A Survey of Bible Doctrine by Charles C. Ryrie

by Charles C. Ryrie

A Survey of Bible Doctrine is an easy-to-read, Bible-based overview of the various doctrines of Scripture targeted to the layman who wants to understand what they Bible teaches.

Genres: Theology, Christian, Nonfiction, Religion, Christian Non Fiction, Reference, Christianity

Paperback

First published January 1, 1972

About the author

Charles Caldwell Ryrie (born 1925) was a Christian writer and theologian. He graduated from Haverford College (B.A.), Dallas Theological Seminary (Th.M., Th.D.) and the University of Edinburgh, Scotland (Ph.D.). For many years he served as professor of systematic theology and dean of doctoral studies at Dallas Theological Seminary and as president and professor at Philadelphia College of Bible, now Philadelphia Biblical University. He was a premillennial dispensationalist, though irenic in his approach. He was also the editor of the popular Ryrie Study Bible.

Reviews

[Roni · Rating 5 out of 5]

"This is a book on Bible doctrine. We could be devious and call it by some other name like 'Knowledge You Need' or 'Truths for Today.' But why? The word doctrine is a perfectly good word that simply means 'teaching,' and teaching is not yet in disrepute (though studying sometimes seems to be!) So let's call this book what it is - a book that will try to help you understand what the Bible teaches." ~pg. 5

"God intended you to understand what the Bible teaches. This does not mean that you will comprehend all its truths at first reading or even in a lifetime, but it does mean you can expect to learn a great deal. God used language which He meant to be taken just as normally and plainly as the words in this book. So take it that way and assume He means what He says. When a problem arises, look at it again and remember too that God has promised that the Holy Spirit will also help you to understand His truth." ~pg. 10

"When you study a book like this, it may appear to you that the writer, or the church, or somebody else is saying to you, 'Here are the doctrines - believe them!' If that's the case it is only because you are looking at the results of someone's study, not the process of it. We are not saying, 'Here are the doctrines to be believed whether you like it or not,' but rather, 'Here are some facts to be faced. How would you harmonize and organize them?'" ~pg. 30

[Paul Batz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Charles C. Ryrie's book on Biblical doctrine is a solid introduction to Christianity. It is very straight forward and understandable. Ryrie always backs up his propositions with scripture and sometimes utilizes the testimony of the early church fathers.

Why, however, have I only given this book only 3 stars?

Ryrie's ninth and final chapter on eschatology is difficult to read and doctrinally erroneous. Ryrie subscribes wholeheartedly to a rapture theology. This is my biggest issue with the book because it informs many of his other theological views throughout other chapters. While Ryrie sees a scriptural basis for such a view, authors such as N. T. Wright would disagree. See Wright's "Surprised by Hope," for a more fuller engagement on this topic.

[Margaret Neal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall Ryrie was straightforward and diplomatic in his presentation, though there were a few times where his opinions shown through (in my opinion) too strongly, weakening the impact of his survey. His chapters on pneumatology, soteriology, and eschatology were particularly slanted and disappointing.

Because of the book’s short length, I assumed the target was a general, layman audience, but I think it was a little to dense in some places for that. Honestly, you might as well go ahead and read Grudem (obviously much longer but significantly easier to read).

If you’re looking for a starting place that’s not too academic or opinionated (but still a survey) I’d recommend Amy Gannett’s “Fix your Eyes” instead.

[Mark Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, I am of the opinion that Ryrie does an excellent job of presenting the differing perspectives on what many would consider to be the core doctrines of Christian belief. He tends to be more balanced and impartial than not in his treatment. Of course, as one would expect in such an area of study, I did not agree with a 100% of his conclusions. However, I did appreciate his general level of candor and diplomacy.

I ranked it 4/5 rather than 5/5 out five because there were a few areas where he could have been more balanced or more diplomatic in his approach. Thankfully, those moments seemed few and far between to me, and where those the only issue, I probably would have given it a full 5/5. However, where I was most disappointed was that in his section on how salvation/justification (depending on how you use those terms) is attained he seemed to conflate the ideas of belief and faith as one thing and, perhaps more importantly, he neglected to include the Epistle of James in his analysis. Both, to me, seem like significant oversights.

