Review: Grudem Systematic Theology

Wayne Grudem, SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY, [Grand Rapids MI, Zondervan, 1994] 1269 pages.

                               

Don Elifson use to tell his classes to read one Theology book a year. I have tried to do so, but not always successfully. In 2017 I read Grudem’s theology, although I have referred to it several times in my studying.

Wayne Grudem is now the research professor at Phoenix Seminary here in Arizona. It is written from a Calvinist Reformed view of most doctrine. He is readable and understandable. It is not as dry as some of the older works. He strives to be clear in his explanations, holds that theology should be practical, and is evangelical in its presentation. These goals were not allways met. He builds his theology two basis assumptions: (1) The Bible is the absolute standard of truth. (2) God exists and the Bible reveals Him. I found his comments on why and how to study theology helpful. However, I disagree that systematic theology is simply the systematic organization of Biblical truth. It entails more than that.

He breaks down this work into the seven basic areas of theology.

1.      Doctrine of the Word

2.      Doctrine of God

3.      Doctrine of Man

4.      Doctrines of Christ and the Holy Spirit

5.      Doctrine of Application of Redemption

6.      Doctrine of the Church

7.      Doctrine of the Future

However, his theology has serious flaws or misconceptions. His stereotyping different views are a drawback to helpful understand of other positions. At times it seems his purpose is to indoctrinate in the Reform view, rather than enlighten us on the subject. His proof teaching seems narrow and without much if any exegesis. There are serious doctrinal errors including that glory is not an attribute of God (220-221), he sees the glory in Christ speaking not of character, but the bright light that surrounds the Father, and by implication His Son. He is somewhat shallow on some doctrines, i.e. the resurrection of Christ. While strong on the nature of the resurrection, it lacks the significance of it, or soteriological value, and its relevance to us. On election, he argues the reformed position and simply replies on how it relates to man he simply states that it does not make us robots. He does not fully engage those who differ. He is charismatic in his views on the Holy Spirit and gifts. His view of end times is Millennial with believers going through the Tribulation. Holds to one final judgment. He is clearly anti-dispensational.

This is a mediocre theology at best. It is informative in places, but one has to be really careful using it. There are two features the reader will find worthwhile: (1) Application sections are helpful. (2) The biography after every chapter is broke down by classification or type of the work, i.e. Anglican, Baptist, Reform, Dispensational, Lutheran, or Roman Catholic. It allows the student to look up difference works to see what their perspective may be with interference by this author.  This is a plus. However one needs to use this work with a critical eye.