Christian Theology Reviews

• Standard, Higher Education Text

  
  By ASO7RFPO3JMWM on 2003-05-24
  I bought this theology at the urging of one of my ministers at Church. I found the book deep, but not overwhelming. Erickson comes from a robustly evangelical, gently Calvinistic background. He is respected by moderates and conservatives alike for interacting with other positions fairly, namely that position of Karl Barth--Erickson offering an Evangelical interaction.

  For the information of one reviewer who said that Erickson's book Lacked the intellectual rigor of a Barth or Rahner, I would reply that this is an intro-level text at seminary , not a doctoral text (I went to one seminary bookstore to look around and conversed with other PhD students to find this out). In fact, Erickson's willingness to interact with Barth on numerous occasions is praiseworthy. Although Erickson is said to be Calvinistic in his approach, there will be times that he annoys Calvinists (See Wayne Grudem for a slight difference in, for example, "Does Regeneration precede faith?"). To get the most out of this text, read another systematic theology at the same time to compare and contrast.

  Final Analysis:
  THis is a good work, especially for young evangelicals as myself. It is a work that will get one excited about systematic theology.
  
  

• A Seminary Level Evangelical Systematic Theology

  
  By A37A44LEGU3T45 on 2002-02-15
  "Christian Theology" by Millard Erickson is a comprehensive, seminary level, evangelical systematic theology. Erickson is obviously well studied in a vast array of theological issues from various schools of thought. Typically he will present common viewpoints on a subject and then make an argument for his own position. Most of Erickson's positions seem clearly Calvinistic, but he treats other views with fairness, appreciation, and respect. Though I come from a dissimilar denominational background and some of my personal views are very different than his, I never felt my beliefs were under an unfair scrutiny or malicious attack. The book was so engaging and interesting that I actually found it hard to put down. I highly recommend the book to anyone desiring to study Christian theology at a seminary level.
  
  

• It's not called the green monster for nothing.

  
  By A2U61KJ4SERN0G on 2001-07-11
  When I had Dr. Erickson for Systematic Theology in seminary the cover of this book was green and it was affectionately referred to as "the green monster." It was big and intimidating. I bought the book and began my forced, daily readings of it. I found that this monster was gentle and fascinating. Dr. Erickson covers all the sides of the doctrines he discusses and yet does not fail to define where he falls on them. His writing style is such that he is able to make the deepest issues understandable for anyone willing to put a little time into the book. While, the book is not the book I would recommend for someone with no previous theological reading, it is one that I would say needs to be in the collection of anyone seriouesly interested in systematic theology.
  
  

• Balanced and Comprehensive

  
  By A16IJ17J6SS9EL on 2004-09-19
  Millard Erickson is one of the most prolific evangelical theologians writing today. His CHRISTIAN THEOLOGY is (from what I've read) the most widely used systematic theology in Baptist seminaries. The doctrinal perspective of this work is premillenial, baptistic and moderately Calvinistic.
  
  One of the advantages of this book is that Prof. Erickson doesn't bombard the reader with a list of theologians who have opined on various topics. He takes a topic, discusses three or four key thinkers and options, analyzes them, and gives his own opinion.
  
  Prof. Erickson discusses most of the major topics of theology, including important background areas such as biblical criticism, the relationship between theology and philosophy, and contemporizing the Christian message. One area that Prof. Erickson skates over is that of women in the ministry. Last I checked, Prof. Erickson is a member of a pro-women's ordination group called Christians for Biblical Equality, but you wouldn't know it from reading this book. The discussion of women implies that he supports it, but he isn't as clear as one would expect. (See p. 565-66.)
  
  For even more conservative protestant works in systematic theology, readers should consider the works of Robert Reymond and Wayne Grudem.
  
  
  

• My favorite systematic theological set

  
  By A2O1FLF439GX3P on 2001-02-06
  I have the 3-volume set of Erickson's work, and it is the one I utilize first when looking for background on a particular issue or doctrine. Erickson is evangelical, orthodox, and even fair. He shares different perspectives on an issue, though he will let you know what his conclusion is. In addition, he is very clear about his points and is not impossible to understand, unlike some books out there can confuse more than enlighten. Erickson deals with every issue you would expect a systematic theology book to discuss. You may not agree with everything he says, but then again, is there anyone you would agree completely with? I recommend this as a valuable tool.
  
