Systematic Theology [Hardcover]

Louis Berkhof (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 24, 1996

This landmark edition combines Berkhof's standard, systematic treatment of the doctrines of the Reformed faith -- his magnum opus -- with his Introduction to Systematic Theology. Written in a scholarly yet simple style, and completely outlined and indexed, the work includes a thorough bibliography, and questions for further study follow each section. A new preface by Richard A. Muller explains the relation and importance of Berkhof's prolegomena to the rest of his systematic theology.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 992 pages
• Publisher: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co. (September 24, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0802838200
• ISBN-13: 978-0802838209
• Product Dimensions: 5.8 x 2.3 x 9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (33 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #60,195 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

68 of 73 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars A Fine Treatment of Reformed Theology June 12, 2000

By Brian G Hedges

Format:Hardcover

Professor Berkhof, who was the President of Calvin Seminary and professor of Systematic Theology at the same in the first half of the twentieth century, has given us an excellent compendium of Reformed theological thought in this hefty volume. The subject is treated in the classical style, moving through the Doctrines of God, Man in Relation to God, the Person and Work of Christ, the Application of the Work of Redemption, the Church and the Means of Grace, and the Last Things.

His treatment of the Doctrine of God covers a lot of territory, but leaves something to be desired in covering the Attributes of God. His chapter on the Trinity, however, is most helpful.

He is decidedly Calvinistic in his approach to soteriology, giving an excellent treatment of the classical Reformed view of the "doctrines of grace." His chapters on the Atonement are among the best in Reformed theology; and his chapters on the respective parts of the Application of Redemption (regeneration, conversion, justification, sanctification, etc.) are helpful.

His doctrine of the Church is Presbyterian to the last, which is a demerit to the book, in my judgment. The final section on Last Things gives a helpful overview of futurist eschatalogy, with Berkhof rejecting premillenialism. His critique of Dispensationalism is helpful (and scathing!).

The strength of the book is its clear coverage of the Reformed position. At times it is too brief, especially when dealing with divergent views of the various subjects - but that is almost necessary in a book like this.

The greatest fault of the book is the author's lack of actual exegesis of texts. Most of his theology is sound, but his exegetical defense of it is not as clear as one could desire. Too often the passages are only referenced in brackets with little or no quotation. Hence, one could easily read this book and become a Reformed theologian without knowing how to use the Bible to substantiate his or her beliefs.

That notwithstanding, this is a book to be read and studied by pastors and theologians. It is not the only book on theology to be digested, but it is a key one.

37 of 40 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Put Right Next to the Institutes May 20, 2002

By Randy Given

Format:Hardcover

This should be next to your copy of John Calvin's "Institutes of the Christian Religion". Actually, my copy of the Institutes was looking ragged, so now I use an electronic copy. Still, for a good understanding of Reformed theology, you should have both of these. It is nice, in the new compilation, to have both the "Introduction" and "Systematic Theology". I agree that you need both publications and having them in one volume is handy.

I agree about the binding. It is sturdy enough (5 stars), but it is not "user friendly" (3 stars). The text nearly runs into the binding and its smaller size makes it hard to hold without it closing on itself. This makes it tough to read, holding it in hand while eating lunch. Still, the theological presentation is more important, so I give it 5 stars.

36 of 42 people found the following review helpful

2.0 out of 5 stars Extremely shoddy production of a jewel. Shame on the publisher May 13, 2006

By Kersi Von Zerububbel VINE™ VOICE

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

Berkhof's Systmatic is of course a classic text that is a gem. I had the old Banner Of Truth edition for years but like a dope sold it for pennies on the dollar. This edition from Eerdmans is truly abominable.

Where do I start? First off, the font size is terrible. So if you are over 58 the eye strain is quite significant. Then comes the print type. It is almost as if someone churned out copies in his garage. The printing is extremely bad. Sentences contain words that after a letter or two turn light and then dark and in a few instances downright smudgy. Was the typeset dirty? Did you run out of ink? True, this edition contains Berkhof's introductory section which is a bonus. But what good is it if the production quality is abysmal?

How unfortunate that such a magnificient work is so insulted.

Mr. Publisher, check out Shedd's Dogmatic Theology by P and R Publishers. That is how one presents a text of significance.

If you have the Banner Of Truth edition do not trade it in lest you rue the day.