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God Is Love: A Biblical and Systematic Theology
While there is no substitute for personal, faithful, and careful Bible reading and prayer, the Bible’s vast size and diversity can make distilling its truth a daunting task. Thus most Christians benefit from supplemental resources to help learn and apply what Scripture teaches. Renowned theologian, Gerald Bray has produced just such a resource in his new systematic theology. Though packed with robust content, he writes about this “the aim . . . is to reach those who would not normally find systematic theology appealing or even comprehensible.” This volume is unique from others in that Bray traces the common theme of God’s love through the Bible categorically―from God’s love for himself and his creation to the cross as the ultimate expression of God’s love, among other categories. The centrality of God’s love in Bray’s theology reflects a deep conviction that the Bible shows us God for who he really is. This volume will be of interest to Christians seeking to grow in their faith.
768 pages, Hardcover
First published March 31, 2012
About the author
Gerald L. Bray
100 books42 followersGerald L. Bray (Ph.D., University of Paris--Sorbonne) is director of research for the Latimer Trust, based in London, and a research professor at Samford University, teaching in the Beeson Divinity School in Birmingham, Alabama. A priest of the Church of England, Bray has also edited the post-Reformation Anglican canons. He has edited several volumes of the Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture and Ancient Christian Texts, as well as volume one of the Ancient Christian Doctrine series, all for IVP Academic. General EditorTimothy George (Th.D., Harvard University) is a renowned Reformation historian and author of Theology of the Reformers, as well as many other theological and historical works. He is founding dean of Beeson Divinity School of Samford University and an executive editor of Christianity Today.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
September 14, 2018
This is not the best systematic theology I own. Nor is it the one I am in most agreement with. But Bray succeeds in doing things a bit differently, and for that reason I would highly commend it for the shelves of students and pastors.
For a start, this is highly readable. This isn't a book of technical terms, abbreviations, numbered lists and strings of Bible references. It reads like the transcript of Bray teaching an evening class at his church. The text or gist of Bible verses is given in the text, with verse references in the footnotes. The language is plain English. The style is continuous prose. You could sit down and read this like a monograph rather than using it reference-style like a textbook. But that doesn't mean it is superficial or insubstantial.
Second, Bray discusses issues that other systematic theologies don't discuss, or only briefly touch on. And these aren't trivialities. Bray has sections devoted to discussions of divination, ecology, drugs, disabilities, work, syncretism, and more. He is clearly interested in serving the needs of the everyday believer in the wider church, not just the concerns of academic theologians.
Third, he has a pastoral love of applied doctrine, and wants his readers to reflect on the implications of their faith. He exhorts his readers to share the gospel. He warns his readers about the dangers of sport-related idolatry. He invites his readers to enjoy the privileges that are theirs in Christ. He gently challenges mistaken traditions that his readers may hold. In short, Bray's work is unusually and wonderfully practical.
Fourth, Bray is very happy to admit that he doesn't understand everything. He's clearly a very intelligent, well-read scholar. And yet he writes with a genuine humility that is happy to leave some questions unanswered, to leave some tensions unexplained, to acknowledge the limitations of himself and his readers. He is content for his readers to disagree on issues of church government or baptism or the like. You can find humility in the writings of other systematicians, of course, and yet it seems more marked in "God is Love."
There is more I could say, and I could list matters of disagreement or apparent gaps. But you would be far better getting a copy, reading it, and enjoying the rich food Bray serves up for the good of the church and the glory of God.
For a start, this is highly readable. This isn't a book of technical terms, abbreviations, numbered lists and strings of Bible references. It reads like the transcript of Bray teaching an evening class at his church. The text or gist of Bible verses is given in the text, with verse references in the footnotes. The language is plain English. The style is continuous prose. You could sit down and read this like a monograph rather than using it reference-style like a textbook. But that doesn't mean it is superficial or insubstantial.
Second, Bray discusses issues that other systematic theologies don't discuss, or only briefly touch on. And these aren't trivialities. Bray has sections devoted to discussions of divination, ecology, drugs, disabilities, work, syncretism, and more. He is clearly interested in serving the needs of the everyday believer in the wider church, not just the concerns of academic theologians.