  
• The Standard Evangelical Systematic Theology Textbook
  By APDBOXJDI5LRM on 2005-01-26
  If there is one evangelical systematic theology book to own for reference purposes, Erickson's book should be it. The positive thing about this book (in contrast to many others) is that this one covers viewpoints from various angles. Though Erickson does give his own opinions on certain matters (for instance, he is a mildly Calvinistic Baptist with premillennial leanings) he still gives a fair hearing to views that differ from his own. Not only that, Erickson is willingly to engage with non-evangelical viewpoints giving the reader the insides on what those outside of the conservative evangelical circle believe. If there is one textbook that evangelical seminaries should use for their systematic theology courses this book should be it. Though many will argue that Erickson is soft on certain theological points, they should realize that he is not out there to push one particular evangelical line (except, of course, those that are foundational to orthodox evangelical theology). Overall, the information contained in this book is very useful. It should be the standard theology textbook for any Christian library.
  
  
• Very even-handed summary of Theology
  By A6BSGI2UPSA5F on 1998-07-02
  Erickson does an admirable job of presenting all sides of controversial topics in the best possible light. There are no straw men here. For instance, on predestination, he lists scores of scripture references supporting Armenian free will, and as many supporting Calvinist predestination. In most cases, he weighs in with his own take after both sides have been presented.
  
  
• Christian Theology
  By AY8KBEAQBV13F on 2006-01-31
  The book is set up well with questions to help guide your reading at the beggining of each chapter. I agree with other posts, that the author doesn;t deal well with the origin of evil. What most concerned me was his compromise of creationism. He assumes that teh geologic data is correct and therefore wants to make the infallible scripture conform to infallible science, which has changed numerous times over the past several years. I would not recommend this book at all and would recommend Lectures in Systematic Theology by Theissen instead. It is an older book but much more reliable.
  
  
• For those that find the book a little too technical
  By A3G2G872VHVJMA on 2007-11-09
  When one deals with a subject that requires, at this level, special language to convey precisely what is meant, one cannot complain that the task is too tedious or demanding--one must simply invest the time to understand exactly why such 'jargon' terminology is necessary in the first place. Students of Church history will recall that the famous Nicene Council essentially culminated in a discussion about Christ as either "homoousias" or "homoiousias"--where a single letter, the Greek iota, made a tremendous difference in the understanding of who Christ was in relation to the Father. Again, and as with any science, there is always a need to describe knowledge, and the tools by which this comes about are (1) inventing precise language to describe knowledge and (2) inventing concise ways to describe knowledge. The results are then, respectively, (1) special terms (e.g., Transubstantiation [Theology] & Entropy [Thermodynamics]) and (2) special representation methods (e.g., LXX [Septuagint] & He [helium]). The idea, which affords the same purpose for both theology and science in general, is to convey information as efficiently, as accurately, and as concisely as possible. And I personally feel that Erickson covers the material in the manner necessary for those to whom he is writing primarily, viz., seminary students who must obtain a natural, conceptual mastery of the information. Hence the need for the esoteric nature of the book. (As I have read among a number of the reviews, many disagree that the book is technical at all and, in fact, claim that the book "dumbs down" theology to an extent. I find such a claim absolutely laughable.)
  
  There are other books available that attempt to appeal to the non-seminary student with regard to theology,--(My personal opinion is that Larry Hart's Truth Aflame is a worthy read for the lay person [notwithstanding the natural aversion that many in academia may have for the latter group mentioned in the author's subtitle, which reads: A Balanced Theology for Evangelicals and Charismatics])--but the laity was obviously not what Erickson had in mind when he wrote the work in question. In fact, Erickson has written a smaller, more accessible version of Christian Theology called Introducing Christian Doctrine with the express purpose of appealing to the general reader and/or undergraduate student. Here is the book description on the blurb: "An abridged, less technical version of Erickson's Christian Theology covering the same topics, but at a level appropriate for the undergraduate reader."
  
