Cover to Cover: Reading an Entire Systematic Theology 

I’ve been in church for more than 40 years. Most of that time I never heard of doctrine, systematic theology, etc. but now in my old age and going to a church that at least teaches doctrine. I never had catechism taught either so I’m starting with the WSC and going through my bible reading and marking each one. I’m shocked at what I read at times as I’ve heard different scripture used but didn’t know how it all fit together. Sooooo many church teach absolutely nothing each Sunday. They need meat to teach us what it means to follow Christ. I don’t communicate too well but hope this makes sense to someone that may be searching. Matthew, you helped so much with making me hungry to know true doctrine, thank you.

Reformed Systematic Theology by Joel Beeke is one of the best modern systematics available (I’ve only read MacArthur, Letham, Grudem and Horton). The Puritan writings dispersed throughout the three volumes adds practical and devotional value. I’m late to reformed theology, but when I was learning about Lutheranism, I found Pieper’s Christian Dogmatics very helpful (aside from all of the Latin). Systematic theology is my favorite genre of reading and I regret being so late to discover it. 😢

I discovered your channel in the last couple of days and really respect and appreciate your content. This stuff is excellent, brother.

I have found that when I read commentaries or systematic theology for my devotions in the morning, I get so much more insight from my reading. That may not be for everyone but I find it to be very beneficial. I read a few paragraphs or even a few pages at a time and have found the quality of my morning devotions improve. There is nothing wrong with devotionals and I have used them for years but I struggled to find a really good one last year so I started reading sections of commentaries and this year sections of systematic theology with the goal to finish it eventually.

I am just a layman and an Elder in our church who loves the word of God, and your videos, but I have read Wayne Grudem’s Systematic Theology straight through like a book. Read it a couple of years ago, a chapter a week, before the new revision came out. What a tremendous resource! I highly recommend doing this to any serious student of the word.

I'm reading through Robert Letham's Systematic Theology. I've read Frame's and Berkhof's as well as a couple of others, but I must say that Letham's is my favourite. While I appreciate much of what Frame has written (I have several of his books and have greatly appreciated them), my main criticism of Frame's and Grudem's systematic theology is their soft position on charismatic theology. I'd be interested to hear your thoughts on Letham's work.

Although I am not reformed, I am currently reading through Wayne Grudem's Systematic Theology, and I think it is beneficial to read about theology from people you disagree with.

Wow, Huge compliment for Grudem. Much more than deserved.

Going through Joel Beeke's Reformed Systematic Theology four volume set over the next few years

Excellent video, Matt! I was converted at 18 right before college. My freshman year, the Lord's providence put me into a small Reformed-baptistic church. The pastor and members all had a high and affectionate view of reading and understanding theology. During my college years, I was able to get through Grudem's Systematic cover-to-cover. Also, over 3 summers, I joined a group that went through Robert Raymond's New Systematic Theology of the Christian Faith. It was my time in Raymond with that group of guys that hammered out my views on doctrine, solidifying me as a Reformed Christian. Also during college, I became a heavy reader of D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones - his teaching on the Holy Spirit in John and Romans impacted me deeply. After college, I began reading the Puritans widely. It was John Owen who has become my absolute favorite Puritan to read - his Christology and his massive work on the Holy Spirit are my favorites. Presently, I am reading through Horton's The Christian Faith. I also have acquired Joel Beeke's new Reformed Systematic Theology. I've read parts of it, and I am thoroughly impressed at how excessible it is to read. All glory to Christ! Romans 16:19-20; Colossians 2:1-3.

Thank you for this. I didn’t know I needed to read a systematic theology until I watched this!

John Frame’s systematic theology on CD played in my car, over and over, for a year

Great video and points. I’ve read straight through John Frame’s, absolutely awesome.

Thank you Pastor Matt. I enjoy learning about theology from your RU-vid. Please keep it up. I watch all your videos.

Just finished reading Frame’s Systematic for my seminary course👍🏼

I’ve been enjoying Berkhof

Letham's Systematics. He has a section on Orthodoxy which most do not. The abridged 4 vol of Bavink are excellent. I've read and owned the titled above as well as all 4 vol of Bavinck, Chafer, Calvin's Institutes in two translations (2 vol, single vol), Usher, Gill repeatedly, Dagg, Erickson, Ryrie, Heppe...I have the massive volume by Culver but the print is too tiny. I'm currently working on Vos Dogmatics. I've read all of the printed works by Frame but do no own them. There are others but I can't recall all of them. Having worked in libraries for over 30 years I've had access to a lot of theological works. Gill and Calvin are stand outs. God bless.

