According to Pastor Brian Hedges, here are his five recommendations and why: 1. Systematic Theology (Louis Berkhof). It's brief for a systematic theology. It has a good sense of the historical development of doctrine. 2. Systematic Theology (Wayne Gruden). The most accessible systematic theology for the ordinary Christian. Every chapter begins with a devotion and ends with a hymn so it has a devotional component throughout the book. A limitation is Grudem can be somewhat disproportionate in how he treats certain topics (e.g. the atonement is covered in 40 pages while the gifts of the Spirit is covered in 70 pages). 3. The Christian Faith (Michael Horton). Hedges' favorite contemporary systematic theology. Horton keeps his eye on the story of Scripture itself. Horton focuses on four different "coordinates": drama, doctrine, doxology, and discipleship. Horton grounds everything in "drama" or the story of Scripture, lets the doctrines arise out of the story, shows the doctrines' implications for worship or doxology and for Christian living or discipleship. This is a more historically aware and philosophically nuanced systematic theology than, say, Grudem. A little bit less accessible for ordinary Christians, but good for those studying to be elders or for Christian ministry. 4. Reformed Dogmatics (Herman Bavinck). This is 4 volumes. It's older or more historic. Bavinck lived from the 19th to early 20th century, but his discussions in his systematic theology are amazingly contemporary. He's robustly Trinitarian. 5. Institutes of the Christian Religion (John Calvin). This is 2 volumes in 4 books. Final edition published in 1559. Calvin is amazing, devotional, worshipful, eloquent, and has brought tremendous joy to Hedges' pilgrimage.
Thank you...about a month ago l was asking everyone this question. I have Calvin's Institutes and now have Berkof's Systematic Theology. What's your thoughts about Herman Hoskema? Also Peter Van Mastrichts Systematic Theology is on sale for $100 right now ...for all 4 Books. Thanks...🙏
I see Wilhelmus A Brakel's "A Christians Reasonable Service" on the shelf behind you. That is my favorite, I love the puritans approach which holds the reformation theology while making practical applications for the Christian life. When read along side of Calvin's "Institutes of The Christian Religion" you gain a wonderful balance view of Gods word. To God alone be the glory!
I suggest Evangelical Theology, by Michael F. Bird. Not a full-blown systematic theology but an exploration of some matters unique to evangelicalism is the 21st century. Dr. Bird has stated he would rather be remembered as a good teacher than a great scholar. That and his perspective as an Australian Anglican who is both evangelical and Reformed make his work approachable for people just starting to listen to the theological conversation.
Read "Abraham's Four Seeds" by John G. Reisinger, to see the problems with both Reformed Covenant Theology and modern Dispensational Theology. The first is about 400 years old and the second is only about 200 years old. Both of these systems ignore or misinterpret the New Covenant fulfilled by Christ's blood at Calvary. New Covenant Whole Gospel: Let us now share the Old Testament Gospel found below with the whole world. On the road to Emmaus He said the Old Testament is about Him. He is the very Word of God in John 1:1, 14. Awaken Church to this truth. Jer 31:31 Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: Jer 31:32 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD: Jer 31:33 But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people. Jer 31:34 And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more. Is the most important genealogy in the Bible found in Matthew 1:1 (Gal. 3:16)? Is God's Son the ultimate fulfillment of Israel (John 1:49)? Why has the modern Church done a pitiful job of sharing the Gospel with modern Orthodox Jews? Why would someone tell them they are God's chosen people and then fail to share the Gospel with them? Who is the seed of the woman promised in Genesis 3:15? Who is the "son" in Psalm 2? Who is the "suffering servant" of Isaiah 53? Who would fulfill the New Covenant promised in Jeremiah 31:31-34? Who would fulfill the timeline of Daniel chapter 9 before the second temple was destroyed? Why have we not heard this simple Old Testament Gospel preached on Christian television in the United States on a regular basis? Once a person comes to understand the New Covenant promised to Israel and Judah in Jeremiah 31:31-34, which is found fulfilled by Christ during the first century in Hebrews 8:6-13, and Hebrews 10:16-18, and specifically applied to the Church in 2 Corinthians 3:6-8, and Hebrews 12:22-24, man-made Bible doctrines fall apart. Let us now learn to preach the whole Gospel until He comes back. The King of Israel is risen from the dead! (John 1:49, Acts 2:36) Watch the TH-cam video “The New Covenant” by Bob George.