  
• Rightly Divides Word of Truth
  By AGBHLVDAQNYIN on 2000-07-30
  Outstanding effort. Faithful to Biblical text, logical, consise, contemporary, fairly evaluating interpretive options and honestly and humbly coming down on the side of views most persuasive to his research. Hallmarked by clarity and completeness without sacrificing brevity. Balanced and objective doing justice to the Scriptural witness without compromising truth or conviction. What is most admirable is how he masterfully refuses to artificially resolve doctrinal/theological paradoxes, but lets them stand in the hope that they may resolve into a higher, complementary, whole-orbed truth unknowable here and now. He follows the Biblical injunction, "Do not go beyond what is written." As Scripture is not beholden to any doctrinal camp or denominational persuasion, so the author heroically strives to follow suit, producing a truly Biblical theology summation, the finest I have seen of late. See D.A. Carson's Exegetical Fallacies and note how few (if any) are repeated in this excellent volume.
  
  
• An excellent resource!
  By A2AW9MSAMTQ79O on 2000-08-01
  I was pleasantly surprised as I read through Erickson's volume.

  I found it very well balanced - not too difficult for the lay person to read and understand, yet not too simplistic - instead looking at past and recent attempts to understand the biblical material before presenting his viewpoint.

  As I have worked through the book, it has been great to learn so much about different ways of looking at key biblical doctrines, such as sin and humanity, and the importance of getting them right.

  Part 1, relating theology to philosophy (among other things) was excellent, especially for a reader lacking any background in philosophy. Part 7 and 8, looking at the person and work of Christ were a great reminder of who Jesus was and what He has done.

  Highly recommended.
  
  

• Good Theology--A Great Reference Title!
  By A24K4K3DR7Q528 on 2004-07-28
  Millard Erickson has written a wonderful book in 'Christian Theology.' It is in-depth (as its length indicates) yet concise. Each section deals succintly and adequately with the subject matter at hand. Particularly helpful to me in my research and preaching are the indexes in the back of the book. The index of biblical passages cited is what truly makes this book a must have for any student, scholar, minister, or interested lay person. The biblical expostions that pepper this book's contents are also very good. In fact their inclusion in this theological work is what makes it useful to me, an aspiring biblical scholar. Erickson has hit a homerun here! If you are teetering on the edge of deciding whether or not to purchase this volume, let me push you over the edge...this is one of the most read and best written one-volume systematic theologies to date! It is a must have!
  
  
• Superb resource
  By A2IQYGB0H03MVU on 2004-09-04
  This was my textbook for systematic theology at Liberty U. Seminary. It is a highly readable and very solid addition to my library that can benefit both the lay-person and the theologian alike. Erickson treats many topics with surprising detail despite this being a single volume. He discusses different theories and their plusses and minuses. This book has blessed me in its Scriptural rationale and superb guidance.
  
  He begins with a lot of philosophical writing that at first I did not understand, nor did I see the significance of its inclusion. After reading, though, I noticed how it relates when I was talking with others regarding Christianity. It has made me a better apologetic and I understand the way theologies are formed.
  
  
• Depends on what you're looking for...
  By A24AMICLURCNM8 on 2006-09-07
  This was the text used in conjunction with my seminary level Systematic Theology course and was a thoroughly enjoyable and thought-provoking volume. While I felt that it did promote depth of thought and deference to scripture, I also found that there were many times when the author tried to stradle and reconcile popular positions rather awkwardly. If you read the text to get answers you will likely be dissappointed, however, if you read it to help stimulate thought and perhaps open doors to ideas and perspectives you had not previously considered, you will be well rewarded.
  
  
• Readable and universally applicable!
  By on 1999-05-16
  Erickson's language may be simple, but not simplistic. Interfaith theology students will find the book absent of theological "good guys" and "bad guys." The book creatively presents "hard core" theology in plain, contemporary language. Students of theology from non-English speaking countries may happily find Erickson's sources adequate for thesis writing!
  
  
• Excellent Systematic
  By A5E1E1NVHN9MP on 2003-01-22
  This is an excellent systematic theology textbook written by a well-respected evangelical theologian. Erickson writes from a mildly reformed and baptistic perspective. Like most systematics, the book is long and thorough, but Erickson writes in a very readable manner and is generally engaging. He is fair in presenting the major understandings of different issues, and then presents a grounded defense of his own views. A great reference to own.
  
  
• Excellent Christian resource!
  By on 1998-10-16
  Erickson's Christian Theology is an excellent resource for the Seminary student and for anyone who wants to understand the different issues in Christian doctrines and theories. Erickson does well in showing different views and theories surrounding doctrines, summing up each chapter with his own synthesized opinion. My only criticism is the length of each chapter. They all seem to be about 20 pages. While some topics need to be looked at more in depth others are drawn out. I couldn't help but think that I was being short-changed on some topics.
  
  
• For the Layperson
  By on 2002-07-28
  This systematic theology is well suited for someone without any background in Greek or Hebrew or experience in exegesis. I found it simple enough that a reasonably educated person in any field of study should have no difficulty reading it and understanding the subject matter. Its not at a graduate level specialization in theology.

  I sometimes wonder what has happened to the great scholars such as Barth, K&D, Gesenius, etc. Back in their day and in some European countries you didn't come out of highschool without Latin, Greek and four other spoken languages. Their level of learnedness and scholasticism leaves us trailing behind today and Erickson's book as seminary material is a case in point. A person with no background in theology can pick Erickson's book up and understand it. Try that with a graduate text in mathematics, theoretical physics or chemistry.
  
  

• An indispensable book in your library!
  By A38R91SVKBPPUS on 2001-04-16
  Whether you're a pastor, a student, or simply a lover of the Bible, this book helps you get more out of God's Word by revealing, in a deep and clear way, the real meaning from it that bring depth to your understanding of Scripture. In my opinion, Christian Theology is the most up-to-date and useful book of Systematic Theology we have available (Maybe, best them Grudem's work). It equips every seminary students or even laymen with the necessary skills to understand the conservative view of the Bible. That book has an exceptional value, it was written in a clear and precise way. Indispensable!
  
  
• Thoroughly dumbed down
  By A2POT13FER5L82 on 2003-07-19
  I have read the three volume earlier edition. After reading 250 pages of this one my intelligence was so insulted that I quit reading it. The content is mostly fluff relative to the first edition. One example is the author telling the reader that some words have one meaning and others have several. The author is unaware that the sun will eventually run out of energy. He wonders if Adam and Eve would have lived in the garden for all eternity.

  The first edition is available at used book sites such as Amazon.

  There is a reason the used versions of this edition are available at such a deep discount.
  
  

• Good, Comprehensive Bible Reference
  By A4QC76NMWE5OC on 2004-05-11
  In my humble opinion, Erikson has written an excellent book on the several areas of Christian doctrine, including: Studying God, What God is Like, What God Does, Humanity, Sin, the Person of Christ, the Work of Christ, the Holy Spirit, Salvation, the Church, and the Last Things.

  Roughly 1300 pages along, I believe the book to be plenty comprehensive for the person who aspires to know more about Christian doctrine. Granted, while some may believe the book is not "deep" enough, I believe most readers will be encouraged to think more deeply about their beliefs concerning Christianity.

  My impression of Erickson is that he is well-learned and humble as he carefully presents his beliefs without blistering opposing points of view.

  A recommended read and resource for your Bible reference library!
  
  

• Thorough, Fair, and Compelling
  By A2K2MYQGBKVKST on 2003-01-05
  Erickson is thoughtful and thourough. He surveys ranges of views and Biblical data on the standard systematic catagories (and some additions) and interacts with secular and scintific data with competance and humility. He does not inovate for its own sake but deals honestly with input from both specific and general revelation. It was the most compelling 1200 pages I have read in some time.
  
  
• The Best
  By A2DWV8WA4MJ4NN on 2005-01-17
  I've never read a better overview. This easy to read book provides an outstanding summary of the Christian faith. Reading this book is one of the best disciplines I've ever committed to.
  
  
• Most Useful
  By A52ODTUP96WEN on 2006-02-24
  This book was purchased for a class that I am currently taking and it has been very enlighting. I have learned Erickson's thoughts on the nature of sin, the source of sin, the conceptions of Salvation and much more. This book will be use for my continued growth and knowledge regarding Christian Theology.
  
