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Pilgrim Theology: Core Doctrines for Christian Disciples
Pilgrim Theology is a map for Christians seeking to better understand the core beliefs of their faith. Even though it's the study of God, theology has a reputation for being dry, abstract, and irrelevant for daily living. But theology is a matter of life and death. It affects the way you think, the decisions you make, the way you relate to God and the world. Reformed theologian and professor Michael Horton wrote Pilgrim Theology as a more accessible companion to his award-winning systematic theology The Christian Faith : widely praised for its thorough treatment of the biblical and historical foundations of Christian doctrine. In Pilgrim Theology , his focus is in putting the study of theology into the daily drama of discipleship. Each chapter will orient you toward a clear understanding about: Through accessible chapters on individual doctrines, as well as frequent "Key Distinction" boxes that succinctly explain the differences between important themes, you'll gain an understanding of doctrines that may have sounded like technical seminary terms to you before: justification, sanctification, glorification, union with Christ, and others. You have a working theology already—an existing understanding of God. It's the goal of Pilgrim Theology to help you examine that understanding more closely and have it challenged and strengthened.
512 pages, Hardcover
First published February 2, 2013
192 people are currently reading
874 people want to read
About the author
Michael Scott Horton
86 books336 followersDr. Horton has taught apologetics and theology at Westminster Seminary California since 1998. In addition to his work at the Seminary, he is the president of White Horse Inn, for which he co-hosts the White Horse Inn, a nationally syndicated, weekly radio talk-show exploring issues of Reformation theology in American Christianity. He is also the editor-in-chief of Modern Reformation magazine. Before coming to WSC, Dr. Horton completed a research fellowship at Yale University Divinity School. Dr. Horton is the author/editor of more than twenty books, including a series of studies in Reformed dogmatics published by Westminster John Knox.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
February 26, 2013
Pilgrim Theology is a condensed and modified (by about half) edition of Horton’s much larger systematic The Christian Faith. He lays the cards on the table in the opening paragraph,
Whether you realize it or not, you are a theologian. You come to a book like this with a working theology, an existing understanding of God. Whether you are an agnostic or a fundamentalist—or something in between—you have a working theology that shapes and informs the way you think and live. However, I suspect that you are reading this book because you’re interested in examining your theology more closely. (p. 13)
and a little later, “The burden of this book is to elaborate the claim that God has revealed answers, through we will not like all of them” (p. 15).
With a book this larger (just north of 500 pages), I debated on how to approach this review. I don’t want to detail the topics covered. For the most part Horton covers what you’d expect in a systematic. There may have been a few things he did or didn’t touch on where I scratched my head, but for the most part it’s what you’d expect. What I landed on was this: I will highlight a few of the strengths of this book and then end with a section detailing the drawbacks and my recommendation.
Strengths. First, I love that Horton placed this book squarely within the framework of the gospel narrative without ending there. He explains,
All of our faith and practice arise out of the drama of Scripture, the “big story” that traces the plot of history from creation to consummation, with Christ as its Alpha and Omega, beginning and end. And out of the throbbing verbs of this unfolding drama God reveals stable nouns—doctrines. From what God does in history we are taught certain things about who he is and what it means to be created in his image, fallen, and redeemed, renewed, and glorified in union with Christ. As the Father creates his church, in his Son and by his Spirit, we come to realize what this covenant community is and what it means to belong to it; what kind of future is promised to us in Christ, and how we are to live here and now in the light of it all. The drama and the doctrine provoke us to praise and worship—doxology—and together these three coordinates give us a new way of living in the world as disciples. (p. 16)
This emphasis of drama to doctrine to discipleship is mined throughout the book (over 40 times that I counted). Reformed types are often pigeon holed as lovers of justification without loving the big picture story and Horton’s book will helpfully do much to dispel that myth. It’s also important because a systematic could be used for information without ending in discipleship. If that happens here it won’t be the fault of the author.
Second, I love that Horton views all theology through a Trinitarian lens. Woven through out this book is Trinitarian exultation (100s of times). He shows how the Father, Son, and Spirit work in harmony and impact all areas of doctrine. If you ever wondered what an explicit Trinitarian focus would like related to doctrine, Piligrim’s Theology sails high in that regard.