Third, he has a pastoral love of applied doctrine, and wants his readers to reflect on the implications of their faith. He exhorts his readers to share the gospel. He warns his readers about the dangers of sport-related idolatry. He invites his readers to enjoy the privileges that are theirs in Christ. He gently challenges mistaken traditions that his readers may hold. In short, Bray's work is unusually and wonderfully practical.
Fourth, Bray is very happy to admit that he doesn't understand everything. He's clearly a very intelligent, well-read scholar. And yet he writes with a genuine humility that is happy to leave some questions unanswered, to leave some tensions unexplained, to acknowledge the limitations of himself and his readers. He is content for his readers to disagree on issues of church government or baptism or the like. You can find humility in the writings of other systematicians, of course, and yet it seems more marked in "God is Love."
There is more I could say, and I could list matters of disagreement or apparent gaps. But you would be far better getting a copy, reading it, and enjoying the rich food Bray serves up for the good of the church and the glory of God.
September 19, 2012
Bray paints with a broad and heavy brush with regards to the Christian Faith in his magnum opus God is Love. Indeed, he covers just about everything imaginable. Someone said if you were going to read Lewis' Mere Christianity, then Stott's Basic Christianity...then this book would be the next step. I think that's a fair assessment. The book is supposed to be something of a hybrid between systematic and biblical theology. It is extremely well-organized. He covers just about everything in a general kind of way but stays away from specifics. He does not interact with any other theologians per se. Yet, you can tell he adheres to Reformed theology. Bray wants you to know this is what the Bible teaches about what Christians believe. All footnotes are Scripture alone. The book is very readable but long; close to 800 pages. If you really would like to know what most all Christians believe about every topic out there, then this is the book.
March 17, 2026
I would read other systematic texts. I don’t think Bray is clear or structured. He bites off more than he can chew in this project.
February 4, 2013
The blogs and interviews that I read about this book before I bought it were very intriguing to me; An entire systematic theology which focuses on God’s love as the overarching theme? An exclusively Bible based theological textbook? A deliberate preference for ordinary language instead of technical theological jargon? It definitely piqued my interest and I looked forward to studying through it. I bought it with hopes to read it in its entirety during my sabbatical; I anticipated being stirred emotionally and challenged intellectually by it. I was hoping for a rich, theologically informed devotional look at God’s love.
While it didn’t meet all of my high expectations, I definitely enjoyed my journey through its pages.
The author’s deliberate choice to only have scripture verses as the footnotes was definitely a selling point of the book to me, but as I was reading through it I saw that it can also be a weak point in this sort of book.
In traditional systematic theologies other theologians will be referenced and quoted, their opposing viewpoints will be laid out, and their arguments are interacted with and rebutted etc. Gerald Bray’s decision to not quote other authors allows him to summarize their points of view and then rebut them without giving them a chance to speak for themselves. It is quite possible that straw man arguments have been set up and then knocked down.
Obviously, any systematic theology is going to highlight the weaknesses of opposing points of view, but this book doesn’t even point us towards other writers for us to investigate for ourselves. One example that I noticed was his section on creation and the question of the age of the earth, he quickly dismisses the young earth creation position, stating that “The Bible is not a scientific textbook and was never intended to be. Its account of the creation is much too sketchy to be the basis for any scientific theory, and it is not really concerned with the origin of things at all.” He goes on to say “There is nothing in Genesis 1 that obliges us to believe that the world was made in six twenty-four hour days, although some Christians have tried to insist on that interpretation.” (pg. 237) This kind of statement nearly begs for a footnote, or at least some kind of interaction between that view and his own. I really enjoyed Wayne Grudem’s section in his systematic on this topic, he worked very hard to include and interact with all the other major views on this doctrine.
