My Top 10 1-Volume 📕 Systematic Theologies!

[@stevehawke9819]

Here's The Nerdy Pastor's list in case it might be helpful to people: 10 A Body of Divinity (Watson) 09 Evangelical Theology (Bird) 08 Systematic Theology (Culver) 07 Systematic Theology (Berkhof) 06 Systematic Theology (Letham) 05 Dogmatic Theology (Shedd) 04 Systematic Theology (Dabney) 03 Concise Reformed Dogmatics (van Genderen & Velema) 02 The Wonderful Works of God (Bavinck) 01 Institutes of the Christian Religion (Calvin)

[@michaelbowers5802]

I can’t express enough how thankful I am for you and your channel!

[@thenerdypastor2778]

Thank you so much, brother!!

[@stevehawke9819]

These weren't mentioned in the video, but I'd recommend the following for someone who has never read any systematic theology at all (and is within the Reformed camp): A Summary of Christian Doctrine (Berkhof). Since there are people who might be intimidated by Berkhof's Systematic Theology. This is a much more concise work. Salvation Belongs to the Lord (Frame). A relatively short but very clearly written, thought-provoking, and even theologically creative (within orthodox boundaries).

[@jadedoldguy5233]

Concise yet thorough, well-reasoned, on point, Great job. And that OSU poster in the back - subscribed. Pistols Firing! God bless, brother.

[@thenerdypastor2778]

Pistols Firing! God Bless you, brother, and thanks for subscribing!

[@Rick-bd3qf]

I just finished “Bible Doctrine” by Grudem. It was my first book of this type. I’m looking for another book now and looking at John Frame or James Boice. Thanks for your video.

[@stephenpalacios]

I love your channel, but I must confess something. I saw the screenshot and I thought Sheldon Cooper is doing reviews on Systematic Theologies??? I'm there!!! Love your channel and may God bless your ministry.

[@thenerdypastor2778]

HA!

[@heisrisen9855]

I appreciate all your reviews. Thank you so much for your time. God bless brother

[@ChristianmaterialsResources]

God bless you more.. watching from Accra Ghana west Africa....this video is blessing....God bless you more man of God.

[@thenerdypastor2778]

Thank you, brother Abraham!!

[@ChristianmaterialsResources]

@@thenerdypastor2778 welcome man of God.

[@TrevorMartindale]

Greetings from Scotland :-) Enjoyed watching, thanks for sharing your thoughts!

[@kendrasong8606]

That about John Frame? I was looking at that one? Thoughts?

[@thenerdypastor2778]

I really like Frame, but his "Theology of Lordship" 4 volume doesn't meet the 1-volume requirement on this video. And his two one volumes ("Salvation Belongs to the Lord" and "An Introduction to Christian Belief") are both solid entries, but not Top 10 in my view, as they are more introductory.

[@nicholassaastano5558]

I was wondering if you could in the future an asessment on NT Wright in what exactly he teaches and what are his strengths and weakness. And what we should be cautious of when reading him.

[@thenerdypastor2778]

Hi Nicholas! That is a wonderful suggestion - thank you for that. Yes, I will make it a point to give a very simple/concise summary of Tom Wright regarding what to take/toss from him if you're coming from a confessionally Reformed perspective (which is my Christian tradition).

[@Abraham_M7_Media]

No words to say, thank you so much!

[@thenerdypastor2778]

Thank you, brother!!

[@ronrooks2150]

Please list in description for copy and paste option

[@thenerdypastor2778]

Hi Brother, thanks for listening. I believe another commenter has done that in the comments section. Happy Reading!

[@eslinc]

Greetings, TNP: I subscribed to your channel before I finished watching your review of one-volume systematic theologies.

[@thenerdypastor2778]

Thank you, brother! I hope it's a benefit to you!

[@linyxxx]

Hello, any thoughts on Michael Horton's The Christian Faith and John Frame's Systematic Theology? Thanks

[@thenerdypastor2778]

Both are excellent treatments, and handy, up-to-date 1-volumes. Of the two, I would lean towards Horton, personally, but Frame is always great.

[@d.c.sodyssey4783]

why exactly should the shorter version of Bavinks 4 volume be purchased over the 1 volume abridgement by Bolt of the same 4 volumes?

[@thenerdypastor2778]

"The Wonderful Works of God" isn't a shorter version of the RD, or similar to Bolt's abridgement of the aforementioned. Instead, it's a singular statement on Reformed Theology, and a more entry level book on systematics by Bavinck.

[@heisrisen9855]

Brother, any chance on a review of Joel Beeke/Mark Jones "A Puritan Theology /Doctrine for Life"? I've seen so much about him and being the "modern Puritan" author/teacher. I've listened to him just recently after researching him some and he seems solid. Your thoughts. P.S. I've been into the centuries old Reformers/Puritans hard lately. Thank you and God bless

[@thenerdypastor2778]

Hey brother, thanks for the suggestion. I should start doing some reviews at some point on the Puritan works, including “a Puritan theology” (amongst others). Thank you for the suggestion!

[@donaldmorrison9940]

I suppose one of the great benefits of a theology channel is that you’re never going to run out of ideas for videos!

[@thenerdypastor2778]

@@donaldmorrison9940 Exactly!

[@donexcelcisimo]

I have Robert Reymond's. Is it any good?

[@thenerdypastor2778]

I do like Dr. Reymond's, I read sections of it back when it first came out, then bought the revised edition (mainly b/c of the controversy surrounding his comments on the Eternal Son's Generation), but have not gone through it thoroughly. However, I think it contains some big detractors, such as his Supralapsarianism and largely uneven treatment of modern issues/thinkers faced (ex. tons of work on Dispensationalism, but very little engagement with Barth, Moltmann or Pannenberg). Thus, I couldn't recommend it in the Top 10. But thanks for the comment!

[@RichardBragg]

Uncle Bob Letham was my System Theology lecturer for my graduate diploma. It is good but I still prefer Grudem.

[@thenerdypastor2778]

Letham's is so good, I think Grudem 2nd edition is much improved on his first, but still doesn't hold a candle to the Top 10.

[@bernieburns3404]

Where'd you get the book cases?

[@thenerdypastor2778]

I had a carpenter from our Church build them, actually!

[@puritanpioneer1646]

What about Robert Reymond?

[@thenerdypastor2778]

I believe I gave some comments about Dr. Reymond's volume, either in this 1-Volume video, or my earlier videos about the best STs.

[@wemuk5170]

Which ST book with a devotional flavour is more accessible in terms of readability/language, pastor? I mean as a Christmas present for someone who genuinely loves God & works hard at reading even abridged Puritan works. He is prepared to be diligent, although being autistic with some learning issues, the teenager is definitely NOT good at ‘language’ ability. Please say which - Bavinck or Calvin?

[@thenerdypastor2778]

Great question, and so excited to hear about his diligence and heart for God's truth. I would say Calvin's 1541 edition that I referenced in this video is more devotional in character - probably the easiest to read. Right alongside it is Thomas Watson's "A Body of Divinity". So thankful you're a part of this channel, brother!

[@wemuk5170]

@@thenerdypastor2778 Thanks be to God for your help! And thank you, too. 🙏🙏😊

[@donaldmorrison9940]

You’re right, you are going to get flack about Berkhof’s placing in this list - I almost fell over 😂.

[@thenerdypastor2778]

bring it on

[@kellysdad2326]

Berkhof's strong on soteriology but weak on ecclesiology & eschatology. Watson's divinity is THE BEST! Nothing more, nothing less!!

[@AugsburgPilgrim]

Consider Loci Communes by Phillip Melancthon :)

[@thenerdypastor2778]

I like LC but wouldn't consider it one of the best. Certainly, innovative and helpful for its time.

[@wordandwater9027]

What about John Frame ? I know his theology of God is bad or at least I’ve been told but he’s a bit easy to read and I so appreciate that about Frame.

[@thenerdypastor2778]

Yes, I think Frame's Introduction to Systematic Theology and Salvation Belongs to the Lord are good, but I wouldn't put it above the others on this list. So, the others are simply better in my opinion. And yes, he has elements of correlativism in his Doctrine of God, which is problematic.

[@wordandwater9027]

@@thenerdypastor2778 I agree I think his section on the word of God in his systematic theology is great and I also have salvation is of the Lord and J.I. Packer’s Concise Theology, both are beneficial to someone who just wants a more basic understanding of systematic theology.

[@roysamuel5511]

Sir Thank you for this video but you provide only few seconds to reveal the titles.

[@glennishammont7414]

I can't reconcile Calvinistic doctrine (unconditional election/double predestination) with sound biblical doctrine (the message of the Gospel based on the condition of faith, repentance and baptism) therefor I avoid any Calvinistic material.

[@thenerdypastor2778]

They are biblically reconcilable as scripture richly harmonizes them. But it does take time to see, as I would not say they are basic teachings. Peter mentioned how many of Paul's teachings were challenging to understand. But Election and the Free Offer of the Gospel are harmonized as a paradox (not a contradiction). The Gospel's blessing (salvation) is received by Faith, yes, but Saving Faith is rooted in God's Election. Therefore, faith ultimately is a fruit, not the root, of our Union with Christ. Calvinism does not need to be avoided in such a manner, as it is richly Scriptural. But no matter where you fall on these issues, may you continue to search the Scriptures. Happy reading!

[@glennishammont7414]

@@thenerdypastor2778 Becoming a Christian is based on conditions which must be met. Acts 2:36-39, only those who accepted these terms were added. (Verse 41). These verses include the convicting of Gods Spirit, the grace of God that can be resisted. Acts 7:51

[@richard-fy2mu]

When I exited the Cults, absolute disaster theologically. Lorraine Boettner, was first encounter. Berkoff next, and lastly Calvin. What put me to my pen and parchment is not what do I believe but can I defend it from scripture. Always enjoy your site but I will sadden you, I am Confession.

[@richard-fy2mu]

1689 London Confession ooops

[@thenerdypastor2778]

Not saddened at all, brother! So grateful for my faithful, Reformed Baptist friends, and encouraged by your comments. Thanks for listening, and hope you'll subscribe if you haven't already. God bless, brother!