Third, I love that Horton, as you might expect, explains reformed theology broadly conceived. He hits on the major tenants of covenant theology and gives you enough information and secondary sources to get you going. He also covers topics from infant baptism and reformed soteriology in a way which would be helpful for those seeking the truth in these areas. I could see how this could be used as a great resource for seekers.
Drawbacks. First, he starts by claiming he isn’t going to start where normal systematics starts instead he’ll focus on the gospel first and then go back. “In other words, we begin by turning to the climax of the novel and then going back to read the pages leading up to it” (p. 20). I was excited when reading this but I didn’t find the delivery as pronounced as he hinted at which was disappointing. It’s a brilliant idea for starting a systematic: get the gospel right; let everything else fall into place thereafter. Just not sure it was executed.
Second, it’s billed as “a more accessible introduction designed for classroom and group study” but I wonder if it’s still too large a work for the second part of that (group studies). I could definitely see the benefits of this book used in a classroom setting but it seems The Christian Faith serves that purpose. If the main goal was accessibility then I’m not sure it was accesible enough for say the average Christian who isn’t extremely motivated to read a large book to pick up and start reading or for a home group to use as their study guide (Grudem’s systematic still excels in this market). I would say the sweet spot would be somewhere around 300 pages with a slightly less academic tone. This last drawback isn’t so much a slight on the book as it is a question surrounding the audience/purpose of the book.
Overall an excellent introduction to systematic theology. If you’ve thought about diving in to a systematic and you’re looking for a robustly reformed one that addresses today’s theological issues than Pilgrim’s Theology is a winner. After reading it, that would be the market I would push for--those interested in systematic from an explicitly reformed perspective. Horton wins that fight all day.
Whether you realize it or not, you are a theologian. You come to a book like this with a working theology, an existing understanding of God. Whether you are an agnostic or a fundamentalist—or something in between—you have a working theology that shapes and informs the way you think and live. However, I suspect that you are reading this book because you’re interested in examining your theology more closely. (p. 13)
and a little later, “The burden of this book is to elaborate the claim that God has revealed answers, through we will not like all of them” (p. 15).
With a book this larger (just north of 500 pages), I debated on how to approach this review. I don’t want to detail the topics covered. For the most part Horton covers what you’d expect in a systematic. There may have been a few things he did or didn’t touch on where I scratched my head, but for the most part it’s what you’d expect. What I landed on was this: I will highlight a few of the strengths of this book and then end with a section detailing the drawbacks and my recommendation.
Strengths. First, I love that Horton placed this book squarely within the framework of the gospel narrative without ending there. He explains,
All of our faith and practice arise out of the drama of Scripture, the “big story” that traces the plot of history from creation to consummation, with Christ as its Alpha and Omega, beginning and end. And out of the throbbing verbs of this unfolding drama God reveals stable nouns—doctrines. From what God does in history we are taught certain things about who he is and what it means to be created in his image, fallen, and redeemed, renewed, and glorified in union with Christ. As the Father creates his church, in his Son and by his Spirit, we come to realize what this covenant community is and what it means to belong to it; what kind of future is promised to us in Christ, and how we are to live here and now in the light of it all. The drama and the doctrine provoke us to praise and worship—doxology—and together these three coordinates give us a new way of living in the world as disciples. (p. 16)
This emphasis of drama to doctrine to discipleship is mined throughout the book (over 40 times that I counted). Reformed types are often pigeon holed as lovers of justification without loving the big picture story and Horton’s book will helpfully do much to dispel that myth. It’s also important because a systematic could be used for information without ending in discipleship. If that happens here it won’t be the fault of the author.
Second, I love that Horton views all theology through a Trinitarian lens. Woven through out this book is Trinitarian exultation (100s of times). He shows how the Father, Son, and Spirit work in harmony and impact all areas of doctrine. If you ever wondered what an explicit Trinitarian focus would like related to doctrine, Piligrim’s Theology sails high in that regard.
Third, I love that Horton, as you might expect, explains reformed theology broadly conceived. He hits on the major tenants of covenant theology and gives you enough information and secondary sources to get you going. He also covers topics from infant baptism and reformed soteriology in a way which would be helpful for those seeking the truth in these areas. I could see how this could be used as a great resource for seekers.
