To that end, I want to offer some tips on buying systematic theology books.
These works tend to come in four sizes I’ll call small, medium, large, and sets. Small ones can be about 200 paperback novel-like pages. Medium runs closer to 400-500 textbook-sized pages. Large books tend to run around 1200 pages. Then you have multi volume sets. One author may offer books of more than one size. Length determines how much depth the author can go into. It also determines how much the author can split hairs. For those really, really interested, a set can be a wonderful investment. For those who just want to get their feet wet, there’s nothing wrong with starting small.
Now to name names. There are lots and lots of systematic theologies out there. I haven’t read many at all. But these are the ones I like of the ones I’ve read.
Wayne Grudem’s popular Systematic Theology has a number of great features. Every chapter ends with “questions for personal application” and a bibliography which lists other works from many different backgrounds where you can go deeper on the topic; this is very broad, including Arminians, Reformed, Dispensational, and even Roman Catholics. He then gives a scripture memory passage and a hymn that correspond to the topic of the chapter. Appendices include a glossary, historic confessions of faith, a compilation of the scripture memory passage from the book, contemporary worship songs classified by chapter, an annotated bibliography, and a closer look at a debate on what the words usually rendered “only begotten” mean. The extras make this a really useful book to teach from. Be aware Grudem is a Calvinist and charismatic, and certain sections will reflect that. Also, there is a recent second edition that reflects changes to his positions and also includes new material, making it a few hundred pages longer than the original.
Grudem’s large volume has been edited to form a medium, Bible Doctrine, and a small, Christian Beliefs. They don’t have all the extras, but they do offer discussion questions at the end of each chapter.
Millard Erickson’s Christian Theology doesn’t have as many extras as Grudem’s work, but it does contain study questions and a helpful outline at the beginning of each chapter. And I think it’s a bit more readable than Grudem’s. Erickson is Reformed Baptist, but I think his reformed position is a little less obtrusive than a lot of reformed writers.
Erickson’s large volume has been edited to form a medium Introducing Chrisitan Doctrine. There are multiple editions of both. If someone asked me to recommend one book but didn’t want to tackle a large one, this is what I’d suggest.
Tony Evans’ Theology You Can Count On to my knowledge only comes in a large volume. It contains application points and discussion questions at the end of each chapter. You’re probably aware that Evans is a great communicator, and this book reflects that. It’s very easy to read, and if you’re familiar with him, you can read it in his voice, which is kind of fun. He’s not reformed, but he does not soft-peddle the sovereignty of God.
All of the larger works I read, you might say, laterally, meaning instead of reading them cover to cover, I read each one’s section on, say, Christology. Evans’ is the one I most want to go back and read cover to cover. I really enjoyed his book.
Other small works of note:
Know Why You Believe by Paul Little is very small, but a great introduction for someone who isn’t up to a longer work. If I was going to give a book to someone a little reluctant, this would be it.
Concise Theology by JI Packer isn’t my favorite of his books (see below), but it is typical Packer (meaning quite good). Packer was a Calvinist Anglican, and it shows in his positions.
Affirming the Apostles’ Creed by JI Packer is also included in his Growing in Christ. I absolutely love this one. I’d force this one on everyone I know if I could get away with it.
5 Minute Theologian by Rick Cornish (a little thicker than others, but still small) was written as an introduction for his teen sons. It’s 100 short chapters; one a day will take you just over three months. I have recommended it before as well as the companion books 5 Minute Apologist and 5 Minute Church Historian as devotionals. They’d be good for anyone.
Other medium works of note:
Everyone’s a Theologian by RC Sproul is also available in audio form as Sproul’s “Foundations” class. It’s a good book, typical RC. I really love hearing him teach, so I highly recommend his class which is basically the audiobook. When Christian Audio does their twice a year sale, the course is very much worth $7.49. Sproul was Reformed Presbyterian, and he’ll do his best to convert you, but if you don’t mind that, you can really enjoy this work.
Basic Theology by Charles Ryrie isn’t my favorite, but he's a dispensational Baptist, which offers a different perspective on some issues from these other guys, and it’s pretty well written.
Finally, Growing Deep in the Christian Life by Chuck Swindoll is technically a medium-sized systematic theology, but it’s unlike any other book I’ve come across. In Swindoll’s usual easy, pastoral style, he looks at issues from a different angle. I would recommend it to complement any other systematic theology.
As for sets, I haven’t tackled any for more than a few pages. There are many written from a number of theological perspectives. In the not-too-distant future I hope to get cozy with Calvin’s Institutes and Chafer’s set, maybe balancing them with Oden’s Arminian point of view.
If you’re only going to read one, read something fairly close to the views of your church so you can explain why you believe what you believe. If you’re going to go deeper, reading something from a different point of view will help you better understand why you believe what you believe -- or force you to modify your beliefs, and that’s not a bad thing either. No one has perfect theology. Semper reformanda, “always reforming”, is a good motto for every thoughtful Christian.
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