If you could only choose one systematic theology which one would you choose out of these two:
1) Horton: https://www.logos.com/product/26683/the-christian-faith-a-systematic-theology-for-pilgrims-on-the-way
2) Bird: https://www.logos.com/product/33987/evangelical-theology
Thanks for any feedback!
DAL
I found Horton's book very useful but couldn't really get into Bird's (I forget why now - it was some time ago!)
I wrote a review of Horton's book (below) to summarise what I found
3683.Book Review - The Christian Faith - submitted.pdf
I found Horton's book very useful but couldn't really get into Bird's (I forget why now - it was some time ago!) I wrote a review of Horton's book (below) to summarise what I found 3683.Book Review - The Christian Faith - submitted.pdf
Thanks Graham! I noticed Horton is Outlined better than Bird. I guess different perspectives, but Horton seems to be the more practical one.
Blessings!
Graham
Any thoughts on Horton Vs Wayne Grudem or Millard Erickson? I've always enjoyed Grudem's systematic theology.
HI Paul
Sorry I can't provide any real insight there - I haven't spent much time with Grudem's systematic theology for some time. One of the things I like about Horton's approach is how he positions theology in the context of a drama, a story
"The Christian faith is, first and foremost, an unfolding drama. Geerhardus Vos observed, “The Bible is not a dogmatic handbook but a historical book full of dramatic interest.” This story that runs from Genesis to Revelation, centering on Christ, not only richly informs our mind; it captivates the heart and the imagination, animating and motivating our action in the world. When history seems to come to a standstill in sin, guilt, and death, the prophets direct God’s people to God’s fulfillment of his promise in a new covenant.
B. DOCTRINE: THE GRAMMAR OF FAITH
The great doctrines of the Christian faith arise out of this dramatic plot. “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth” (Jn 1:14). Where the world’s religions focus on timelessly eternal truths, the most important teachings of Christianity concern historical events"
Michael Horton, The Christian Faith: A Systematic Theology for Pilgrims on the Way (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2011), 19–20.
Horton's book was the principle textbook for a series of systematic theology classes I took a while back. I found it very helpful. As has been mentioned, it does a good job of explaining theology in the context of the dramatic story of God's creative and redemptive relationship with humanity.
HI Paul Any thoughts on Horton Vs Wayne Grudem or Millard Erickson? I've always enjoyed Grudem's systematic theology. Sorry I can't provide any real insight there - I haven't spent much time with Grudem's systematic theology for some time. One of the things I like about Horton's approach is how he positions theology in the context of a drama, a story "The Christian faith is, first and foremost, an unfolding drama. Geerhardus Vos observed, “The Bible is not a dogmatic handbook but a historical book full of dramatic interest.” This story that runs from Genesis to Revelation, centering on Christ, not only richly informs our mind; it captivates the heart and the imagination, animating and motivating our action in the world. When history seems to come to a standstill in sin, guilt, and death, the prophets direct God’s people to God’s fulfillment of his promise in a new covenant. B. DOCTRINE: THE GRAMMAR OF FAITH The great doctrines of the Christian faith arise out of this dramatic plot. “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth” (Jn 1:14). Where the world’s religions focus on timelessly eternal truths, the most important teachings of Christianity concern historical events" Michael Horton, The Christian Faith: A Systematic Theology for Pilgrims on the Way (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2011), 19–20.
now this is very interesting, I have not thought about this approach before but it is a rather compelling argument
I went for Horton and now he joins my other Systematic Theologies with his own dramatic touch (no apologies, the pun was intended) 👍😁👌
If you could only choose one systematic theology which one would you choose out of these two: 1) Horton: https://www.logos.com/product/26683/the-christian-faith-a-systematic-theology-for-pilgrims-on-the-way 2) Bird: https://www.logos.com/product/33987/evangelical-theology Thanks for any feedback! DAL
DAL, thanks for bringing attention to these. Since I already have Horton, I will add Bird and see what I think of him.
If you could only choose one systematic theology which one would you choose out of these two: 1) Horton: https://www.logos.com/product/26683/the-christian-faith-a-systematic-theology-for-pilgrims-on-the-way 2) Bird: https://www.logos.com/product/33987/evangelical-theology Thanks for any feedback! DAL DAL, thanks for bringing attention to these. Since I already have Horton, I will add Bird and see what I think of him.
Post your thoughts if you can, please. I could give him a 30 day trial but I’m not sure I want to do that with Bird. I’ll sleep on it tonight 👍😁👌
If you could only choose one systematic theology which one would you choose out of these two: 1) Horton: https://www.logos.com/product/26683/the-christian-faith-a-systematic-theology-for-pilgrims-on-the-way 2) Bird: https://www.logos.com/product/33987/evangelical-theology
DAL, I haven't used Horton, but Bird's is my number one go-to theology.