5:31 pretty much anything else but most certainly not once we have talkin… loved it makes glad I’m not the only one who stumbles over my own words.

Thanks for putting this together! Eventually, I'd like to pick up a systematic theology book or two. I'm trying to get a handle on exegesis, at the moment. In a few years, I may want to train to be an elder at my church. I'm only a lay person, but I'd like to learn as much as I can in lieu of a formal theology degree. In the meantime, I'm going to read, read, read, and confer with my elders to make sure I haven't misunderstood something.

I made it through Frame’s systematic theology book too! I loved it! It shaped me for the better

I purchased the three currently released volumes of Petrus van Mastricht's Theoretical-Practical Theology. I have finished Volume 1. It is excellent so far. I also have Turretin's three volume Elenctic Theology, and Calvin's Institutes (two volume edition). So I've got a fair bit I want to get read.

While it maybe doesn't technically count as systematic theology, Herman Bavinvk's "The Wonderful Works of God" is a beautifully written and relatively accessible volume! It's had a huge impact on me and lends itself to a cover to cover read. Thanks for the video sir! I appreciate your content.

I love John Frame, Louis Berkhof, and Michael Horton.

For this year, I’m reading through James P. Boyce’s, “Abstract of Systematic Theology,” put out by Founders Ministries. My goal is to read this book twice. I usually do my theology readings on the weekends because I’m a just a layman that works two jobs. After Boyce, and this one will take a while will be The Christian’s Reasonable Service by Wilhelmus A’Brakel.

The Christian Reasonable Service by Wilhelmus A Brakel , 4 vols. is a very pastoral systematic theology. I recomend this as a family systematic theology. It was used for many decades in Netherlands. John Brown of Haddington's Systematic Theology with 26000 proof text is great if your a Westminster Standards type of person. Its about 600 pgs.

In seminary our primary Systematic Theology text book (which we did read through) was "Essentials of Christian Doctrine" edited by William Placher. However, it is formatted to present 3 essays on each topic: Placher gives a historic (and orthodox) overview, and then two contemporary scholars offer their thoughts on the topic (one liberal, one more-or-less evangelical). In practice, only Placher's introductions on each topic really (taken together) form a coherent overview of systematic theology. And it really is only an overview. I read a bit of Grudem's "Bible Doctrine" during seminary as well for a more robust evangelical view, but did not finish all of it. In order to go a bit deeper than we did in seminary, I've been trying to read straight through Thomas Oden's 3-volume Systematic Theology when I can find time here and there (as a working pastor), and then I hope to read a couple of the other one-volume Theologies that have been collecting dust on my shelf (in a perfect world I'd read all of these): Grace, Faith and Holiness by Dunning (a Wesleyan); Evangelical Theology by Byrd (Evangelical Anglican); Doxology by Wainwright (British Methodist); and Introduction to Dogmatic Theology by Litton (Reformed Anglican); and maybe I'll even finish Grudem one day too, who knows...

You mention several great Systematic Theologies, of which I have several and have read several of those. Strong's is also a good one. For Baptists, though, my absolute favorite is, "Derickson's Notes On Theology", by Stanley Derickson, which weighs in at 1407 pages, BTW. For a "heavy read" it's quite light at times, as he's not afraid to interject his sense of humor to liven it up a bit. (If I had a theology professor like him in seminary, I don't think I would have struggled with it half as much as I did.)

I read Berkoff back at Bible College years ago. I really would love to get ahold of Grudem and work through it.

This encouraged me to go through my systematic theology book. My problem is I go deep in everything and I never finish. But I like the reading it through approach

Also, one that I believe could be used as a sys-theo is Thomas Watson's "A Body of Divinity".

I'm reading Beeke and Smalley volume one. Outlining briefly the main points of each section. Dr. Beeke is working on a condensed version, should be interesting.

