Customer Reviews

Systematic Theology: Biblical and Historical

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If one wants a systematic theology that is both biblical and pastoral then one should definitely purchase Robert Duncan Culver's book. It is one book that I would highly recommend for pastors and seminary students.

Culver pretty much discusses almost all the standard topics of systematic theology (except prolegomena, bibliology, and pneumatology). Considering the size of this book (over 1200 pages in small print font), one will definitely find that Culver does not leave a stone unturned - he pretty much discusses almost all the issues that are pertinant to a specific doctrine. Hence, the high value of this systematic theology text.

The perspective given is conservative evangelical, Calvinistic, Baptistic, and premillennial (with a hint of dispensationalism). Many evangelical readers will be comfortable with Culver's positions and arguments. One can even say that Culver's systematic is presented in a more "classical" way (i.e., Grudem, Reymond, etc.) rather than ontological or philosophical way (i.e., Barth, Pannenberg, etc.). Thus, you will see him quote Scripture quite profusely.

Overall, I would highly recommend this work. Not only is the book a mine of information but also a book that is pastorally sensitive. Hence, pastors will find the book very useful for their ministries. Also, Culver writes in an enthusiastic and easy-to-read style. You can see his passion for God and his truths throughout the pages. This book will become one of the great evangelical systematic theology texts for the many decades to come.

This book is the result of a lifetime of work by a master theologian. Any student of systematic theology will find this an excellent resource. The author has an amazing grasp of the subject material which is developed from a solid biblical basis and yet is set in context with an extensive array of pertinent information from other resources. The reader of this work will be taken through history, philosophy, linguistics, science, ..., as they relate to the subject. It is useful for the beginning student as they will be exposed to this vast topic without being overwhelmed. It is likewise useful to the seasoned expert because of the masterful grasp and presentation of the material. This work is unique in that the author finished it when he was 88 years old, after a lifetime of study and ministry, and yet references to works from 2004 are included. Dr. Culver is definitely a conservative scholar, however, others will find this book useful as it also presents contrasting views and an avenue into reference material.

For 28 years the only book by Dr. Culver I had in my library was "How to get more from your Bible " co-authored by Lloyd Merle Perry. That book is only 233 pages long. A vast difference from 1258 pages of this theology. I have almost another 25 theologies on my book shelves. This volume by Dr. Culver is one of the finest anyone may purchase. I have it on the shelf with R.L Dabney, Louis Berkhof, Dr.Robert Reymond, and Rousas John Rushdoony. You need not agree with any theologian to have their book on your shelf. But having a volume such as this or even the likes of Pannenberg (such as I have) will help you to sharpen and focus what you do believe. I greatly enjoy Dr. Culvers perceptions. I wish I could have sat in on evey class he ever taught. Buy this book and you will learn. He will either confirm what you already believe or he may change a few that you do have. God has blessed the world with the publication of this book.

This exhaustive volume gives a solid historical and biblical foundations to the main biblical doctrines. I was impressed by his exposition on the End Time. Even though he is taught under a dispensational teacher Alva Mclain he did his exposition fair and sound. I appreciate the fact that at least for the doctrine of the end time he did not exposite Scripture according to an assumed system of teaching. This gives me confidence to trust that he struggled with the different Scripture references.

This is a great book that has inspired me to gift it to other friends of mine.
I would highly recommend this book to many.

Thank you for your expedient service in delivering it.

Luigi Vendittelli

I have not in all honesty spent enough time in this work to rate it. I will say that, which I have read, that it has not surpassed Louis Berkhof's work in this same area. The [4] that I've giving it, is for its being thorogh as far as its subject manner.