I must best describe this book as pure joy. I’d heard good things about it, but had been warned that it is heavily imbibed with quotations. To my mind, that usually doesn’t work. In those cases the author seems more of a compiler than a writer. I wondered going in if this would be more of a good reference than a good read. The more I read, the more my weak expectations were proven wrong.

The book is full of quotations, so how did the author pull it off? By picking the very best quotes, by seamlessly weaving them into the work, and by then writing thoughtfully around them. In the end, you get rich theology for your mind and warmth for soul. This is not a compilation. This is a book!

This book doesn’t address ever attribute, but covers some of the most important ones to ingest. After a discussion of God, the Trinity, and what the incommunicable attributes are, those of God as Creator and of His providence are brought to light. One of the best sections was holiness. Another favorite was goodness. I gained so much from it. The one on love started slower but really pierced my heart by end.

The book ends abruptly, but the author has delivered another volume on other attributes from another publisher.

You’ll see a pastor’s heart and a theologian’s precision throughout your read of this precious book. If this book doesn’t help you, I doubt you’re even trying.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Here’s a new Systematic Theology that fulfills a distinct need on two fronts. First, it’s a bit more manageable than most systematic theologies without sacrificing the needed depth. Second, it’s from a distinctly Baptist perspective. In that vein, it doesn’t follow the Calvinistic approach that clearly dominates the systematic theology market. That difference means you get more perspective as several other popular volumes are so closely aligned as to render some redundant.

There’s also a unique presentation here that allows one new avenues of thinking. As I was reading, I was struck with how this material was obviously honed through years of interacting with students. Every section was quite approachable and useful. Only in the section on Last Things did I feel he left some questions unanswered, or at least gave a briefer treatment.

Who would benefit most from this book? Pastors will appreciate it for sure. It would also be a boon to one embarking on their first attempt at a really deep, thorough study. Several other such volumes might sink your studies by their opaque style, but that is not the case here. Even if you can handle those volumes, this one still gives a different perspective like I mentioned before that makes it still particularly valuable.

I keep a stack of 3-4 systematic theologies always close by. This one will join them on that often-used pile.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.