Systematic Theology

Once upon a time Princeton University had a very fine theological seminary. If wanted to study theology that was consistent Orthodox Presbyterian theology, consistent what was taught by the Puritans and the Westminster Confession of Faith. Hodges Systematic Theology is consistent with what Princeton University was then and no longer. Princeton fell into the suede to the popular intellectual pursuits of other theological seminaries. This work is comprehensive in presenting sound theological thought. Comparisons are made between theological thought of the Presbyterian church and Calvinism with other schools of thought in theology: Roman Catholic (called Romanist), Lutheran, liberal theology and nonChristian thought. The arguments for historic theology of the Reformed theology are sound and give a fair presentation of contrary thought. I do not think this book is a difficult read who is familiar with theological terms, but its length demands a determine reader. I read each of the three volumes at three distinct times. I read several other books before moving until I went to the next volume. Although in three volumes the book is divided into four topics: Theology Proper, Anthropology, Soteriology and Eschatology. Charles Hodge argues on page 32 Ecclesiology is included throughout the book. Theology Proper is the study of God. Hodge includes a discussion what the Bible teaches of the being of God, of the three held personality of the Godhead, or that of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost are distinct in persons, same in substance, equal in power and glory, relation of God to the world, or His decrees and His works in creation and Providence. Anthropology is the study of man. Hodge includes in this discussion the origin and nature of man. In this discussion he includes Darwin's theory of Evolution and why he finds it wanting. Besides thoughts from other theologians, Hodge discusses other scientific arguments of the origin of the universe. Anthropology is not limited to the origin of man and creation. It included of man's original state before God, man's original probation, Man's fall before God, the nature of sin, effect of Adam's sin on himself and the effects of Adams sin on prosperity. Who and what is man? Soteriology is the study of Salvation. Hodge includes in this discussion God's purpose in providing salvation to man, God's plan of salvation for man, the person of Jesus, the work of Jesus, Jesus as redeemer, the application of redemption; regeneration, Justification, sanctification and means of grace. Eschatology is the study of death and final events. Hodge includes in this discussion the state of the soul after death, man's resurrection unto life or unto death, the second advent of Jesus, the general judgment of all men: (some unto salvation and others unto damnation), the end of the world, and a new Heaven and New earth. Ecclesiology is the study of the Church. That is the True church that includes all those truly saved by the Grac

A must have systematic theology, I here refer to the unabridged 3 volume work! Although I am not a postmillennialist and I do not reach to Hodge's work on a daily basis, I believe it to be full of truth and will and has been used, by the Spirit, to grow many of us in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior. soli deo gloria - to God alone be the glory

Charles Hodge remains one of America's greatest theologians, providing a crisp and clear perspective from the Reformed tradition of classic Christian doctrine. I also believe he presents competing views fairly, although with some language that is typical of the time (Roman Catholic readers may be put-off by his terminology when referring to their Church). This is a very worthwhile set of volumes, demonstrating the clarity of though that is frequently missing in contemporary theology. Hodge is the "thinking person's fundamentalist." He shows that one can meet the highest standards of scholarship while affirming Biblical truth. Theological liberals who look down their noses at conservative Christians will have to think twice when they read Hodge's work ... if they are intellectually honest, that is.

This, of course, is an abridgement of Hodge's original three volume set. The advantages of this book as opposed to the full 3 volume set, are threefold. First, you get the essentials of Hodge's theology in one volume. Second, it is easier to carry around with you to read as you travel, etc. Three, this volume includes incisive study questions to help the lay person gain a fuller grasp of Hodge's systematic theology (this is not included in the three volume set). This volume has essentially cut the three volume set down to the bare necessities in order to make available systematic theological issues to a wider and larger reader base (an idea that I think is pretty good). Moreover, all the essentials of Hodge's theology are presented from The Method of Theology, Theology Proper, to all the essential doctrines of the Christian Faith (i.e. salvation, the Trinity, the Doctrines of Christ, the Holy Spirit, The Church, etc.) This theology text is one that is enormously beneficial to the seasoned theologian as well as the lay person who is simply trying to gain a better understanding of Christian theology. In my estimation this is one of the better systematic theologies available (this abridged volume as well as the full three volume set). This book will help you tremendously in your theological endeavors.

The original Hodge's theology was three large volumes, with frequent pages cited in Latin, German, Greek, and occaisional other languages. But, it was the best of American Reformed theology from the turn of the century. Edward Gross has condensed and revised this work, and made it readable (all in English). I recommend this book for any Christian interested in the deeper side of the faith, and advise also reading Basic Theology by Charles Ryrie as a balancing view.