesus! +1 subscribed
What about Charles Hodge's Systematic Theology? Any opinions?
I’ve been wanting to get that
What do you think of Greg Nichols?
Robert Letham’s Systematic Theology is very underrated.
Vos was my first journey into reform theology a world I was totally closed to for decades. Finally did Calvin Berkoff and I dislike the first one you rmentioned I am more 1689 London Confessional so I bet we wold have some fun with this!!
I just knew Berkhof was coming; it was just a matter of time. Great video!
why do you like Berkhof?
@@LadyPurple911 Loved it! I haven't read too many other STs, but if you are looking for an all-inclusive one-volume work, I think most would agree Berkhof is one of the best options available.
What about Charles Hodge, Robert L. Reymond, or Michael Horton?
My fav is Millard Erickson's
I do like Hodges but the Latin throws me off due to the lack of translation.
Berkhof is great even us pentecostals use it but what about Strongs systematic theology or WT Shedd Dogmatic theology
I had Erickson first semester theology and grudem second semester
It was the opposite for me
@@glennthetheologian1691 Yes, same with me as well. We even had Thiessen, then Grudem, then Erickson :-)
What about Beeke and Smalley?
I highly recommend systematic theology by: robert letham
Summa Theologica - Aquinas
I'd love to know your favorite non-reformed systematic!
I think we’d have to go with CS Lewis’ Chronicles!
Grudem, I thought, is very good. Robert Reymond is also very good. They're both great go to theology books.
I like the part where Bavinck says, "Consequently, strictly speaking, one cannot speak of foreknowledge in the case of God: with him there are no "distinctions of time." He calls the things that are not as if it already existed. "For what is foreknowledge of future events? But can anything be future with God, who surpasses all time? For if God's knowledge includes these very things themselves, they are not future to him but present; and for this reason we should no longer speak of God's foreknowledge but simply of God's knowledge." Volume 2:God and Creation pg. 170-171. Kindle Edition.
Despite how the whole bible presents God we know from this one verse that God never 'becomes' angry, or grieved, or has any new emotions, but is a static being experiencing simultaneously all emotions from all of my bad behavior that He if ever going to experience.
What about Norman Geisler's Systematic Theology?
Meh
Thank you good.God is great for the Church he gived several doctors very gifted but be christian is a revelation by grace of Christ. So i love Spurgeon Whitefied McCheyne etc and comentaries Leon Morris W Hendriksen the teach Christ and the penal substitution and justification by faith (sorry for my english) love from Switzerland!
Alain
Berkhof & Boice’s ‘Foundations’ fo schizel
Francis Pieper all the way!
No Bavinck?
I like Hodges
Beard is looking good, brother.
Ryrie's Basic Theology, Chafer's sys theo, and Swindoll/Zuck's Understanding Christian Theology
Here to see if you put "The Christian's Reasonable Service" since I still think it is the best Systematic for both theologians and the laity.
What about Dabney?
He's good. Represents Southern Presbyterianism well but his defense of slavery gets him blackballed.
Jay Ehm do you have a reference to his defense of slavery?
@@mrhartley85, as far as I know, Dabney does not defend slavery in his systematic theology lectures. You'll have to find those elsewhere, such as in his _Defense of Virginia and of the South._
Anyone familiar with
A New Systematic Theology of the Christian Faith by Robert Raymond? Excellent
Were you in the military?
RL Dabney!
Berkhof
Reymond
Aquinas
Turretin. Rbt L Dabney. James Thornwell.
Henery Thiessen hands down!
Adam Harwoods systematic theology . Amen.
I have read the Berkhof from cover to cover including his Prolegomena book, 1541 Calvin's Institute, and 3 volumes of Bavinck, and almost done with reading Geerhardus Vos. I have also read Robert Reymond from cover to cover.
After reading Matthew Barrett's books, None Greater and Simply Trinity, James Dolezal's All That is in God, and Richard C Barellos's Trinity & Creation, they pointed me out the pitfalls of Grudem, John Frame and Robert Reymond. I won't recommend these 3 books because their doctrines of God and Trinity are unbiblical and they contradicts Classical Theism and Nicene Trinitarian theology. Actually Charles Hodge also made this mistake too but it as major as Grudem, Frame, and Reymond.
I recommend dropping Frame, a man who supported Norman Shepherd's false teaching on justification, from the list entirely, and adding Dabney.
Wayne Grudem
I recently got Reformed Dogmatics by Bavinck. Have been enjoying it so far. But for anyone who is new to this, Berkhof is the way to go.
Why do you think he is the way to go if one is new to this ? Thank you for reply...
@@howardmanley3388 Berkhof is less informationally dense than Bavinck but they talk about the same things. In other words, Berkhof's Systematic is basically a stripped-down version of Bavinck's RD.
Joshua Ng thanks for taking the the time and responding to my request, much appreciated..Stay safe in this crazy covid world 🌎 we now live in ...
I have RJ Rushdoony's Systematic Theology. Probably the only I'll get.
Thomas Oden's "Classic Christianity' is the best Systematic Theology.
How did u move to infant baptism it isnt in the bible?
OIKOS covenant baptism is the standard for all new testament baptisms
Get Adam harwood's