Systematic Theology

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Systematic Theology for the Christian today. - Rated
An excellent textbook of evangelical theology. Wayne Grudem explains the doctrines of the Christian faith in a way that is highly readable and comprehensible. Complicated, technical terms are kept down to a minimum, and the author writes in a way that is relevant for people today.
He begins each chapter with a definition of the doctrine that is being considered. He then goes on to open up the doctrine in a clear and structured fashion, showing how it finds its place in Scripture. There are then questions for personal application within the church today. Each chapter then ends with a relevant hymn, which is suitable for meditation or worship.
Many will find themselves not agreeing with Grudem on a number of points. For instance, Grudem leans towards views such as believers baptism and classic pre-millennialism. Further, his views on the baptism of the Holy Spirit may be at odds with the views of a number of Christians of a Reformed persuasion. Nevertheless, as I read, I found Grudem to be very fair and gracious in dealing with viewpoints, which he himself was not personally in agreement with. Many Christians could learn from this attitude.
At the end of the book, there are a number of appendices, consisting of historic Christian confessions (e.g. The Thirty-Nine Articles, The Westminster Confession of Faith), Scripture memory passages, relevant bibliography for extended reading and contemporary worship songs. Here we have a valuable resource book for Christians in the twenty-first century. Strongly recommended.

Wonderful, but heavily evangelical - Rated
I'm not sure why people consider this book offer differing opinions on difficult issues. Grudem is very evangelical, and probebly favours Calvin above any other form of protestant theology. As an Evangelical Christian studying at an evangelical college this book is invaluable, and I think it speaks much truth about what God has to say through the bible, but if you do not believe the bible to be the Word of God and do not grant it any divine authority then you will not find much in here.

A solid introduction for new enquirers - Rated
Wayne Grudem strikes a fine balance between academic thought and devotional application in this sound reference of reformed theology. Any person looking for their first book on systematic theology will be pleasantly surprised by Wayne Grudem's easy to read style and helpful devotional notes at the end of each chapter. With a strong emphasis on scriptural evidence and an obvious delight in his subject this is the ideal starting point for the enquiring mind.

Doesn't do it for me - Rated
I'm sure Dr Grudem is a great Christian and a lovely man and will be in the front row in heaven. But, and I'm sorry to disagree with all the other reviewers here, I strongly dislike and disagree with this book.

Grudem *appears* to give space to opposing views, but really only in order to knock them down patronisingly (and with little real argument), and to leave us with his hard-line ultra-Reformed literalist viewpoint as apparently the only 'biblical' possibility. On almost every single point, I believe Grudem's analysis is lacking, and I disagree with pretty much all of his conclusions.

Ultimately, the Bible is not a book of systematic theology, and Christianity is not a faith merely of intellectual propositions. Any attempt to systematise the faith and the Bible can only fall short of the real thing, and Grudem's falls about as far short as you can get - in my opinion.

Nowadays I consult Grudem to see what the other half thinks, and go to books by people like NT Wright for (what I consider to be) a more balanced, unbiased and helpful approach to the Bible.

However, I guess Grudem is a good introduction to theological issues. And he's unbeatable if you want to believe in literal 6-day creation, 5-point Calvinism, extreme biblical inerrancy, exclusively male leadership, eternal conscious torment and all the other things that stick in my spiritual craw.

Well presented, honest, fair and hard to dispute - Rated
Grundem has written a Christian masterpiece. An extremely honest, heart/soul searching address of Christian theological issues. His honest approach and fair representation of the various views on subjects gives you confidence that this writer is doing all he can to help the reader through the confusing labyrinth of theology. He presents his arguments fairly, concisely and in an easy manner. He gives equal attention to opposing views too - incredibly unbiased. A must for the serious reader who wants to search the richness of God's Word.