For the first time in its long and acclaimed history, Louis Berkhof's monumental treatment of the doctrines of the Reformed faith is now available together in one volume with his
Introduction to the Study of Systematic Theology, which serves as the prolegomenon to his theology. Designed to be read together with his
Systematic Theology, the
Introduction includes Berkhof's discussions of the nature and character of dogmatics, the methods and history of theological systematics, and the
principia, or foundations, of theology: Scripture and God. This edition also includes a new preface by Richard A. Muller that explains both the publishing history and the relation and importance of the
Introduction to the rest of Berkhof's text.
Written in a concise style and organized in a manner ideal for detailed study, Systematic Theology covers the full range of systematic loci including the doctrines of God, anthropology, Christology, soteriology, ecclesiology, and eschatology. The work also includes an extensive bibliography and full indexes to the authors, subjects, and Scriptures referenced in the text. Revised and enlarged throughout his lifetime until it reached its final form, Systematic Theology not only stands as Berkhof's magnum opus, but also is widely considered to be the most important twentieth-century compendium of Reformed theology.
Louis Berkhof (1874-1957) taught for thirty-eight years at Calvin Theological Seminary in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
This landmark edition combines Berkhof's standard, systematic treatment of the doctrines of the Reformed faith---his magnum opus---with his Introduction to Systematic Theology. Written in a scholarly yet simple style, and completely outlined and indexed, the work includes a thorough bibliography, and questions for further study follow each section. A new preface by Richard A. Muller explains the relation and importance of Berkhof's prolegomena to the rest of his systematic theology.
Average Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars(4.5 out of 5 stars)
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5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Marie Falkenhagen (Sarasota, FL), September 29, 2009
I was looking for a book that explained the Doctrines and this is something that I think should be in anyones library. It will be a big help to me understanding some things I had questions about.
3 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Del Ward (Sterling Heights, MI), September 11, 2009
There was a great price on this product. Berkhof's Systematic is a classic of the Reformed Theology. It is a good reference work to have for all theologians.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Jacobus Arnoldus Stofberg (Escondido, CA), June 26, 2009
An absolute must for biblical scholars. Provides a great foundation/introduction on systematic theology. Great buy!
4.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Philip Tang (Singapore), June 24, 2009
Without doubt this is one of the best books on Systematic Theology from the Reformed perspective. Eerdmans has done a good job in publishing this combined edition which includes the "Introduction to the Study of Systematic Theology", not present in the one published by "The Banner of Truth"
It is easy to read, the index is detailed and the headings and subheadings are a great help.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by William Snover (Midland, MI), April 24, 2009
I have only begun to read this book. I believe it is a book that every parent should buy for their young teens and ofer them a hundred dollars cash and a party in their honor if they read it with a notebook at hand and finish it before graduation from High School. No matter what denomination you are from Children need to discover that brains and genius are not the exclusive posession of secular world endeavors. This is an exciting and awesome book for child and adult, layman and scholar. At this price every Christian family that is not in financial distress should be required to purchace to maintain their membership in church. It is not the ONLY book one should read and own, but to miss it is to miss something in life. Berkhof is a scholastic and spiritual hero.
2 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Rev. Jim Barton (Mulberry, FL), January 05, 2009
Solid in some of the necessary areas. Way off in all the prophetical areas. Being a dispensationalist, it is hard to understand how he can overlook, ignore, and misinterpret some of the great prophecies of the Bible. There was no Church in the Old Testament. This position is completely untenable. A great value despite this obvious error.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Brian Olmstead (Alexander, AR), October 07, 2008
Excellent, scholarly treatise of Calvinism, also known as the doctrines of grace. I strongly recommend this edition to all who wish to have a strong knowledge of the Word of God.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Kelley Buffaloe (Pikeville, NC), July 07, 2008
This is an excellent Systematic Theology. It is a standard Reformed systematic that should be in everyone's library, especially at this price. It is solid, sound, and reliable. However, the academic style of writing can make it seem a bit dry at times. Other than that, it is a great volume.
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