Drawbacks. First, he starts by claiming he isn’t going to start where normal systematics starts instead he’ll focus on the gospel first and then go back. “In other words, we begin by turning to the climax of the novel and then going back to read the pages leading up to it” (p. 20). I was excited when reading this but I didn’t find the delivery as pronounced as he hinted at which was disappointing. It’s a brilliant idea for starting a systematic: get the gospel right; let everything else fall into place thereafter. Just not sure it was executed.
Second, it’s billed as “a more accessible introduction designed for classroom and group study” but I wonder if it’s still too large a work for the second part of that (group studies). I could definitely see the benefits of this book used in a classroom setting but it seems The Christian Faith serves that purpose. If the main goal was accessibility then I’m not sure it was accesible enough for say the average Christian who isn’t extremely motivated to read a large book to pick up and start reading or for a home group to use as their study guide (Grudem’s systematic still excels in this market). I would say the sweet spot would be somewhere around 300 pages with a slightly less academic tone. This last drawback isn’t so much a slight on the book as it is a question surrounding the audience/purpose of the book.
Overall an excellent introduction to systematic theology. If you’ve thought about diving in to a systematic and you’re looking for a robustly reformed one that addresses today’s theological issues than Pilgrim’s Theology is a winner. After reading it, that would be the market I would push for--those interested in systematic from an explicitly reformed perspective. Horton wins that fight all day.
February 21, 2023
This was my first jump into consuming systematic theology in book format. I’ve listened to lectures and done workshops but not done a book cover to cover.
If I’m honest I expected to be a little bored and as a mom with 3 kids I didn’t know if I would finish it. However from chapter one I was hooked. It took several weeks and I’m sure I didn’t get everything out of it that was available, but it got me thinking and I really enjoyed the learning process.
I’ll probably circle back and read it again at some point.
If I’m honest I expected to be a little bored and as a mom with 3 kids I didn’t know if I would finish it. However from chapter one I was hooked. It took several weeks and I’m sure I didn’t get everything out of it that was available, but it got me thinking and I really enjoyed the learning process.
I’ll probably circle back and read it again at some point.
November 20, 2024
This is a very unique systematic theology because it blends with it Biblical Theology. Michael Horton is a master of teaching doctrine through the drama of salvation history. This makes this “lay level” book a lot more difficult to read. This is definitely not an intro systematic theology.
However it is one of the best books I have ever read. I have to give it four stars because I’m a Baptist and I disagree with infant baptism but other than that it is a book on theology, unlike any other. Horton has a unique ability to draw out the beauty of doctrine from the scriptures while also we weaving in historical data. Highly recommend for those wanting to go deeper in theology.
However it is one of the best books I have ever read. I have to give it four stars because I’m a Baptist and I disagree with infant baptism but other than that it is a book on theology, unlike any other. Horton has a unique ability to draw out the beauty of doctrine from the scriptures while also we weaving in historical data. Highly recommend for those wanting to go deeper in theology.
November 16, 2021
Horton's short(ish) systematic theology hits the sweet spot for an average reader. He covers all the bases and does so with beautiful and rhythmic English, yet also has end-of-chapter summaries and lists that help readers keep track of what's happening. Instead of just giving his idea of right theology, he places each issue in its historic and traditional context, so you can see how we have come to the distinctives and definitions we have today. It is both systematic theology and also church history, to some extent. Horton makes the theological truths clear and logical, yet maintains an impressive command of the English language that ornaments his ideas rather than obscures them. He uses a clear and repeated structure, weaves Scripture seamlessly into his sentences, quotes the great theologians of the past, and includes alliteration. What more could one want?
March 1, 2020
Gold with ore
There are some incredible insights in this systematic theology book. I have to say that getting the deeper value from them sometimes requires a little work like extracting gold from ore. To put it openly, he has a lot of tension coiled up in people who differ with him - usually not liberal theologians but Roman Catholics, Pentecostals, evangelicals, and 'radical reformers' by whom he means Baptists (only known because he uses the pejorative Anabaptist to talk about them).
Again there is some gold here that not only will engage the mind but move you to worship, but i found myself at times getting marred by the jagged package that gold comes in in the wild.
There are some incredible insights in this systematic theology book. I have to say that getting the deeper value from them sometimes requires a little work like extracting gold from ore. To put it openly, he has a lot of tension coiled up in people who differ with him - usually not liberal theologians but Roman Catholics, Pentecostals, evangelicals, and 'radical reformers' by whom he means Baptists (only known because he uses the pejorative Anabaptist to talk about them).
Again there is some gold here that not only will engage the mind but move you to worship, but i found myself at times getting marred by the jagged package that gold comes in in the wild.
May 30, 2023
Definitely the clearest systematic theology I've read! Horton's theology is definitely reformed but as a systematic theology he covers the basics of other positions on issues as well. He explains difficult theological positions and issues as clearly as I think possible which was super helpful for me as it's often easy to get bogged down in theological jargon.
May 23, 2021
Occasionally, Horton says weird things (like republication). But for the vast majority, this is good, confessional doctrine.
Written to be very accessible (at time resulting in weirdly colloquial prose and figures of speech that just don’t work), this is a good intro to Reformed Theology. Bad place to stop, but good place to start.
Written to be very accessible (at time resulting in weirdly colloquial prose and figures of speech that just don’t work), this is a good intro to Reformed Theology. Bad place to stop, but good place to start.
March 13, 2016
In the world of systematic theology, books tend towards being either thorough multivolume tomes or popular-level high school textbook styled theologies for people who don't know much theology.
Pilgrim Theology strike a perfect compromise between the rigor and accessibility, being as short as can reasonably be expected in a systematic without sacrificing thoughtfulness or patronizing the reader. Horton demonstrates a deep knowledge of the system of reformed theology that knows its place in the larger theological world and is ready to engage with Roman Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, Lutherans, Baptists, and Evangelicals without being unfair.
The title, Pilgrim Theology summarizes the mentality of the book. We don't know God as God knows God, and never will. We don't know God as the saints in glory know God, but we won't until we are in glory ourselves. We know God now as pilgrims on the way to the heavenly kingdom with the aim of knowing that which we need for the journey.
From now on, this will be my go-to systematic theology recommendation for people who aren't ready to tackle 3000 page theologies but are ready to expand their knowledge to the service of their Christian. Highly recommended. Skip Wayne Grudem and get this instead.
Pilgrim Theology strike a perfect compromise between the rigor and accessibility, being as short as can reasonably be expected in a systematic without sacrificing thoughtfulness or patronizing the reader. Horton demonstrates a deep knowledge of the system of reformed theology that knows its place in the larger theological world and is ready to engage with Roman Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, Lutherans, Baptists, and Evangelicals without being unfair.
The title, Pilgrim Theology summarizes the mentality of the book. We don't know God as God knows God, and never will. We don't know God as the saints in glory know God, but we won't until we are in glory ourselves. We know God now as pilgrims on the way to the heavenly kingdom with the aim of knowing that which we need for the journey.
From now on, this will be my go-to systematic theology recommendation for people who aren't ready to tackle 3000 page theologies but are ready to expand their knowledge to the service of their Christian. Highly recommended. Skip Wayne Grudem and get this instead.
April 8, 2013
I think I will echo other reviewers in offering some of the following critiques, but here we go:
1. Too robust for an actual small-group discussion book.
2. The claim for the approach (Gospel-centered) is not really in line with where the theology goes (rather a typical systematic with tenuous philosophical assertions).
3. The writer is solidly Reformed with some Eastern leanings in his theology. This isn't necessarily bad, but many of his conclusions will push out those who hold some Reformed leanings but don't buy the system lock, stock, and barrel.
4. The critiques of opponents comes off somewhat forced. There are several forced dichotomies (to which Horton's position is invariably the Golden Mean). The abundantly used anachronism of "anabaptist" is used to describe anyone who differs from the Reformed view within the vein of Protestantism. Even when used by Calvin, this term had too much breadth to be of much practical use. Further, Horton's critiques of his opponents, especially in regard to ecclesiology and eschatology, tend to be rather weak and inconsiderate of strong counter-arguments.
1. Too robust for an actual small-group discussion book.
2. The claim for the approach (Gospel-centered) is not really in line with where the theology goes (rather a typical systematic with tenuous philosophical assertions).
3. The writer is solidly Reformed with some Eastern leanings in his theology. This isn't necessarily bad, but many of his conclusions will push out those who hold some Reformed leanings but don't buy the system lock, stock, and barrel.
4. The critiques of opponents comes off somewhat forced. There are several forced dichotomies (to which Horton's position is invariably the Golden Mean). The abundantly used anachronism of "anabaptist" is used to describe anyone who differs from the Reformed view within the vein of Protestantism. Even when used by Calvin, this term had too much breadth to be of much practical use. Further, Horton's critiques of his opponents, especially in regard to ecclesiology and eschatology, tend to be rather weak and inconsiderate of strong counter-arguments.
April 30, 2013
This is one amazing volume. It's the "layperson's" version of this more extensive systematic theology, written a couple years earlier: http://www.amazon.com/The-Christian-F... (I wish this one were available on audio as "Pilgrim Theology" is.)
I recommend this book and its accompanying study guide for group Bible study, if folks are open enough to go very, very deep. Every major topic is covered, including: the nature of God, evidential apologetics, nature of Scripture (including some textual criticism), Christology, eschatology, Trinity, baptism, Lord's Supper, and more.
I recommend this book and its accompanying study guide for group Bible study, if folks are open enough to go very, very deep. Every major topic is covered, including: the nature of God, evidential apologetics, nature of Scripture (including some textual criticism), Christology, eschatology, Trinity, baptism, Lord's Supper, and more.
May 2, 2020
A very serviceable layman’s survey of systematic theology. The key distinctions and questions for comprehension are a nice feature. Horton has several theological distinctives that get some treatment here (law/gospel, two kingdoms, ordo/historia salutis) but obviously not at the detail of his more technical writing. Definitely worth reading for those without the time or background for more substantial or multivolume works.
March 18, 2025
Excellent, but not a balanced systematic. I love Horton's stuff on soteriology, and eschatology. Disagree with this ecclesiology - especially regarding the administration of baptism. Given that Horton is not claiming to be neutral, I cannot discredit the material for this.
A great book for reference. I expect to use it lots.
Note: not a page-turner.
A great book for reference. I expect to use it lots.
Note: not a page-turner.
April 29, 2019
This isn’t a level Systematic Theology. And it’s not a condensed version of Horton’s “The Christian Faith”.
But it is really good. It was more philosophical than I was expecting but Horton does a great job of treating the typical ST loci in conversation with Biblical theology.
If you want to understand Reformed Theology this is a great place to start.
But it is really good. It was more philosophical than I was expecting but Horton does a great job of treating the typical ST loci in conversation with Biblical theology.
If you want to understand Reformed Theology this is a great place to start.
January 7, 2022
Even as an “anabaptist” I found this book very helpful and a great primer on Reformed Theology.
Read
March 24, 2024A good resource for the everyday theologian or those not wanting to delve into a systematic.
October 29, 2024
educational information
December 7, 2025
The textbook was fun to annotate, but the real goat of REL.131 was Professor Sampson.
Read
December 3, 2023Oh my goodness I'm so glad I never have to read that again
January 3, 2017
I am always, always, ministered to by the work of Mike Horton. God, in His goodness and grace, has blessed me with certain people in my life whose teaching is always of benefit to me. Whether it is writing or speaking. I have had pastors like that and I have enjoyed authors and professors like that. Horton is one of those authors that God chooses to utilize for my edification and his work in Pilgrim Theology is no different.
Do i agree with everything here? Nope. Did I learn alot? Certainly. Not only that, but I enjoyed the process mightily. This book is a blessing to me and the Church st large. I would encourage all to read it and enjoy it!
Do i agree with everything here? Nope. Did I learn alot? Certainly. Not only that, but I enjoyed the process mightily. This book is a blessing to me and the Church st large. I would encourage all to read it and enjoy it!
October 1, 2015
As Dr. Horton stated in this book, “We do not read the Bible somewhere off by ourselves in a corner; we read it as a community of faith, together with the whole church in all times and places.” - this is exactly what a major premise of this book is. Dr. Horton brought to life the core doctrines of the Christian faith. While I may have some points of disagreement, I would encourage anyone to read this book!