Also I was slightly uncomfortable with his understanding of the inspiration and inerrancy of Scripture (ch2, esp pages 56-58) and would come to a different interpretive conclusion regarding the book of Revelation than the one he concludes his book with (ch31). But certainly in a book of this size nearly every reader is going to find parts that he or she disagrees with.
But of course there was so much great stuff in the book, I don’t want to only mention the parts I wasn’t a fan of. His sections on The Christian Experience of God (ch 1), Speaking About God (ch 4), The Divine Son of God (ch 10), The Human Race (ch 15), God’s Covenant People (ch 25), The Sending of the Holy Spirit (ch 27) and Belonging to the Fellowship of Believers (ch 30) were fantastic and I found myself reaching for the highlighter frequently in those sections. I also especially appreciated Bray’s inclusion of a section on people with disabilities and special needs (pg. 292-294) as image-bearers of God.
A good enjoyable read that I will surely pull off the shelf in order to revisit certain chapters in years to come.
While it didn’t meet all of my high expectations, I definitely enjoyed my journey through its pages.
The author’s deliberate choice to only have scripture verses as the footnotes was definitely a selling point of the book to me, but as I was reading through it I saw that it can also be a weak point in this sort of book.
In traditional systematic theologies other theologians will be referenced and quoted, their opposing viewpoints will be laid out, and their arguments are interacted with and rebutted etc. Gerald Bray’s decision to not quote other authors allows him to summarize their points of view and then rebut them without giving them a chance to speak for themselves. It is quite possible that straw man arguments have been set up and then knocked down.
Obviously, any systematic theology is going to highlight the weaknesses of opposing points of view, but this book doesn’t even point us towards other writers for us to investigate for ourselves. One example that I noticed was his section on creation and the question of the age of the earth, he quickly dismisses the young earth creation position, stating that “The Bible is not a scientific textbook and was never intended to be. Its account of the creation is much too sketchy to be the basis for any scientific theory, and it is not really concerned with the origin of things at all.” He goes on to say “There is nothing in Genesis 1 that obliges us to believe that the world was made in six twenty-four hour days, although some Christians have tried to insist on that interpretation.” (pg. 237) This kind of statement nearly begs for a footnote, or at least some kind of interaction between that view and his own. I really enjoyed Wayne Grudem’s section in his systematic on this topic, he worked very hard to include and interact with all the other major views on this doctrine.
Also I was slightly uncomfortable with his understanding of the inspiration and inerrancy of Scripture (ch2, esp pages 56-58) and would come to a different interpretive conclusion regarding the book of Revelation than the one he concludes his book with (ch31). But certainly in a book of this size nearly every reader is going to find parts that he or she disagrees with.
But of course there was so much great stuff in the book, I don’t want to only mention the parts I wasn’t a fan of. His sections on The Christian Experience of God (ch 1), Speaking About God (ch 4), The Divine Son of God (ch 10), The Human Race (ch 15), God’s Covenant People (ch 25), The Sending of the Holy Spirit (ch 27) and Belonging to the Fellowship of Believers (ch 30) were fantastic and I found myself reaching for the highlighter frequently in those sections. I also especially appreciated Bray’s inclusion of a section on people with disabilities and special needs (pg. 292-294) as image-bearers of God.
A good enjoyable read that I will surely pull off the shelf in order to revisit certain chapters in years to come.
August 26, 2018
As much as I respect Gerald Bray, this book was the single worst Reformed systematic theology that I have ever read. There are plenty of good practical and pastoral insights peppered here and there throughout the book, but as a work of dogmatics, it is an abject failure. Notwithstanding the fact that it consists of 740 pages of text, God is Love neglects to adequately address most of the traditional themes of systematic theology and is largely composed of superfluous waffle.
While it contains nothing grossly heterodox, the author has some odd opinions about Adam and Noah (perhaps) not having heard the gospel. This point highlights a general tendency of the author to hesitate and be ambiguous about matters of which there is no ambiguity. Even on ethical questions, despite being generally pro-life, he could not affirm that it was wrong to abort a child when the mother's life is supposedly in danger.