I have a couple systematic theologies. I plan on reading through Joel Beeke's "A Puritan Theology: A Doctrine For Life" at some point in the future Lord willing. I've read a few chapters here and there and it's very readable. He has a tremendous teaching gift like that of RC Sproul who could make very deep and complex ideas and turn them into bite-sized pieces that are easily digestible and extremely applicable. My church also does a 18 month class where they go through John MacArthur's systematic theology. I have the book but haven't made it throught the class. Although I disagree with premillennial and dispensational theology, the chapters on general and special revelation and the inerrancy and authority of scripture were really good.

Since i became a Christian just over 20 years ago, I've read 4 systematic theology books from cover to cover. Robert Reymond "A new systematic theology of the Christian faith". Louis Berkhof "Systematic Theology". Wayne Grudem "Systematic Theology", and Millard Ericsson "Christian Theology". I also have Bavink "Reformed Dogmatics" in a single abridged volume. As well as Calvin's "Institutes". Which I'm slowly going through.

I read an old reformed theology by John Gill in the 1980s. All i remember is , God is Sovereign

Has anyone here ever read Robert Reymond's Systematic Theology? I've read portions and it seems excellent.

I have a strong preference for books that are at least 100 years old, so Charles Hodges’ Outlines of Theology does it for me. I’m not Reformed, but I found it to be a helpful reference. I’d like a book on Biblical theology.

I just want to thank you for all your helpful content. I have recently purchased alot of books from heritage books and did not fully understand Biblical vs Systematic theology. I have Calvins institutes and look forward to reading them. I would love for you to also cover Biblical theology so I can have a better understanding of it as well. I had watched an anti calvinist video explain why systematic theology is wrong. Would love your thoughts on that. Once again thank you.

Barth's Church Dogmatics, good luck! Sonderegger is currently producing a Systematic Theology beginning with the Scholastic tradition of commencing with de deo uno and another volume de deo trino. Pannenberg's Systematic Theology is well worth it, as is Robert Jenson's Systematic Theology. From an Orthodox angle I highly recommend Sergei Bulgakov Godmanhood trilogy. And the work of John Zizioulas in One and the Many and his work Being as Communion.

Going to get the three-volume copy of Francis Turretin.

Thanks!

ive gone trough a manual de doctrinas basicas wich is a condeced sistematic teology it has 75 pages it covers not all but most of the christian doctrines but you have to read all the biblical referencess for each doctrine and i am reading through wane grodems sistematic teology

Currently reading through 4 systematic theologies to compare and contrast their views: Christian Theology - Harwood Christian Theology - Erickson Evangelical Theology - Bird Systematic Theology - Grudem

You know it's available as an audio book. It's how I got the measure of Frame's ST.

God So Loved the World: A Study of Christian Doctrine by Lyle W. Lange A Summary of the Christian Faith: A Systematic Theology by Henry Eyster Jacobs The Saving Truth: Doctrine for Laypeople by Kurt E. Marquart

On the Wayne Grudom sys-theo: I've heard several reformed baptists put down this one as not very good. Honestly I don't think there is a true reformed baptist sys-theo out there. As a reformed baptists myself, I've greatly benefited from Louis Berkhof and his work and found if very helpful.

I have one by Wayne Grudem

An accessible and engaging 1 volume systematic theology is: "The Christian Faith: A Systematic Theology for Pilgrims on the Way" by Michael Horton (Zondervan)

I listened to Wayne Grudems Systematic Theology on Audiobooks! Does this count?

What about reading through a commentary on the Westminster confession of faith or shorter catechism more suited for those who want to read it in a devotional manner. And for the layman you will not get bogged down in side issues.

There are a lot of B's in Systematic Theology! Beeke, , Brown, Boettner, Berkoff, Berkower, Bahnson and Brakel. This could be a Reformed Theological Law Firm.

"its about the size of my head...large...LARGE!" - haha sorry but it made me giggle.

4 volume Norman Geisler systematic. Theology. Almost 4,000 pages.

Bummed Barth didn't make the list.

❤

I have Adam Harwood's Systematic Theology, Christian Theology: Biblical, Historical and Systematic

Have you also finished “A Puritan Theology” that you mentioned reading before? Does that count as a Systematic Theology?

My dad has three giant books all titled Systematic Theology. I asked if any of them disagree with the others and he said no, which i found very strange

Does it help to read Creeds, then a Confessions then a Systematic? or something like that?

Which one would you recommend for someone just starting?

