Suggested Systematic & Biblical Theologies

Here are some recommendations on Systematic and Biblical Theologies:

Systematic Theologies

• Louis Berkhof, Systematic Theology - Berkhof offers a classic Reformed systematic. His older language is worth the wade, as he addresses the attributes of God with a sense of reverence that is often missing from contemporary systematics. His section on the immensity of God is especially good.
• Lewis & Demarest, Integrative Theology- This theology integrates historical, systematic, biblical theologies and apologetics all in one volume. The strength is its well rounded approach; however, at times it is too scientific in methodology and explanation.
• John Frame, Theology of Lordship series – Frame is among the most cogent and clear systematicians. His triperspectival lens offers a unique perspective on systematic theology.
• Tim Tennent, Theology in the Context of World Christianity- Tennent offers a global perspective on systematic theology, presenting various systematic doctrines from diverse cultural voices, i.e. Christology from an African perspective. Tennent is a consummate missionary-theologian.
• Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology – lucid, readable, accessible, worshipful. Contains hymns and questions and a glossary at the end of each section. Contains a rare systematic treatment of Prayer, Spiritual Warfare.

Biblical Theology

• N.T. Wright, History of Christian Origins Series, - an incomplete, multivolume work of remarkable scholarship, both in theological depth and historical breadth. Though demanding, these books are very rewarding.
• Charles Scobie, The Ways of Our God – a massive treatment of major biblical themes gathered around four primary concepts (God’s Order, Servant, People, & Way) and one primary methodology (promise-fulfillment-consummation).
• Hafemann & House, Central Themes in Biblical Theology- an oustanding collection of essays that offer various thematic studies as well as two excellent essays on overarching frameworks for BT by Hafemann and Ciampa.
• Marvin Pate, The Story of Israel - traces the story and reconfiguration of Israel around Jesus throughout the whole Bible, paying particular attention to the role of covenant blessings and curses.

Africa Bible Commentary

One of my favorite Christmas gifts is the Africa Bible Commentary! However, I was disappointed to see that Lamin Sanneh, and Kuame Bediako were not included among the commentators.

Theology: in a global perspective

Tim Tennent’s second major book, Theology in the Context of World Christianity explores Systematic Theology from a Global perspective. Tennent takes an interdisciplinary approach, relying on biblical exegesis and contextual theologies to present the various doctrines that comprise systematic theology in a global perspective. Here are the table of contents:

1. The Emergence of a Global Theological Discourse

2. Theology: Is the Father of Jesus the God of Muhammad?

3. Bibliology: Hindu Sacred Texts in Pre-Christian Past

4. Anthropology: Human Identity in Shame-Based Cultures of the Far East

5. Christology: Christ as Healer and Ancestor in Africa

6. Soteriology: Is “Salvation by Grace through Faith” Unique to Christianity?

7. Pneumatology: The Holy Spirit in Latin American Pentecostalism

8. Ecclesiology: Followers of Jesus in Islamic Mosques

9. Eschatology: Jonathan Edwards and the Chinese Back to Jerusalem Movement

10. The Emerging Contours of Global Theology