Despite these small disappointments (small when viewed against the totality of the work), I would still highly recommend this book for people interested in learning about biblical doctrine. With that recommendation I would add this: read several other surveys and commentaries as well. While Ryrie does an excellent job, you are best served in your study by reading a variety of perspectives as you study Scripture of yourself.

[Christopher Humphrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

“A Survey of Bible Doctrine” by Charles C. Ryrie is just that, a survey of (you guessed it, Bible Doctrine). It is a basic level primer that covers the gamut of theological topics. Rather than being a technical volume, this is a very accessible, easy to read and easy to understand book. Ryrie is a master teacher and a gifted writer, and he really shines in this little gem.

Both the advanced Bible student as well as a new believer could profit from this book, because Ryrie provides an overview of theology while clearly stating where there are major positions of disagreement among faithful students of Scripture. If you are discipline a new believer, this would be an excellent introduction to the great doctrines of Scripture from a theologian who holds Scripture in high regard. Happy reading!

[Richard Angelus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most seminarian students (I'm not one) and Bible students (I'm one) know or at least have heard about Charles Ryrie (1925–2016). His life and books have influenced many people like Charles Swindoll and John MacArthur. The critical ones will remember him as a dispensationalist only; the learners, however, as a theologian first. Nobody, including me, will agree with everything he writes and teaches. But nobody can deny his contribution of making the written Word of God accessible and understandable through his writings and teachings.

To read my review, CLICK HERE: https://legasitv.blogspot.com/2021/02...

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would have loved to have discovered this resource for my Theology courses in college! It is excellent and Biblical. Concise without leaving one in doubt on doctrines of the Biblical Christian way. I will be purchasing more of Brother Ryrie's works. I discovered him in some commentaries I used in college, and regret not adding his works to my library sooner. A must read for any serious "thinking" Christian!

[Sarah Solt · Rating 3 out of 5]

read this for MH’s theology class. this book is short but dense. Ryrie is pretty vocal with his views, which doesn’t make it an unbiased survey- but a survey nonetheless. I haven’t studied theology super extensively so it was good exposure to discuss with others in a group to think about the foundational principles & orthodoxies of faith.

[David Horner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Basically a short systematic theology that I used for discipleship with some young men. A great overview of key biblical doctrine on everything from sin and salvation to eschatology and the nature of God. This is my 2nd or 3rd time reading it and I definitely picked up more on the dispensational flavor of the book when it came to eschatology which I find myself agreeing with less and less.

[Christopher Diaz · Rating 2 out of 5]

I could see this being helpful to those who subscribe to Dispensational views of eschatology. I found the arguments to be asserted and those claims that attempted to explain the necessity of this view were not logically necessary.

[Among Longchar · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are new to systematic theology then this book does the job quite well.

[Sunshine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was ok theologically just quite dry/boring writing style

[Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great theology, very accessible, got a little weird at the end.

[La · Rating 5 out of 5]

Plan to reread

[Emilio · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good and concise overview of Biblical Doctrine. It helped solidify certain things I already did believe and helped me ponder over the Scriptures. While there is at least one instance in the book where I disagree with the author, I feel like this is a wonderful introductory work on understanding the Doctrines of the faith. It is well written and very easy to understand. Ryrie isn't needlessly wordy and is careful to make sure that the reader knows that certain doctrines are open for discussion and gives the main viewpoints highlighting and arguing for his personal opinion. Very helpful.

[Melissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't like to give poor reviews, but I didn't really care for it. I think it was too advanced for people who just wanted a general overview of the scriptures. I wasn't inspired, educated, or impressed. This is the first survey I have read, so I will have to guess that they are all questions and musings that don't really lead to much. He addressed a lot of issues and arguments but didn't make a solid case for any. Hopefully someone else will enjoy it more than I did.

[Celeste · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book very informational. I am getting more and more familiar with my Bible and yet I learned several bible doctrines that I either didn't know much about or didn't know about at all. This is a great book for anyone wanting an overview with many bible passages to confirm the statements talked about.

[Mert Robinson]

To read.

[CalebA · Rating 5 out of 5]

Covers a wide array of things, but I still had further questions. Time to read a bigger doctrine book :)

[David Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ryrie does an excellent job of breaking down fundamental doctrines of Evangelical Theology. This is a great read for new Christians or anyone trying to expand their knowledge of what they believe.