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Berkhof's Systematic Theology

Discussion in 'Books & Publications Forum' started by jcrowe, Nov 6, 2002.

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  1. jcrowe

    jcrowe New Member

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    Have any of you read Systematic Theology by Louis Berkhof? I ordered the book, and just wanted to get some opinions about it before I started reading it. I know that Berkhof will look at things from a Calvanistic perspective, which is okay by me becasue I tend to look at things in that perspective. [​IMG]

    Thanks in advance for your comments & responses.
     
    #1 jcrowe, Nov 6, 2002
  2. Dr. Bob

    Dr. Bob Administrator
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    Berkhof's position will sometimes be at loggerheads with Baptist beliefs, as he is not Baptist per se.

    Prefer Strong or Chafer, but have enjoyed reading in Berkhof, Shedd, Theissen, Bancroft, et al.

    Caveat: It is HARD reading. Don't know how many times I would have to read and reread sentences to be sure I understood them.

    And to be honest, now that I am 32+ years in full time ministry, I do NOT read the old theology books that often. Usually to help with a problem as a resource rather than detailed study that I did in grad school.

    Gettin soft in my old age :rolleyes:
     
    #2 Dr. Bob, Nov 6, 2002
  3. Jim1999

    Jim1999 <img src =/Jim1999.jpg>

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    Berkhof, AA Hodge, Carles Hodge, G.C. Berkouwer, all theologians of the old Princeton Seminary and all sound in theology. A.H. Strong is also a hard read at times...small print..seemed ok when I was 50 years younger..and also supports Theistic evolution, but sound in theology from a Baptist viewpoint.

    I still read the old books. I just can't get on with the newer writers,,,maybe the price deters me. I just paid $80.00 for one book that would have cost about 8.95 when I was building my library.

    Cheers to you and good studies.

    Jim
     
    #3 Jim1999, Nov 6, 2002
  4. Rev. G

    Rev. G New Member

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    This is quite true - but you will be richly rewarded in your endeavor!!!

    Hard reading, well worth every ounce of intellectual sweat!

    [​IMG]
     
    #4 Rev. G, Nov 7, 2002
  5. Pastork

    Pastork New Member

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    Louis Berkhof's Systematic Theology is still regarded as one of the best in Presbyterian circles and is definitely worth reading. However, if you want a really good Reformed theology text that is current, readable, scholarly, and baptistic, you won't do better than Wayne Grudem's Systematic Theology. In my opinion, it is much better than Berkhof's work.

    Pastork
     
    #5 Pastork, Nov 7, 2002
  6. TomVols

    TomVols New Member

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    Berkhof is a must read. I'd concur on the recommendation on Wayne Grudem. I'd add James Boyce, James Boice, J.L. Dagg, Robert Reymond and Millard T. Erickson to the list as well. All have systematic theologies that are must reads.
     
    #6 TomVols, Nov 7, 2002
  7. All about Grace

    All about Grace New Member

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    If you are going to read Berkhof's ST, you had better set aside a few weeks (if you are a fast reader) or a few months if you are "not so fast" ;) There is some great "stuff" in Berkhof, but one must often wade deep to get there.
     
    #7 All about Grace, Nov 7, 2002
  8. jcrowe

    jcrowe New Member

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    Thank you for all of your comments. I am going to add Wayne Grudem to my christmas list. [​IMG] I looked up some of his writing on the net and it was very well-thought out & very readable.

    Thanks again
     
    #8 jcrowe, Nov 8, 2002
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