Calvinists don’t like people who leave the orthodoxy-sovereignty and covenant theology-MacArthur and Geisler as well embrace the first part but not the second one completely
All due respect, my brother, but most of these contain a STRONG Reformed theological strain. Every systematic theology comes from a SPCIFIC theological school of thought; Reformed, Presbyterian (Buswell), Strong (Baptist), Oden (Methodist) Thiessen (Southern Baptist), etc. I learned early in my walk with Christ, use these to GATHER all texts that are relevant to a certain doctrine and THEN read each passage at least 20 times in one sitting (live in the text and watch it come alive!). I say this respectfully friends, do not allow yourself to fit-in to any theological school of thought; be a Bible student. I welcome your response, friend and appreciate what you are trying to do. Angel Arellano Jr, According To The Scriptures.
'Catholic Record' September 1 1923 "Sunday is our MARK of authority....The church is above the bible, and this transference of Sabbath observance is proof of that fact." ☝️ Blasphemy! Protestants who claim to keep Sunday holy are wondering after the beast and your claim of Sola scriptura is made in vain.
According to Pastor Brian Hedges, here are his five recommendations and why:
1. Systematic Theology (Louis Berkhof). It's brief for a systematic theology. It has a good sense of the historical development of doctrine.
2. Systematic Theology (Wayne Gruden). The most accessible systematic theology for the ordinary Christian. Every chapter begins with a devotion and ends with a hymn so it has a devotional component throughout the book. A limitation is Grudem can be somewhat disproportionate in how he treats certain topics (e.g. the atonement is covered in 40 pages while the gifts of the Spirit is covered in 70 pages).
3. The Christian Faith (Michael Horton). Hedges' favorite contemporary systematic theology. Horton keeps his eye on the story of Scripture itself. Horton focuses on four different "coordinates": drama, doctrine, doxology, and discipleship. Horton grounds everything in "drama" or the story of Scripture, lets the doctrines arise out of the story, shows the doctrines' implications for worship or doxology and for Christian living or discipleship. This is a more historically aware and philosophically nuanced systematic theology than, say, Grudem. A little bit less accessible for ordinary Christians, but good for those studying to be elders or for Christian ministry.
4. Reformed Dogmatics (Herman Bavinck). This is 4 volumes. It's older or more historic. Bavinck lived from the 19th to early 20th century, but his discussions in his systematic theology are amazingly contemporary. He's robustly Trinitarian.
5. Institutes of the Christian Religion (John Calvin). This is 2 volumes in 4 books. Final edition published in 1559. Calvin is amazing, devotional, worshipful, eloquent, and has brought tremendous joy to Hedges' pilgrimage.
Thanks a lot friend
Thank you for your service.
Thank you...about a month ago l was asking everyone this question. I have Calvin's Institutes and now have Berkof's Systematic Theology. What's your thoughts about Herman Hoskema? Also Peter Van Mastrichts Systematic Theology is on sale for $100 right now ...for all 4 Books. Thanks...🙏
Well said and great list
I see Wilhelmus A Brakel's "A Christians Reasonable Service" on the shelf behind you. That is my favorite, I love the puritans approach which holds the reformation theology while making practical applications for the Christian life. When read along side of Calvin's "Institutes of The Christian Religion" you gain a wonderful balance view of Gods word. To God alone be the glory!
Great vid Brian. Just got Berkhof. Thanks for the insights
Very beautiful study!
Great video.
Do a library tour?!
Lewis S. Chafer’s Systematic Theology is not listed? It is a masterful work as well.
