Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine Review

I read a lot of Amazon reviews of Systematic Theology books before selecting Wayne Grudem's. I wanted one that gives the Reformed (Calvinist) view. I have not attended seminary or Bible college, but I have read a bit of Luther, Calvin, Packer, and Sproul. I was drawn to this book because of reviews that said it is reformed, readable, and accessible to lay persons. I am pleased with this book. It is readable and compatible with my views on most elements of the Christian faith. Grudem writes with conviction that his views are correct, but without malice or hostility towards other views that are within orthodox Christianity. There are plenty of references to Scripture, sometimes quoting the text and sometimes only giving the reference. He looks to Scripture as the greatest source for resolving theological disagreements, and often provides insights and Biblical references that had not occurred to me.

Some of the views promoted by this book are Calvinist soteriology, inerrancy of the Bible, the full deity and humanity of Jesus, the virgin birth, non-cessation of spiritual gifts, complementarian gender roles, believer baptism and post-tribulation premillinial eschatology.

I generally adhere to the view that one must read the entire book before writing a review, but this is a somewhat massive book by my standards. It is a book that you can read the chapters in almost any order. So here are my comments on some parts of the book.

Chapter 15, Creation, starts with beliefs that all Christians hold, and moves toward areas of disagreement and uncertainty, winding up with the young earth/old earth views, whether "day" means 24 hours, and several views of evolution. Grudem is not very decisive but somewhat favors the 24 hour day and young earth views. He is more decisive in other chapters.

Chapter 26, The Person of Christ, affirms the virgin birth and explains why it is important. Much of the chapter deals with Jesus' human nature and divine nature and the relationship between the two; the sinlessness of Jesus; the kenosis theory is rejected. The chapter has topics that I didn't need - Apollinarianism, Nestorianism, and Monophysitism.

Chapter 52, Gifts of the Holy Spirit, Part 1, lists gifts identified in 1 Corinthians, Ephesians, Romans, and 1 Peter. The book uses an outline format that helps the reader keep oriented as to what is being discussed, and to search for particular topics. There is more extensive discussion of whether some gifts, such as prophecy, have ceased since the death of the apostles. Grudem favors the view that all the gifts continue to this day, and some will cease at the second coming of Jesus. There is considerable discussion of the opposing view as given by Robert L. Reymond and others. Grudem acknowledges the special status of Scripture; prophecy is subordinate to Scripture, and no new Scripture is being added to the canon. Grudem accepts A.D. 90 for the writing of Revelation, so I expect that I will have difficulty with some of his eschatology.

The book has a very nice binding, font, paper, and layout. It is large and weighs 4.1 pounds, making it somewhat hard to hold, so a two-volume printing would be better in some respects.

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