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Systematic Theology (2 vols)

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John Miley (1813-1895) was a Methodist theologian, who also served as chair of systematic theology at Drew University. His Systematic Theology was used as a textbook in Methodist seminaries for decades.

The work is divided into six parts: Theism (e.g., "Antitheistic Agnosticism"); Theology (e.g., "God in Creation"); Anthropology (e.g., "Time of Man's Origin," "Temptation and Fall of Man"); Christology (e.g., "The Person of Christ"); Soteriology (e.g., "Objections to the Atonement"); Eschatology (e.g., "Future Punishment").

Miley states in his Introduction, "The several forms of theology must be distinguished and defined.... The true sources of theology must be determined and mistaken sources set aside.... Attention must be given to the grounds of certitude in doctrinal truths and to the consistency of faith with the requisite certitude.... Finally, the method of systematization must be considered in order to determine what doctrines should be included in the system and in what order they should be treated."

Here are a few representative quotations:

"It follows that faith in its proper sense is a thoroughly rational state or act of the mind." (V1, pg. 37)
"The battle of Christianity is not with dogmatic Atheism." (V1, pg. 111)
"Whether God formed the body of primitive man immediately from the ground or mediately through a long process of genetic derivation does not in itself affect either his complete constitution as man or his place in Scripture, as related to theological anthropology." (V1, pg. 358)
"Native depravity is a part of the Arminiian system, and entirely consistent with its principles." (V1, pg. 521)
"No other (than Jesus) has ever claimed to put his own life and blood into the saving efficiency of his religion." (V2, pg. 78)
"The very terms of the great commission are decisive of this, that the Gospel is for all." (V2, pg. 229)
"Freedom of choice is a question of psychology." (V2, pg. 283)
"Mr. Wesley ... gave too much weight to individual professions of experience." (V2, pg. 361)

He also rejects Premillenialism (V2, pg. 446-447).

Miley's work continues to merit a place in any serious theological library.

Miley's work has stood the test of time. It is one of the standard texts in theology, philosophy, forensics, and even science classes. He starts with the bold affirmation that there is a God and methodically deconstructs and undermines arguments to the contrary. Students would do well to read this even if not assigned it. It is not difficult to read but there is a lot of 'meat' on these bones.
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