Systematic Theology, Second Edition: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine (Hardcover) by Wayne Grudem
Systematic Theology, Second Edition: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine (Hardcover) by Wayne Grudem
This new edition of Systematic Theology by Wayne Grudem may be the most important resource you can own for helping you understand Scripture and grow as a Christian.
The most widely used resource of the last 25 years in its area, Systematic Theology by Wayne Grudem has been thoroughly revised and expanded (all 57 chapters) for the first time while retaining the features that have made it the standard in its field: clear explanations, an emphasis on each doctrine's scriptural basis, and practical applications to daily life.
Praise for the second edition:
"After a quarter century of remarkable usefulness globally . . . it remains remarkable. I thank God for this precious gift to Christ's people worldwide." - John Piper
"Stands out for its clarity and accessibility." - Thomas R. Schreiner
"One of those rare works that can challenge the scholar and instruct the beginner . . . It is simply indispensable." - Jack Deere
With nearly 250 pages of new content and revisions that took several years, this new edition now includes the following distinctive features, making it even better:
- Updated, fuller analysis of several recent controversies within evangelicalism, including the eternal relationship between the Father and the Son in the Trinity, the question of God's atemporal eternity, the role of women in the church, "seeker-sensitive" churches, miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit, and contemporary worship music.
- New, thoughtful critiques of open theism, the "new perspective on Paul," Molinism (or "middle knowledge"), "Free Grace" theology, and the preterist view of Christ's second coming
- Completely revised, stronger chapter on the clarity of Scripture
- Completely revised, stronger chapter on creation and evolution, including a longer critique of theistic evolution and an extensive discussion on the age of the earth
- New discussion of how biblical inerrancy applies to some specific "problem verses" in the Gospels
- Additional material respectfully explaining evangelical Protestant differences with Roman Catholicism (with extensive interaction with the Catechism of the Roman Catholic Church), Protestant liberalism, and Mormonism
- Completely updated bibliographies
- All Scripture quotations updated from RSV to ESV
- An explanation of why monogenes in John 3:16 and elsewhere should be translated as "only begotten" rather than merely "only" (this is a change from the first edition)
- A contemporary worship song added at the end of each chapter (while retaining the traditional hymns as well)
- New discussion on the impassibility of God
- An extensive discussion on the eternal submission of the Son to the Father, taking into account controversies in recent years
- Updated section on contemporary worship music
- A discussion of recent criticisms of the penal substitutionary view of the atonement
- Numerous other updates and corrections that have be prompted by letters and emails from people around the world and by interaction with the students Wayne has taught over the last 26 years both at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and at Phoenix Seminary
Part of the brilliance of Systematic Theology over the years has been its simplicity and ease of use. Each chapter follows the same structure. First, there is discussion of the doctrine being considered, such as justification or the Trinity or the deity of Christ. An explanation of that doctrine's biblical support and possible objections follow. Personal application and key terms to know for personal growth are then provided. Chapters also include a Scripture memory passage, references to other literature on the topic, and suggested hymns and worship songs.
If you are someone who thinks theology is hard to understand or boring, then this new edition of Systematic Theology will likely change your mind
Editorial Reviews
Review
'Wayne Grudem's second edition of Systematic Theology displays all the virtues of the first. He shows and explains how the doctrines discussed stem from the biblical text. Even if readers disagree here or there, they understand why Grudem argues as he does since he makes his case from the Scriptures. The book stands out for its clarity and accessibility. Academics, immersed in technical study for years, are prone to forget that most people have never read a systematic theology before. The lucidity and simplicity of Grudem makes his work an ideal textbook. This is not to say that scholars cannot profit from his work as well since he lays out arguments cogently. The pastoral tone of the work shines through as well. The hymns and songs concluding the chapters remind us that theology isn't a matter of abstract teaching but should lead us to praise and worship of the Lord.' -- Thomas R. Schreiner, James Buchanan Harrison Professor of New Testament Interpretation and Professor Of Biblical Theology, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
'Wayne Grudem studied with me in the early 1970s, and both of us have endorsed one another's systematic theologies. That is perhaps unusual. Our two books look at theology from somewhat different 'perspectives,' as I like to say, and so they appeal to somewhat different readers. But Grudem's book has sold a lot more copies, and deservedly so. I couldn't be happier. I wish that all Christian writers could be as thankful for God's ministry through friendly 'rivals,' authors who bless the church through biblical, clear, and winsome teaching. Scripture is so rich that we need to look at it from many angles. We need more systematic theologies, not fewer. But for now, Wayne's work is the best.' -- John Frame, professor of systematic theology and philosophy emeritus, Reformed Theological Seminary
'It is impossible to estimate the benefit that Wayne Grudem's Systematic Theology has had for countless individuals, churches, Bible colleges, and seminaries over the past twenty-five-plus years. I've gladly used it as my main text in teaching theology to thousands of students whom I've had the privilege to teach at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and Southern Seminary. And oh how my students have loved the clarity, comprehensiveness, worshipfulness, and biblical fidelity of this textbook. But now we have, due to Dr. Grudem's painstaking work, an even better, more complete, updated version of this excellent theology book. Praise be to God, and deep thanks to Wayne Grudem, for extending the life of this work and making it even better for another generation of theological students of God's Word.' -- Bruce A. Ware, T. Rupert and Lucille Coleman Professor of Christian Theology, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky
'Systematic Theology by Wayne Grudem stands squarely in the stream of broadly Reformed tradition on the main issues of theology, including the doctrine of Scripture, the doctrine of God, and the doctrine of salvation. Perhaps the strongest feature of the book is its accessibility. Grudem does not water down the meat of theology. But by minimizing technical terminology and by including hymns, questions, and indications of application, he makes systematic theology much more accessible and life-invigorating for a large range of Christian readers. In this second edition he has made further improvements by including new material and by modifying his views on a few difficult issues.' -- Vern Poythress, distinguished professor of New Testament, biblical interpretation, and systematic theology, Westminster Theological Seminary
'I can neither quantify nor qualify all the ways in which Wayne Grudem's Systematic Theology has assisted me over the past twenty-five years. I've turned to it innumerable times and for innumerable reasons, and it has invariably proven a trusted and steady guide. It was there when I was first exploring Christian doctrine and there when I was ready to dive deeper. I can say truly that few books have been more meaningful or had more influence. With the arrival of this long-awaited second edition, it is fitting that the book that has so guided me and my generation can be refreshed in such a way that it can equally impact my children and theirs. I have every confidence that it will.' -- Tim Challies, author of Epic: An Around-the-World Journey through Christian History
'I used to tell people that Grudem's Systematic Theology was the best single volume theology available. After using it for a quarter of a century, I now believe it is the best of all the systematic theologies in print, single or multivolume. It is one of those rare works that can challenge the scholar and instruct the beginner. This new edition addresses the most important changes in the theological landscape since 1994, and it has completely updated bibliographies. It is simply indispensable.' -- Dr. Jack Deere, author and Old Testament scholar
'Our current generation is seeing a resurgence in Reformed theology and practice, fueled by the likes of John Piper, R. C. Sproul, John MacArthur, the Gospel Coalition, and the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. At the heart of this renaissance is a textbook read by over 750,000 students, pastors, Christian leaders, and lay people in churches. Defining and explaining scores of doctrines, connecting them to the Bible, providing interpretations of key supporting passages, defending a Reformed theological understanding of the doctrines, and offering concrete applications of them, Wayne Grudem's Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine has provided an essential foundation for this Reformed resurgence. This second edition, updated and expanded, will undoubtedly continue to energize this reawakening!' -- Gregg R. Allison, professor of Christian theology, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, author, Historical Theology: An Introduction to Christian Doctrine
'How does one improve on a classic? You can't, say some. But I beg to differ. In this second and expanded edition of Systematic Theology, Wayne Grudem has made his classic work even better, more insightful, significantly more detailed, and an even greater resource for the Christian and the local church. When I'm asked to recommend a good and comprehensive volume on Christian doctrine and practice, I never hesitate. My encouragement is precise and to the point: 'Get Grudem!'' -- Sam Storms, PhD, lead pastor for preaching and vision, Bridgeway Church, Oklahoma City
'As a theology professor at Biola University, where I have taught for over twenty years, I feel like I coteach all my classes with Wayne Grudem. Our students are taught the basic doctrine of the Christian faith in three semesters of required courses. Grudem's Systematic Theology provides the core content for my classes and many of the other undergraduate theology courses at the university. Grudem wrote this book to strengthen the church, and it excels in its clarity, readability, and biblically based approach that seeks to get theology into real life. Systematic Theology consistently accomplishes Grudem's goal--to lead the reader to greater knowledge and worship of the God of the Bible.' -- Erik Thoennes, PhD, professor of and chair of theology, Talbot School of Theology and Biola University, pastor, Grace Evangelical Free Church of La Mirada
'Grudem's Systematic Theology is well organized, easy to understand, usually persuasive, and devotional. Grudem does not merely inform you; he stirs your affections to love and worship the triune God. Grudem is not attempting to write a cutting-edge contemporary theology that plays theological ping-pong with trendy nonevangelical theologians. Nor is he attempting to write a historical theology that exhaustively explains what significant Bible interpreters and theologians have believed. Rather, he is serving the church by helping Christians who are not experts in theology better understand what the whole Bible says about God, God's Word, man, Christ, the Holy Spirit, angels and demons, salvation, the church, and the end times.' -- Andy Naselli, associate professor of systematic theology and New Testament, Bethlehem College and Seminary, Minneapolis, pastor, Bethlehem Baptist Church
'The whole church is indebted to Wayne Grudem for a fresh presentation of evangelical Christianity. . . . Even those who do not share his . . . positions on certain issues will be enriched by Grudem's clear statement of basic evangelical theology and his helpful cross-references to other major theological positions. Of particular value is his constant eye to the application of doctrine to personal life, ministry, and the church. For Grudem, intellectual understanding cannot be separated from heart experience.' -- Allan Coppedge, former Beeson Professor of Christian Theology, Asbury Theological Seminary
'I warmly welcome the second edition of Systematic Theology. There is nothing like it. Here is an introduction to biblical doctrine that every believer can read and understand. As we read we are not only informed but edified and led to worship. And when we disagree or simply want to dig deeper, we are pointed to other resources in the Christian tradition. Just as the first edition was widely used, so I trust this new edition will do much good.' -- Bill James, principal, London Seminary, UK
About the Author
Wayne Grudem is distinguished research professor of Theology and Biblical Studies at Phoenix Seminary in Phoenix, Arizona. He holds degrees from Harvard (AB), Westminster Theological Seminary (MDiv, DD), and Cambridge (PhD). He is the author of more than 30 books including the bestselling Systematic Theology.