March 19, 2014
Another classic from Horton. I got a little bogged down in his other theology book and picked this up as a primer. Now I believe I am ready for the more detailed and scholarly work. This is not an "easy" read per se but if you are willing to do some tough sledding it is VERY profitable
September 26, 2020
An excellent layman's systematic theology in the Reformed tradition. Worthy of far-reaching once every year or so.
December 31, 2021
In recent Systematic Theology publication, the norm has been to offer 3 levels: a lengthy, often multi-volume, tome directed at scholars and seminary students, a more accessible work for undergraduate studies, and a concise work for youth or laymen. (For example, Berkhof published his Systematic Theology at 1048 pages, his Manual of Christian Doctrine at 372 pages, and his Summary of Christian Doctrine at 184.) This work falls right in that middle category, significantly abridged from Horton's longer Christian Faith. Standing in the same tradition as Berkhof, it's helpful to compare it to that early work from the 1930s and some parallel modern works from other traditions, like Grudem's Bible Doctrine.
- Strength: Horton does a great job making it readable but not simplistic. The glossary is very helpful. An educated lay person can probably work through it without much assistance.
- Strength: Horton fills each chapter with textboxes that address dichotomies that he calls "key distinctions." These are great pedagogically.
- Strength: One of his emphases are the inseparable operations of the Trinity which he consistently returns to throughout the volume.
- Mostly Strength: Another emphasis is the covenantal backdrop to the whole ST. It is a bit overdone at times, and some of his republication is a bit too rigid for my taste, but overall it is a helpful angle to address the unique Reformed understanding
- Odd: Another emphasis is his commitment to speech act theory. However, he doesn't define it carefully and so it's hard to trace this more novel contribution.
- Weakness: I don't think Horton's discussion of the mission of the church is consistent with his understanding of grace redeeming nature in other places. It was almost a fundamentalist reading of the mission that wasn't informed by the more robust reformed tradition at this point.
- Strength: Horton does a great job making it readable but not simplistic. The glossary is very helpful. An educated lay person can probably work through it without much assistance.
- Strength: Horton fills each chapter with textboxes that address dichotomies that he calls "key distinctions." These are great pedagogically.
- Strength: One of his emphases are the inseparable operations of the Trinity which he consistently returns to throughout the volume.
- Mostly Strength: Another emphasis is the covenantal backdrop to the whole ST. It is a bit overdone at times, and some of his republication is a bit too rigid for my taste, but overall it is a helpful angle to address the unique Reformed understanding
- Odd: Another emphasis is his commitment to speech act theory. However, he doesn't define it carefully and so it's hard to trace this more novel contribution.
- Weakness: I don't think Horton's discussion of the mission of the church is consistent with his understanding of grace redeeming nature in other places. It was almost a fundamentalist reading of the mission that wasn't informed by the more robust reformed tradition at this point.
November 18, 2024
Great to read two systematics at a time to be able to compare / contrast.
This one was much more Presbyterian with covenants appearing everywhere. Surprisingly readable (but also meant I didn't munch/dwell/critique it as much as I could have)
Some quotes I would have appreciated clarity on (or to discuss with others):
"Before creation, persons of Trinity entered into a covenant of peace"
"Ekklesia, a compound meaning "those called out"
Some quotes to remember:
"God speaks not just apriori creating (let there be …) but also summoning creature’s fruitfulness (Let the earth bring forth…) ... God not only acts upon the world, he acts in the world (through son) and within creatures (by Spirit).
Creation is covenantally ordered (by God’s word) just as Israel’s life is covenantally ordered.
Image of God: Prophet, priest and king, not just in our essence, but in public vocation, a summons to fulfil.
“Let there be … -> justification. Let it become what I have worded it to be -> sanctification
“God reveals his attributes in the context of historical works.”
“Disembodiment is the curse. Body and soul can be separated, our salvation not complete until we are raised bodily.
The incarnation means that God now has Mary’s genes!
Sinai covenant was temporary. Abrahamic covenant is everlasting.
This one was much more Presbyterian with covenants appearing everywhere. Surprisingly readable (but also meant I didn't munch/dwell/critique it as much as I could have)
Some quotes I would have appreciated clarity on (or to discuss with others):
"Before creation, persons of Trinity entered into a covenant of peace"
"Ekklesia, a compound meaning "those called out"
Some quotes to remember:
"God speaks not just apriori creating (let there be …) but also summoning creature’s fruitfulness (Let the earth bring forth…) ... God not only acts upon the world, he acts in the world (through son) and within creatures (by Spirit).