Which is very deep & update systematic theology?
wow! I really like your library. :)
What's your take on the "Gregory's N. Orations" ?
What is their soteriology?
Reformed aka Calvinistic
I suggest Evangelical Theology, by Michael F. Bird. Not a full-blown systematic theology but an exploration of some matters unique to evangelicalism is the 21st century. Dr. Bird has stated he would rather be remembered as a good teacher than a great scholar. That and his perspective as an Australian Anglican who is both evangelical and Reformed make his work approachable for people just starting to listen to the theological conversation.
Excellent! Thank you. I love Grudem. But he has turned to "old earth" standpoint. Still love him, though. These men are wonderful blessings from God.
Thomas Oden's "Classic Christianity" is the best Systematic Theology.
Valuable content, although the background "music" is an annoying distraction.
Read "Abraham's Four Seeds" by John G. Reisinger, to see the problems with both Reformed Covenant Theology and modern Dispensational Theology.
The first is about 400 years old and the second is only about 200 years old. Both of these systems ignore or misinterpret the New Covenant fulfilled by Christ's blood at Calvary.
New Covenant Whole Gospel:
Let us now share the Old Testament Gospel found below with the whole world. On the road to Emmaus He said the Old Testament is about Him.
He is the very Word of God in John 1:1, 14.
Awaken Church to this truth.
Jer 31:31 Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah:
Jer 31:32 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD:
Jer 31:33 But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.
Jer 31:34 And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.
Is the most important genealogy in the Bible found in Matthew 1:1 (Gal. 3:16)? Is God's Son the ultimate fulfillment of Israel (John 1:49)? Why has the modern Church done a pitiful job of sharing the Gospel with modern Orthodox Jews? Why would someone tell them they are God's chosen people and then fail to share the Gospel with them? Who is the seed of the woman promised in Genesis 3:15? Who is the "son" in Psalm 2? Who is the "suffering servant" of Isaiah 53? Who would fulfill the New Covenant promised in Jeremiah 31:31-34? Who would fulfill the timeline of Daniel chapter 9 before the second temple was destroyed? Why have we not heard this simple Old Testament Gospel preached on Christian television in the United States on a regular basis?
Once a person comes to understand the New Covenant promised to Israel and Judah in Jeremiah 31:31-34, which is found fulfilled by Christ during the first century in Hebrews 8:6-13, and Hebrews 10:16-18, and specifically applied to the Church in 2 Corinthians 3:6-8, and Hebrews 12:22-24, man-made Bible doctrines fall apart.
Let us now learn to preach the whole Gospel until He comes back. The King of Israel is risen from the dead! (John 1:49, Acts 2:36)
Watch the TH-cam video “The New Covenant” by Bob George.
Gerhard Vos got to me when I was in what at best was universalism/pseudo Arminian thinking. Finally read the dreaded Calvin!
The music is soooo annoying
What not John MacArthur 😮. It’s so readable and accurate
Calvinists don’t like people who leave the orthodoxy-sovereignty and covenant theology-MacArthur and Geisler as well embrace the first part but not the second one completely
Berkhof
Reymond
Aquinas
All due respect, my brother, but most of these contain a STRONG Reformed theological strain. Every systematic theology comes from a SPCIFIC theological school of thought; Reformed, Presbyterian (Buswell), Strong (Baptist), Oden (Methodist) Thiessen (Southern Baptist), etc. I learned early in my walk with Christ, use these to GATHER all texts that are relevant to a certain doctrine and THEN read each passage at least 20 times in one sitting (live in the text and watch it come alive!). I say this respectfully friends, do not allow yourself to fit-in to any theological school of thought; be a Bible student. I welcome your response, friend and appreciate what you are trying to do. Angel Arellano Jr, According To The Scriptures.
'Catholic Record' September 1 1923
"Sunday is our MARK of authority....The church is above the bible, and this transference of Sabbath observance is proof of that fact."
☝️
Blasphemy!
Protestants who claim to keep Sunday holy are wondering after the beast and your claim of Sola scriptura is made in vain.