No theologian or work of dogmatics is perfect. Thus, it is wise to read a variety of them in order to train yourself to discern between what is good and not so good in every orthodox theologian. For that reason, I have no problem commending most orthodox systematic theologies as worthy of study. I cannot do so with God is Love; it is a wonderful waste of time. The fact that there is a second commandment violation on the front cover is also something that we could have done without.
While it contains nothing grossly heterodox, the author has some odd opinions about Adam and Noah (perhaps) not having heard the gospel. This point highlights a general tendency of the author to hesitate and be ambiguous about matters of which there is no ambiguity. Even on ethical questions, despite being generally pro-life, he could not affirm that it was wrong to abort a child when the mother's life is supposedly in danger.
No theologian or work of dogmatics is perfect. Thus, it is wise to read a variety of them in order to train yourself to discern between what is good and not so good in every orthodox theologian. For that reason, I have no problem commending most orthodox systematic theologies as worthy of study. I cannot do so with God is Love; it is a wonderful waste of time. The fact that there is a second commandment violation on the front cover is also something that we could have done without.
July 13, 2018
At times this felt like 'Gerald Bray on everything', but please don't hear that as a criticism. I haven't read an easier or more pastoral systematic theology than God is Love. Bray effortlessly moves through the gears of historic debate, insightful exposition, and meaningful application. If John Webster was right, and I think he was, when he said that the aim of all theology is doxology then this work is a tremendous success. Added to all of that, Bray deploys some wonderful wit and fierce reason.
May 11, 2012
The author deals with some issues not normally dealt with in most theology books, but has calvinistic bias is very strong as you get close to theend ofthe book.
September 6, 2012
I have just begun this book. The preface and first chapter are so good, I'm already re-reading them. If the rest is as good as the opening, I'll alter my star rating to *****
May 3, 2018
A disappointing waste of time.
January 9, 2017
It is a great book, Gerald explains the theology of God with an easy understanding . He has a good knowledge of God with a heart of what is exactly true . He investigates and sees everything with an open eyes. I really enjoyed reading it . Also I use it as a reference , meant that still reading some part of it. It is recommended If you want to go deep down of God and know Who HE IS.
May 14, 2014
Excellent book. Irenic, considerate, and engaging. It's also a long book, which I wasn't initially expecting. I would recommend Bray's work to anyone interested in a "systematic theology" organized around the biblical themes of God's love
August 2, 2023
This book is a blend of systematic theology and biblical theology. There were also topics that Bray discusses in the book that would not be considered normal systematics topics. One of those odd topics was a discussion of various non-Christian religions. Although the topic to me was a bit strange for a book on systematics and biblical theology, I must say it was very good, well written, and interesting.
Overall, I thought Bray did a good job with the content. I would caution anyone looking for a straight up systematic theology or biblical theology, this may not be the right book for you. However, if you are looking for some beginner content on systematics and biblical theology, this would be a good place to start. I would recommend this book to anyone looking to learn.
“Take up and Read” - Saint Augustine
Overall, I thought Bray did a good job with the content. I would caution anyone looking for a straight up systematic theology or biblical theology, this may not be the right book for you. However, if you are looking for some beginner content on systematics and biblical theology, this would be a good place to start. I would recommend this book to anyone looking to learn.
“Take up and Read” - Saint Augustine
July 2, 2021
A very "Crossway Publishers" systematic theology.
March 10, 2019
Mr. Bray examines God’s love as the central theme of Christian theology. He integrates biblical exegesis with systematic theology, covering all the major doctrines as expected. The content is framed through the lens of divine love. The book uses extensive scriptural references to ground its theological arguments, drawing directly from Bible passages to support its exploration of God’s loving nature. Some have said that Bray’s arguments, while clear, occasionally lack the depth needed for advanced theological study. I read the introductory thoughts and knew going in that the focus was on accessibility for laypeople. I loved the book.
May 12, 2013
Very readable systematic theology. The first two thirds very comprehensive, but in the last third he seemed to be much more brief. Running out of time (or space)?
November 10, 2013
Very good systematic theology book centered around the love of God.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews