Customer Reviews

A Survey of Bible Doctrine

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Charles Ryrie does an excellent job of wading through some difficult subject matter and making it readable. It is by no means as thorough as some Bible surveys; however, for the vast majority of people, it is excellent for explaining what the Bible says about the character of God, the doctrine of sin, angels and demons, election vs. free will, etc. Since Ryrie is a dispensationalist, some of his bias does show through in the area of eschatology. This being said, the book is worth reading.
If you've never read the Bible before OR if you have read the Bible, but don't understand what it really teaches, I recommend this book as a great start. As with all books on the Bible, check out the verses (quoted by the author) in the Bible. You may disagree with some, but your position will be better defined and you'll come out knowing a lot more about the Bible.

I was handed this book by my Youth pastor in high school, and it helped me form the foundation of my personal faith. I am currently leading a group of high school guys through the book and they also are loving. Great for new or old christians who want to start their learning in the bible and theology.

I read in another review that Wayne Grudem's Systematic Theology was better than Ryrie's Survey book, which struck me odd. First, Ryrie's is only 192 pages, Grudem's work is massive. So, we need to compare apples to apples. For instance, J.I. Packer's work (whom I think does a nice job indeed), is a better comparison. Both books are certainly good, but most are going to favor the one that is more in line with their theology. Grudem and Packer are more reformed and Ryrie is a classical dispensationalist. The two camps agree with many, many things, but differ (sometimes) on some points and also on eschatology. Sadly, proponents of theological systems often "talk past" one another or assume theological positions. But, to be fair there are differences.

If you know you are a Grudem fan, then, yes, you may not like Ryrie's approach. Grudem who is Charismatic-leaning, and more of a 5 point Calvinist in his central belief's (hard to imagine those two together, isn't it!?) has much to commend it. I like it for several reasons. However, clarity and consistency are two things Grudem does not attain. Still, the large volume can not be compared (even if one liked his approach) to a Survey book.

Ryrie's survey book is perfect for a solid introduction to theology... or better yet, to lead a small group study through. Good stuff through-out. If you are more reformed in theology, try Packer's shorter book on theology.

JJ

This book covers several Biblical doctrines that most people enjoy discussing. The research with scripture references are well outlined and easy to follow. This book makes for a great Wed.night bible study or small group study.

Perhaps this little book has had more influence on my thinking over the past couple of decades than many many others by various authors. This is not your academic in depth systematic theology book like Grudem's massive work but is a simple, quick, reference guide to lead you to more in depth discovery of theological truth. Since my seminary days I have had tools that would always explain and provide various ways to dissect the word of God but this survey book gives you a quick, easy, concise overview with scriptural references. I would highly recommend this book, in fact I have given copies to both of my sons. A Survey of Bible Doctrine If you want an expanded version then take a look at Ryrie's Basic Theology. Basic Theology: A Popular Systematic Guide to Understanding Biblical Truth One other book that I have used and would recommend is Thiessen's Lectures in Theology. Lectures in Systematic Theology

Dr. Charles Ryie has done a fine job that is even understandable for the youngest of believers in Christ to know and examine true Bible doctrine as the Holy Scriptures teach. I not only enjoy this book but I am a beneficary of the Ryie Study Bible as well. God has truly gifted this man and made him a blessing to those in the christian community who want a real proper true and solid deeper yet simpler teaching of the Holy Scriptures.

This book is great when you are trying to research what the Bible says on a certain topic. It is by no means an exhaustive study, but many of the common topics are addressed in the book with a short description and scripture verses backing everything up. I use it a lot.

This is pretty good survey of biblical doctrine with some new ideas in it. Don't expect much and you won't be let down ;)

This was required reading for a Bible class I took. It was OK, but Ryrie is a dispensationalist, cessationist, and occasionally anti-nomian. The book is well written and easy to follow, but I still must pick up a pair of those "secret decoding eschatology glasses" so I can understand the premillenial madness suggested by dispensationalists... start with Revelation and go backward? For better doctrine I would recommend Wayne Grudem's "Bible Doctrine" or Bruce Milne's "Know the Truth", or even "Concise Theology" by JI Packer.