  
• Very disappointed
  By A2YBL2A4XCH4CS on 2007-03-15
  I am altering the wording of this review about since my last one upset some people, for which I apologize. I am still quite disappointed in this book, which to me is not only quite cumbersome in size, but cumbersome in academic language as well. This book was formatted for classroom use as there are a series of questions at the end of each chapter, but the questions prove to be as unweildy as the rest of the book. I would most definitely NOT recommend this for classroom use.
  
  
• It is exactly what it claims to be...
  By A3SHA4Y9DHEK39 on 2007-07-21
  I was assigned to read the second two-thirds of this monstrosity for Systematic Theology II and III in seminary. It is certainly an intimidating volume to begin, but I can see why it is a standard within the evangelical seminary community.
  
  This book is nothing if not systematic. Erickson covers each of 60 chapters with a careful, thorough, and even-handed touch. He comes from a "mild Calvinist" viewpoint, which understandably colors his conclusions, but he does an admirable job of presenting a wide array of theological positions in each of those 60 chapters. Each chapter is about 20 pages long and follows a standard format, almost always concluding with Erickson's take on that particular doctrine. The strength of this book is that Erickson manages to strike a good balance between readability and academic rigor. This is no light read, and I can't imagine how anyone could get through it without the weekly assignments that kept me on track. But it is digestible and understandable, despite the theological depth that is required to deal with such complex topics.
  
  My complaints are few and rather minimal. First, Erickson fails to bring much of a global perspective into his discussions (which, to his credit, he does acknowledge at the very end).
  
  He also sometimes makes the mistake of essentially declaring his own positions as the "biblical perspective." Though I understand his or anyone's natural inclination to assume the validity of their own opinions, to suggest that what I think is undeniably the biblical and, therefore, correct position smacks of arrogance.
  
  I was also confused by his frequent use of the pronoun "we" in reference to his conclusions near the end of many chapters, as if he was somehow writing this book on behalf of a broad body of theologians. If this is the case, I missed it. Otherwise, the royal "we" is odd, at best.
  
  Finally, the book is dry. I suppose that theology is, by its very nature, not narrative and not pleasure reading, but it seemed like it might have been more difficult to read than necessary.
  
  Having mentioned these small issues, Erickson accomplished his goal of providing an exhaustive (and exhausting) overview of the entirety of Christian theology, giving substantial time to various positions and then stating his own opinions throughout. This seems like a helpful approach to theology, and I'm glad to have read (and survived) "Christian Theology."
  
  
• Excellent introduction, but one topic missing
  By A13BBRWGND1PWR on 2002-07-04
  Erickson's theology is an excellent introduction into Christian dogmatics for today's students. So I'm looking forward to the publishing of the Polish translation next year. Still, it seems odd to me that the whole issue of canonicity is missing, although Erickson's chapter on Special Revelation provides an excellent basis for a discussion of the canon. I'd like to know his reasons for not engaging this topic.
  
  
• Christian Theology, byMillard J. Erickson review
  By AUGSHE03F2DYO on 2007-02-16
  Well writen book, good, solid christian approach.
  it remains to be applied, in each ones lives
  Only dallas willard seems to be better in my perspective
  
  
• Outstandin read
  By A2Y3AE5YD2YDP9 on 2007-07-02
  If you are a first timer to this subjec, Millard Erickson is a great place to begin!
  
  To put it into a single sentence- Millard Erickson has delivered an excellent and easily read book that lays out the basics of our Fatih. He helped me get a better grasp of the 'what and why' of our faith.
  
  
• Excellent Systematic Resource!
  By AJP44QXY4JBOZ on 2008-08-27
  Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R3C6Q9D3NOCS94 Excellent textbook encouraged of all Christians to buy.
  
  

• Evangelical Dictionary of Theology (Baker Reference Library)
• God in the Wasteland: The Reality of Truth in a World of Fading Dreams
• Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine
• An Introduction to the New Testament
• Basic Theology: A Popular Systematic Guide to Understanding Biblical Truth