I didn't even know Systematic Theology was a genre. ("Sys Theo" makes my ears bleed, LOL!) I have that same doorstopper! I began it but got sidetracked by the other 3749748248263 books I want to read. If you ever get bored and out of RU-vid ideas, time management as far as reading would be a great help. I always feel guilty when reading, and it's only getting worse. Take care & get some rest so you can kick that cold quickly.

Puritan Theology Doctrine for Life by Dr. Joel Beeke, etc...

Reymond.

Berkhof... Bromley... not sure who's next

Millard J. Erickson Christian Theology

Anthony theislton and adam harwood have bery good theology books

what, no Barth? 😇

You didn't own Turretin? Were you even saved? 😉

It is true that we confessional Baptist do not have a distinctly covenantal systemic theology for our folks but the closest I can think of other that John l dagg would be our expositions of the 1689 confession by Dr Sam Waldron and the most recent one done by Dr jim Renihan

I'm looking for a good Christian indoctrination book like that, but I'm worried about whether it will focus on personal beliefs instead of being able to learn something useful.

I have read Calvin’s Institutes and Grudem’s systematic. Thinking of rereading Calvin but wonder if I should read something different. Recommendation? Thanks for your ministry.

I am currently reading through Volume 1 Reformed Systematic Theology by Joel Beeke. I actually read it to my girls at night when I can get away with it. 😁

My favorite of the ones mentioned is John Frame. Of course, he's biblical and theological, almost to a fault (e.g. see his paper "In Defense of Something Close to Biblicism"), which every theologian should be, but unfortunately that's not always the case. However, if that was all that's true about Frame, then he'd be no better or worse than most other theologians today. He wouldn't significantly distinguish himself from among the ranks of his fellow theologians. Thankfully, that's not all. Frame is likewise quite philosophical astute as well as creative within the bounds of orthodoxy (to borrow Frame's own phrase). Most theologians today are able to recapitulate the teachings of their tradition and many are able to have a good grasp on the history of theological ideas in their tradition and in other traditions (historical theology), but I'm afraid very few have the intellectual chops to reason well in philosophical theology. Frame is one of the very few who can (e.g. he was a doctoral student and ABD in philosophy at Yale University). Another that comes to mind is William Lane Craig who is working on a systematic *philosophical* theology (emphasis on philosophical since most theology isn't very philosophically robust), but Craig is certainly not Reformed. In addition, and this is no mean feat, Frame is able to advance theology within the bounds of orthodoxy (e.g. perspectivalism). This isn't at all introducing new doctrine or the like, but better understanding God's revelation in word and world in ways past generation haven't seen as clearly and to the benefit of present and future generations. Anyway, I'd highly recommend almost anything John Frame has written including his systematic theology (which by the way includes a very good chapter on biblical theology which at least as far as I'm aware aren't in any other systematic theologies today).

Bavinck is four volumes and awesome.

Does Louis Berkhof’s A Summary of Christian Doctrine count 😂

Lewis Sperry Chafer - Systematic Theology Charles Ryrie - Basic Theology Rolland McCune - Systematic Theology A.H. Strong - Systematic Theology

John MacArthur- Biblical Doctrine

Charles Finney? As I woke this morning Saturday, February 3, 2024 God said systematic theology I knew immediately in my search for understanding that he was speaking of Charles Finney because I heard Curry Blake mentioned him in one of his teachings if God is recommending Charles Finney I would recommend you study his work

Twice... Berkhof and Bromley... the former was better

Reading a book on systematic theology is exactly why people don’t know the Bible. If you are save and just read the Bible you would never come up with limited atonement or infant baptism because it’s not in the Bible. Most of these bizarre doctrines are verses used out of context.

I've heard you pronounce it wrong in other videos before too (it's okay it doesn't take away from the quality of your channel!) Berkhof's first name is not pronounced like "Lewis" it's pronounced "Louie". As a Dutch CRC minister, I must insist on the Dutch pronunciation. ミ☆ The more you know.

THIS IS THE DEVILS WORK ... SHAME SHAME SHAME... CATHOLICS WHERE FIRST AND ALWAYS WILL BE. IF YOU WNAT IT YOUR WAY ALL THE TIME -- THE DEVIL WINS AND GETS WHAT HE WANTS.!!!!

Reformed theology is nonsense. Read the actual pastors ordained by the apostles along with the Apostalic Constitutions..