Customer Reviews

Systematic Theology:

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

 

 

Strong's is heavy reading, but it's so thoughtful and thorough that it's still very pleasurable. More importantly, it is (as another reviewer mentioned) possibly the finest and most concise protestant systematic theology available - especially in a one-volume format (originally three volumes, the typeset is pretty small, so beware). I like to refer to this when reading other theologies, like Finney and Geisler, because Strong follows such an effective and logical outline.

Some of this might seem outdated, because it was written a century ago, and the sections where he deals with science, etc. obviously can't consider current science. However, many of the conclusions he arrives at are similar to ones modern theology has considered (which will no doubt result in some criticism from the anti-God crowd, who will doubtlessly criticize us for deferring to hundred-year-old scholarship, even though the crux of their anti-God 'science' is based on hundred-and-fifty year old theories). Also, Strong doesn't do enough to respond to modern scholarship criticism of the bible - but again, much of that scholarship was in its relative infancy when Strong was alive, so this isn't his fault; it's just helpful for potential readers of Strong's to know, so they can complement this with newer apologetics on that topic.

All said, however, I love this work, which is both scholarly and devotional, and I think it will bolster the faith AND apologetic/evangelistic acumen of anyone who devotes the time and effort necessary to reading it. Highly recommended.

I do not agree with Mr. Strong on every matter, especially when it comes to eschatology (which he more or less avoids) - but I have been consulting Strong's Systematic Theology for 25 years, and am not done with it, yet. No where else will you find such a sweeping panorama of ALL the significant theological positions that have become the Protestant Religions so tightly and succinctly arranged and displayed. Mr. Strong gives "time and space" to those he disagrees with within the volume, and presents the best of their arguments. He seems willing to give credit where credit is due, but he does not compromise his own position at any time. There is a terrific appendix of subjects and persons, a complete list of scriptures used and where. As was said by a previous reviewer - this is HEAVY reading - but when you are done with a section, you know exactly what the issues are, what the issues are called (jargon), and who championed the various views. Arminians will NOT like this book. Mr. Strong did NOT like John Wesley - but then.... neither did I.

This 3-volume compendium is extremely heavy reading for the non-theological mind. However,it is nonetheless an indispesible tool for training one's mind for the intricate science of theology. One cannot be called theologically trained unless one is familiar with Strong. The only real drawback is that his contemporary applications are now archaic.

I have read Strong's Theology, and it is indeed a great book. It is very fundamental, and covers all of the main theological issues in depth. If you are looking for a more Contemporary issue try Erickson's Theology.

If you love Christian theology and doctrine, this is a great book to have in your library. Its required reading in many good conservative Christian Colleges.

When I was 16, I decided that I should begin my in depth study of Christian doctrine and this was the little tome that continued my journey beyond Ryrie's Theology. In hindsight, I would have recommended something along the lines of Erickson or even Hodge, but to Strong I turned. In Strong, the reader finds a conflicted Baptist theologian who attempts to give credence to the liberals taking over his denomination while yet standing true to Scripture. He argues for the validity of evolution, but posits its theistic basis. He panders on whether or not God suspends the rules of nature for miracles, but yet argues for the authenticity of Christ's miracles. He alludes heavily to the ancient works of poetry on the one hand and remains abreast of the current liberal debates of his day. Strong is a theologian of complexity, paradox, and challenge. In fact, these qualities make his work both of great value and yet worthy of neglect. His controversies and struggles have, for the most part, faded into the past and the modern reader would likely allow his work to do the same; however, by reading the work of this fine theologian, we are reminded that the struggles and challenges of our day will soon pass. We like Strong will find relevance only insomuch as we adhere to the orthodoxy contained in Scripture alone.

As to the quality of the work in particular, in my edition of the text, the first edition material is included in standard font size, while the later edition printing is included in a tiny (8 point?) font size. If small print is a problem for the reader, this volume in the edition that I have it in will prove very difficult to read. Also, the allusions to Greek poetry and ancient works of literature, though helpful in Strong's day (the turn of the last century) are difficult in a society that remains largely unaware of the works in question. Finally, the writer makes use of a substantial amount of non-transliterated ancient languages, making it difficult for the reader who is unfamiliar with them to grasp the line of argumentation.

Overall, I would recommend this work to those who already have a strong foundation in theology as there will be some difficult subjects discussed. The reader should also be comfortable with the train of thought in the older systematics and should have a basic knowledge of New Testament Greek. In its proper place, this volume will serve as a valuable survey of the Queen of the Sciences.