Finney's Systematic Theology [Paperback]

Charles G. Finney (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 1994

The only complete edition available, this volume contains thought-provoking writings that have been the impetus for revivals around the world.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Charles G. Finney was born in 1792, and trained as a lawyer before becoming one of America's foremost evangelists. Over one million people were converted under his ministry in an age that offered neither amplifiers nor mass communication tools. The principles he discovered concerning the principles of revival have been preserved and utilized by evangelists and missionaries alike through the centuries. Finney served as professor of Theology and President of Oberlin College in Ohio.

Product Details

• Paperback: 640 pages
• Publisher: Bethany House Publishers; Expanded edition (July 1, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1556615140
• ISBN-13: 978-1556615146
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.5 x 1.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #239,096 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

33 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars excellent work but be prepared, June 2, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Finney's Systematic Theology (Paperback)

In reading through this book, I experienced a range of emotions. At first, I was confused because Finney spends an enormous amount of time building up a "toolbox" of principles that is not immediately apparent where he is going. Components of this toolbox you will have never encountered before and will sound very strange. Thus the first 1/4-1/3 of the book left me unsatisfied and to be honest, I almost stopped reading the book. But then, everything began to come together and I could see how incredibly powerful this toolbox that he developed was. He essentially formulates Christianity, in the tradtion of Jonathan Edwards, using a moral government framework, where loving God and loving our neighbor is the "law of love" that is required of all moral agents.

That probably sounds very abstract, but it will absolutely blow you away. During some parts of the book, I was nearly crying because I saw for the first time how deficient my previous understanding of Christianity was. This book ultimately completely transformed my walk and understanding of the Bible.

The book is very honest, and very well crafted. Unlike most Systematic Theologies, it reads like a fireball of reason.

I wish that everyone, both admirers and critics of Finney, would read this book in its entirety. Do not get discouraged in the first part, just be patient. It really will revolutionize your understanding of the gospel.

19 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Theology of Revival - to help understand revival, July 25, 2002

By 

DUANE C. WILSON "D. C. Wilson" (Greenville, SC) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Finney's Systematic Theology (Paperback)

The most thorough and authoritative discussion I have ever seen. Though probably not for new christians as his language is very deep and legal sounding. Remember, Finney was a lawyer before his conversion. For those who know their bibles at all, this book will answer many questions and shed light on many "false" doctrines being shoved down peoples' throats in our churches today. These false doctrines dilute the effectiveness of the ministry and quench the fires of revival. It is no wonder that there is little true revival today. For anyone truly interested in revival (new christians included) let me recommend Finney's "Lectures on Revival" to learn how to have personal revival, then his "Autobiography of Charles Finney" to see real life examples of what happens when his theology is preached, and then return to this book, which is a must read after you understand the others. A word for those of you who criticize his theology: I wonder if any of you have truly read his works with an open mind (if at all), and whether you have the spiritual insight to realize that what you are preaching is NOT WORKING. Look at America today. Let's wake up and smell the coffee. God did not give us a powerless bible, for the gospel is "the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth", Rom. 1:16.
Notice "to EVERYONE that BELIEVETH". Note 1) it was to everyone that believed and not just to those chosen, and 2) they believed, they didn't just sit and wait for God to come their way. As I quoted in other reviews, one preacher said, "They criticize his theology, but they can't match his power." Please just read the book.

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Insightful and practical..., August 9, 2005

By 

Sam M. Tannenbaum "Sam" (Texas) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Finney's Systematic Theology (Paperback)

Finney's systematic theology is less a systematic theology in the purest sense of the term, and more a treatment of his moral government ideas applied to theological issues. I don't believe Finney advocated works-based theology as such, although many others have (obviously) reached different conclusions. What Finney recognized is that both components of a God-person relationship are real, living, thinking, free agents, and that, just as any other relationship requires the relational consent of both relatives, so does a relationship with God require mutual consent. YES, God made the first 'move'... YES, His desire for relationship can be very influential upon another free will. But to deny that we also play a part is to make God responsible for the choices of all others, who cease to become moral agents, instead becoming puppets and props in God's cosmic puppet show.

Read Finney's theology to get a good grasp of what free moral agency is, and what it entitles and entails. You may not agree with it, especially if you already think along Calvinistic lines. But even Calvinists should study Finney, if only to wrestle with the very legitimate challenges he introduces. I'm not any kind of Calvinist, so I didn't start reading tihs with Calvin-tinted spectacles on. I was fortunate not to bring that baggage to the fore. Finney's theology is compelling, challenging, and logical. It should be studied, on SOME level, by anyone who considers themself a serious theoloy student.