It depends how you think and hat you're expecting. Bird treats the gospel (the euangelion) the heart of theology, and I love what happens as a result.
A systematic theology always starts with a system (categories, questions that define what you're doing). Making the gospel the heart of the system works for me.
Post your thoughts if you can, please.
Doing a brief flyover on Bird (I couldn't resist) I will say this, I think given the proposition to choose I would go with Horton as you have done. Erickson and Grudem are better on the subject. I'm a sucker for a deal on this subject though so I will keep my purchase as I may hew some gems from Bird's labor.
I own Grudem and I find he's really down to earth on stuff so you can apply it without having to grind it down.
There are three volumes currently on my wish list that fit the sale. I'm trying to decide which ones to add. There's Millard, Joel Beeke's work,and Integrative Theology I'm kind of stuck in the valley of decision.
If you could only choose one systematic theology which one would you choose out of these two: 1) Horton: https://www.logos.com/product/26683/the-christian-faith-a-systematic-theology-for-pilgrims-on-the-way 2) Bird: https://www.logos.com/product/33987/evangelical-theology Thanks for any feedback!
Of those two, definitely Bird. I own both, but Horton did not really speak to me. I like Bird's writing style which aims to tke the dry and dusty out of systematic theology (actually the promo video for the book was cool enough to sell it to me back then) - but still he is a first-rate theologian, not dumbing it down. His theological convictions are not bound to the sometimes weird boundary lines of US-american theological camps, which makes it a refreshing read for international evangelicals.
Thanks NB Mick! I bought it and I’ll be giving it a test drive. It’s a great deal with great reviews 👍😁👌
Ahhhh cafeteria christianity at its finest!
Why don’t you give us your recommendation 😜
True, but some great food to choose from. Far different from what is meant by 'cafeteria Christianity.' [;)]
mm.
Robert Culver's systematic theology is one to look into. It is scholarly and thorough.
I concur! To be honest all systematic theologies contribute something to our studies regardless of their “tradition.”
👍😁👌
Totally agree!! His eschatology is different than mine, but what a tremendous volume he put out. Very highly recommened!
Here's an interview that Desiring God had with Dr. Culver prior to his death at 98. Great read.
The Old Man and His Big Book
I know I'm a little biased as Dr. Culver's son was my brother-in-law. I have an original edition signed by "Pop" Culver. A treasured possession.
Cool story. Did you have a chance to talk with him a bit?
I talked to him many times. His working vocabulary was amazing.
I don’t hear too many people talking about Culver’s systematic theology, other than Packer, Mohler, Kaiser, and Wiersbe [:)] What a gem!
Oh, it’s Horton’s Systematic Theology book for me every day of the week and twice on Sunday. Only the correct link is this one: https://www.logos.com/product/164310/systematic-theology-revised-edition
Michael Horton, not Stanley Horton 😉 Besides, the one you gave a link to is not included in the sale.
Dr. Culver‘s Systematic Theology is wonderful. It should have been published in three volumes. The print edition has very small font. But at $24 on Logos now, it is an extraordinary value. The 1200 pages is more like 2000 pages in most published books.
Oh, it’s Horton’s Systematic Theology book for me every day of the week and twice on Sunday. Only the correct link is this one: https://www.logos.com/product/164310/systematic-theology-revised-edition Michael Horton, not Stanley Horton 😉 Besides, the one you gave a link to is not included in the sale. DAL
I know. But I do mean every word about highly respecting Stanley Horton’s theology books. His is my go to Sysematic Theology book. 🙂
Oh, it’s Horton’s Systematic Theology book for me every day of the week and twice on Sunday. Only the correct link is this one: https://www.logos.com/product/164310/systematic-theology-revised-edition Michael Horton, not Stanley Horton 😉 Besides, the one you gave a link to is not included in the sale. DAL I know. But I do mean every word about highly respecting Stanley Horton’s theology books. His is my go to Sysematic Theology book. 🙂
I own Stanley’s books but in WORDsearch because they sold them to me dirt cheap. My premium books are in Logos, but other miscellaneous are in WS and Accordance. I wonder if Michael and Stanley are related since they both have the last name Horton.
I own Stanley’s books but in WORDsearch because they sold them to me dirt cheap. My premium books are in Logos, but other miscellaneous are in WS and Accordance. I wonder if Michael and Stanley are related since they both have the last name Horton. DAL
If they were picnics must have been interesting. Stanley Horton died about 5 years ago. But a Reformed and Pentecostal theologian together in one family? As I said, get togethers would have been amazing. LOL
