Yes, Dr. Norman Geisler's Systematic Theology is available in One volume now!!! It will be awesome to have this book in Logos!!!!!!! Here is the link for this book.
Unabridged?
I would assume it's abridged in some fashion... according to Bethany House's page the 4 volume set runs at ~2700 pages, while the single volume work tallies ~1700 pages. Unless the print is significantly smaller, I'm sure they had to cut out some stuff.
Reviews didn't say anything about unabridged, but like LaRosa said, it might be
I've been contemplating buying the 4 vol set, but have read wildly divergent reviews of this resource. Could anyone share their thoughts/opinion on this resource?
James,
I'm personally under the belief that just about any systematic theology is worth having in your library, whether you agree with the author's theological background or not. As far as Geisler goes, if you're of a dispensational background, then this work is worth having for sure.
I've read portions of it and have really enjoyed it, especially as he is thorough and incorporates a good deal of church history in his discussion.
It's unabridged. Everything has been retypeset in smaller type and thinner sheets of paper, with new page numbers for everything.You can see it on Amazon here.
In my opinion the work is valuable from an apologetical perspective if you already agree with Geisler's theology. The review of it posted here: http://rdtwot.wordpress.com/2010/07/24/systematic-theology-norman-geisler/ is one of the more accurate assessments of the work, in my opinion. It is not mine, but it captures my thoughts very well. There is an extended discussion on the set in the comments section of the blog post too.
"Despite arranging his material according to the classical loci communes, i.e., prolegomena, theology proper & creation, soteriology & hamartiology, ecclesiology & eschatology, Geisler’s ST isn’t actually systematic theology; it’s a reception history of various propositions. What do I mean? Good question. Basically Geisler takes a theological proposition, e.g., God is impassible, and he proceeds to quote passages of Scripture, patristic Christian writers, medieval Christian writers, Reformation and post-Reformation era Christian writers, and at times modern Christian writers on the subject. The problem is that such an approach is super-selective and what we end up getting are soundbites that are ultimately unhelpful. This then is not a systematic theology, but a reference guide, or dictionary of sorts."
Perhaps I'm biased a bit though, because I've become very cool towards Geisler and his work after his bullying of fellow apologist Mike Licona. His actions there tarnishes and devalues his work, in my view.
I'm personally under the belief that just about any systematic theology is worth having in your library, whether you agree with the author's theological background or not.
Sys-Theo's in particular are better IMHO than many commentaries for comparative studies because (1) they are not restricted to the text directly in front of them and (2) by virtue of the same reason they demonstrate (reveal) the sort of proof texting that varying holders of disparate doctrines often resort to.
If I can get a good sys-theo from a dispensationalist and a covenantalist for example and set them side by side on specific doctrines, I can quickly (?) trace their arguments and often times see where the guys I both agree with and disagree with are grasping at straws. The same holds true for many doctrines.
That said, I would not be against a good chart of many Logos available SysTheo's that would list the leanings of each author.
The full four volume set is available in Logos: http://www.logos.com/product/3598/systematic-theology .
Personally, I find it very uneven, but your mileage may very.
Like others have said, I find it helpful to have as many Systematic Theology texts as possible, particularly from other theological persuasions then my own. In seeing how different theologians handle various topics helps sharpen my own views, and exposes the weaknesses in my views.
Dave
Full volume set is expensive compared to this one I like to have this one volume book.
It's unabridged. Everything has been retypeset in smaller type and thinner sheets of paper, with new page numbers for everything.
Really? Amazon's look-into copyright page says it's condensed and that leaves me wondering. Thinner paper would not reduce the page number nor the bytes in Logos - I wonder if a smaller type really does so much.
In case someone has the four volume version, they could compare their text to the sample pages on Amazon - since a new print edition that simply puts more text between the covers without changing the content doesn't reward a new Logos edition (maybe a new look from Logos' side onto the price-tag, but that's all).
Perhaps I'm biased a bit though, because I've become very cool towards Geisler and his work after his bullying of fellow apologist Mike Licona.
Incidentially I was reading Geisler's "Conviction without Compromise" when I first became aware of the Licona controversy, and I wondered how Geisler acted so directly against nearly all he has written there (notwithstanding the title, this book revolves around the motto "in essentials unity, in nonessentials liberty, in all things charity" )
His actions there tarnishes and devalues his work, in my view.
But then again - if you were to apply that standard against other authors and theologians, your library would become rather small (thinking of Luther, Calvin and Bernard of Clairvaux at the moment).
Really? Amazon's look-into copyright page says it's condensed and that leaves me wondering. Thinner paper would not reduce the page number nor the bytes in Logos - I wonder if a smaller type really does so much. In case someone has the four volume version, they could compare their text to the sample pages on Amazon - since a new print edition that simply puts more text between the covers without changing the content doesn't reward a new Logos edition (maybe a new look from Logos' side onto the price-tag, but that's all).
I compared the four volume set to the condensed volume yesterday at a local bookstore. The content is unchanged, the paper is noticeably thinner, and the font size is smaller. Random pages of content found in the four volumes matched up word for word in the single volume edition. Both editions have the same content.
I think Geisler has an elevated sense of importance, as evidenced by his public call for Licona to recant and repent from his position in his book. When Licona didn't back down, and public and scholarly sentiment came out with overwhelming support of Licona, Geisler took the gloves off and lost his mind. Some people do not handle defeat well.
Character, when known, matters, so the work has been devalued in my opinion. Doesn't mean I'm getting rid of it. I'll just be more on guard when I read it. The fact that Luther was a Jew hater and that Calvin was instrumental in getting someone burned at the stake will factor into my assessment of their writings when and if I do read them!
I have Geisler's 4 volume set, and it's very good. In fact I include it in both my Theology and Apologetics collections.
I am very grateful to Dr. Geisler for the encouragement he provided me. I read his article regarding dating the books of the New Testament. I have always found the subject interesting, and so I wrote and asked his opinion about listing various scholars opinions in a spreadsheet. He liked the idea, and so I ran with it.
http://www.errantskeptics.org/The-New-Testament.htm