Creation is covenantally ordered (by God’s word) just as Israel’s life is covenantally ordered.
Image of God: Prophet, priest and king, not just in our essence, but in public vocation, a summons to fulfil.
“Let there be … -> justification. Let it become what I have worded it to be -> sanctification
“God reveals his attributes in the context of historical works.”
“Disembodiment is the curse. Body and soul can be separated, our salvation not complete until we are raised bodily.
The incarnation means that God now has Mary’s genes!
Sinai covenant was temporary. Abrahamic covenant is everlasting.
September 25, 2022
Having read Pilgrim Theology cover to cover, I found that it is an excellent resource, but a sometimes frustrating read. At times it is very clear that this is a condensed version of Horton’s larger systematic The Christian Faith. For example, I often found certain sections to either drag on longer than needed, or move on to the next subject just when “it was getting interesting”. The result is a volume that, to me, feels like it sits somewhat awkwardly in between a more robust systematic, and a systematic intended for new Christians without clearly being one or the other.
Even though that may sound very critical, I can still highly recommend Pilgrim Theology for your library as a text to quickly and easily reference as needed. If you are looking for an expansive systematic text to read, you might do better with Horton’s The Christian Faith. If you’re looking for a more basic volume to dip your toes into the world of systematic theology with an easier read, Everybody’s a Theologian by R.C. Sproul may be a good choice.
Even though that may sound very critical, I can still highly recommend Pilgrim Theology for your library as a text to quickly and easily reference as needed. If you are looking for an expansive systematic text to read, you might do better with Horton’s The Christian Faith. If you’re looking for a more basic volume to dip your toes into the world of systematic theology with an easier read, Everybody’s a Theologian by R.C. Sproul may be a good choice.
April 15, 2024
Horton does an excellent job with this systematic. I would rate this volume from a medium to a hard read. I thought He did a nice job on the Eschatology section, offering much greater detail than other systematics I’ve read. Overall, I would recommend this volume to anyone that may have already read Berkoff’s systematic as a starting point.
One note, there is some of the same information in this volume that is in Horton’s full size systematic, “The Christian Faith”. I still think it is worth starting with this smaller volume before moving onto his larger systematic.
“Take up and Read” - Saint Augustine
One note, there is some of the same information in this volume that is in Horton’s full size systematic, “The Christian Faith”. I still think it is worth starting with this smaller volume before moving onto his larger systematic.
“Take up and Read” - Saint Augustine
November 28, 2018
This is an outstanding treatise on the distinctives of the Reformed faith. It is well laid out in a logical sequence of topics and includes many of the opposing views also, in order that the reader might understand why the Reformed view holds to what it believes. There are questions at the end of each chapter but there is also an on-line study guide that is free to download. We used this for our weekly men's bible study and while it can be heavy going at times (some chapters were over 30 pages long), we all found it to be beneficial and edifying.
August 10, 2020
A systematic theology taken from a bigger systematic theology. Still it is worth the read. At the end is a note that the council of Chalcedon was a debate of distinctions. Horton goes through this distinctions. I bought to thinking there was a similarity between pilgrim and Puritan. Sadly, there was not. This is not Beeke’s Puritan Theology. That being said, occasionally a Puritan or even a Reformer . There is the occasional mention, but Horton makes certain that he is not appealing to any one particular authority. No authority but the Bible.
March 15, 2022
If you want to read a Systematic Theology but you are intimidated because of the length of those books, it's a good idea to read or listen to this book as a summary of Horton's Systematic Theology. Horton is one of my favorite contemporary theologians. This is a great book to read once in a while to refresh the sound doctrine in our hearts and minds.
March 22, 2023
Good book, explains everything very well. Of course leans to his particular beliefs as Presbyterian but to be expected we all can't be reformed baptist that would be boring.
I don't personally believe Cain was the first pelagian and believe trying to tie that is a stretch. Of course agree with all the soteriology. I also found the end times section well represented.
I don't personally believe Cain was the first pelagian and believe trying to tie that is a stretch. Of course agree with all the soteriology. I also found the end times section well represented.
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