Shop Blog > Recommendation > Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine
-
-
Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine
- Zondervan
- 1995-01-16
- 1351Rank
- $44.99
- See details at Amazon
- Write an introduction
Valuable, yet Incomplete
Grudem does an excellent job laying out the biblical basis for reformed, evangelical theology in this work. Readers will find it valuable for pointing out relevant biblical texts on a variety of issues. His treatment of the Holy Spirit and the charismatic gifts is balanced and fair.There is one weakness in his book. Grudem seems to indicate that theology is only about compiling what the bible says about any given topic. Grudem does not explicitly acknowledge his reliance on confession and on an interpretive tradition. By doing this, Grudem seems to perpetuate the myth that the reader of Scripture can clear him or herself of all presuppositions and simply let the bible speak.Not only is this freedom from presuppositions impossible, it is dangerous. Christians should not clear their minds of presuppositions when reading the Scriptures. They should adopt and hold Christian presuppositions. These Christian presuppositions need to be read into the texts They come from tradition, as the Spirit of God has moved through the people of God throughout human history.I appreciate his work, and I will refer to it often. However, I will caution readers that theology is not simply a matter of compiling bible verses, but it is also a matter of reverently seeking the right lens through which to interpret these bible verses.
