Systematic Theology

FROM TRINITY; THROUGH THE “WORD”; AND BACK TO “TRINITY”1. IT MAKES A CIRCLE: Letham’s systematic theology travels in a large all-encompassing triune circle; from trinity; through the “living-word; and back to the trinity2. BEGINNING IN THE O.T.: he presents a comprehensive doctrine of the trinity3. THE HOLY SPIRIT: is covered as “procession” (EKPOREUOMAI) & the Latin “spiration” (breathing-out)4. SCRIPTURE: references abound; to his credit5. THE GREAT SCHISM: is also covered; between east and west6. THE INERRANCY OF SCRIPTURE IS POSITED: which satisfies conservative evangelicals7. And he posits: A SPECIFIC “APOSTOLIC AGE”; and supports it with scripture8. PANNENBERG & MOLTMANN: get a little attention; as they should; for their contributions9. HE FINDS A GOOD MIDDLE-GROUND POSITION: for the role of “tradition”; which I felt was helpful10. RETURN MOMENT: he concludes the doctrine of the “WORD” with creation reflecting back to the father with “glory”; a return to the “trinity”11. 5 STARS: easily; a very well-done systematic theology for the serious student of scripture and theology; highly recommended12. Submitted Dec 25; 2020

Sincere thanks to Dr Letham for giving the Church a systematic theology that is both erudite AND readable. His interacting with 20th century scholars is extensive (Barth and Bavinck for example) as it is equally with Augustine, Aquinas, and Calvin. The several well done indices are also a major plus. Highly recommended. And thanks to Crossway for a solidly bound book. This is an excellent work.

Systematic Theology is certainly remarkable book. I read the entire book. Dr. Letham is cautious man and that is what I like about him. Letham has knack to simplify complex issues but also expanded issues as well. One topic that has impacting on me profoundly is union in Christ. He preached the importance of union in Christ doctrine. I am glad he did that. That makes me wondering why in churches that I have had going to have not teaching on union in Christ at once among other doctrines. While he has remarkable knowledge related to Westminister Assemly history and others, I did wish he would have expand more in other topics; especially, on heaven topic. I also understand that the Heaven topic is difficult researching topic and easily lead to speculation. I just wish to see more biblical heaven since it is our everlasting place. If the Heaven is our everlasting place then should we be having more knowledge upon it? I was surprised to see he did not recommend any book on Heaven topic and I wondered why. I do wonder if he has any disagreements upon Heaven by Randy Alcorn which is a massive book on the Heaven alone. I appreciated reading the appendix on Genesis 1-2 interpretation especially on various theories.

Good book, good condition, good price.

If you are interested in Classic Reformed Systematic Theology then this an excellent choice for its easy reading, hearty content and up-to-date materials. I have several Systematic Theology books and I must say that this is not my top choice (still up there, but not the first book I will turn to when I need to know something).ONE NEGATIVE:Although I am Reformed, I appreciate Systematic Theology that is not from a "confessional position" as this author indicates (p.33). Others may prefer this kind of books to show support for their position, but I want to see systematic theology built up from the Scriptures even though the conclusions may not always conclusively affirm author's Reformed positions, leaving the final conclusion to the readers of the book. In this way, I appreciate Wayne Grudem's Systematic Theology (and I do not agree with him always, but appreciate his way of discussing various interpretations of the matter).POSITIVES:I love one of the aspects of this book is the discussion of the Trinity - the author uses it as the basis for all his theological discussions. He even states that in his introduction, "In what follows a few features differ from what is often encountered. I have already mentioned the absence of prolegomena. Additionally, I begin not with the doctrine of Scripture but with the Trinity. This stems from the overall arrangement of the book, which is centered on God and feeds thereafter into the works of God..." (p. 36). I thought, this approach was excellent, since I always felt that the discussion of Trinity was neglected in overall approach to systematic theology.Another element of the book, which I admire is the deep discussion of "Incarnation" (parts 1-3, pp. 471-544). The author thoroughly discusses, Biblical support for Incarnation, and church's formulation of it throughout the church history and ongoing issues still being discussed. This is important for believer's understanding of Christ and how we view His ministry toward us.Overall, this is a very good Reformed Systematic Theology book: Easy to read and understand (and not overtly technical), up-to-date, and refreshing approach to the arrangement of the topics. Recommended!