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Systematic Theology #2
Systematic Theology (Volume 2): The Beauty of Christ - a Trinitarian Vision
Douglas F. Kelly returns to the writings of saints and scholars to exemplify the beauty and the wonder of Christ, the Son of God, in this highly-anticipated second volume of systematic theology. Kelly delves through a treasure trove of Patristics, Scholastics, Reformers, Puritans, and Moderns to recover an Augustinian reverence for the beauty of Christ, to illustrate that the Father and the Spirit are most fully revealed through Him, and to make clear that His coming is the restoration of the universe.
- GenresTheology
568 pages, Hardcover
First published March 20, 2014
7 people are currently reading
89 people want to read
About the author
Douglas F. Kelly
29 books15 followersDr. Kelly is the Professor of Theology Emeritus. Dr. Kelly received his B.A. from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, Diploma from the University of Lyon, his B.D. from the Union Theological Seminary, and his Ph. D. from the University of Edinburgh. He is the author of many written works including, If God Already Knows, Why Pray?, Preachers with Power: Four Stalwarts of the South, New Life in the Wasteland, Creation and Change, and The Emergence of Liberty in the Modern World. His firm grasp of multiple languages and his theological competence are capably demonstrated in translating such works as Sermons by John Calvin on II Samuel. He is serving with David Wright of the University of Edinburgh as a general editor for a revision of Calvin’s Old Testament Commentaries. Before joining the faculty at RTS, Dr. Kelly traveled extensively throughout the world preaching and teaching. He was also enlisted to serve on the Jurisprudence project of The Christian Legal Society and serves on the Credentials Committee of the Central Carolina Presbytery.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
February 7, 2025
Much can be said about this volume. For one, this volume engages with a wide range of theological partners, adding a level of catholicity missing in most systematic theologies. This “echo” allows us to adore the beauty of Christ from the vantage point of different perspectives.
For two, the beauty of Christ conveyed in this volume is nothing short of doxological. I had some quibbles throughout the book, but the worshipful posture forced my attention elsewhere.
For three, I could not refer to this as a complete “systematic theology.” It may be best to regard it as “an orderly collection of essays on Christological topics.” Every possible topic concerning Christ is not covered; however, Kelly excels in covering the issues plaguing the church today. I mean, how many books cover controversy surrounding the relationship of Father and Son in Arabic translations? This makes this volume imminently useful.
Lastly, Kelly understands the role of philosophy in theology, particularly metaphysics. His articulation of various philosophical strands, their implications on theological thought, and practical examples thereof were helpful. One could read this volume without any philosophical training and leave with a clear understanding of the issues.
Do you want to read a book on Christology that engages your heart and mind? Read this volume by Douglas Kelly.
For two, the beauty of Christ conveyed in this volume is nothing short of doxological. I had some quibbles throughout the book, but the worshipful posture forced my attention elsewhere.
For three, I could not refer to this as a complete “systematic theology.” It may be best to regard it as “an orderly collection of essays on Christological topics.” Every possible topic concerning Christ is not covered; however, Kelly excels in covering the issues plaguing the church today. I mean, how many books cover controversy surrounding the relationship of Father and Son in Arabic translations? This makes this volume imminently useful.
Lastly, Kelly understands the role of philosophy in theology, particularly metaphysics. His articulation of various philosophical strands, their implications on theological thought, and practical examples thereof were helpful. One could read this volume without any philosophical training and leave with a clear understanding of the issues.
Do you want to read a book on Christology that engages your heart and mind? Read this volume by Douglas Kelly.
May 29, 2014
As one who truly loves to read and study theological texts, especially systematic theology works, I was pleased to see another effort reach the bookshelves in this particular genre. Some may feel there are already a sufficient amount of systematic theology volumes already available, both noted classics as well as many worthy efforts of more recent years. While there are definitely a large variety of systematic theological texts on the market, a work that has as its stated purpose a study of Christ is certainly something worth consideration. Systematic Theology Volume Two – The Beauty of Christ: A Trinitarian Vision by Dr. Douglas Kelly is that effort worth all believers time and effort.
Dr. Kelly roots his discussion in a Trinitarian perspective on Christ noting this particular volume has as its underlying theme the incarnation of Christ that “accomplishes the ultimate restoration of purity and beauty to humanity and the cosmos.” Throughout this excellent book, Dr. Kelly utilizes numerous quotes from early church fathers and noted theologians to drive home his message and focus of assisting the reader to better understand who Jesus is, why He came, and why any of that matters for the believer. Matters such as the incarnation, the atonement, and the return of Christ are foundational truths of the faith and thus having a firm and biblically sound grasp on such issues is of great importance and this book provides that needed firm and sound biblical approach.
Unlike many other systematic theology texts, whether the aforementioned classic works or those of more recent times, Dr. Kelly writes in a style that is scholarly without losing the layman in overly complex theological concepts or complicated theological terminology. An excellent example of his ability to relay scholarly and rather deep theological truths in a manner easily understood by the average layman can be observed in his discussion of the witness of the Old and New Testaments to Christ. Beginning with the statement that “The first confession of the Church is that Jesus Christ is Lord”, Dr. Kelly then relays a cogent and well thought out set of proofs of how Scripture as a whole demonstrates that stated confession. Even when referring to what can often be the complex writing style and thought processes of many early church fathers, Dr. Kelly yet again avoids an overly complicated writing methodology instead opting to lucidly explain issues such as the two Adams, matters of typology and allegory, as well as the important Christological concepts of Jesus as our Prophet, Priest, and King.
I also greatly appreciated the section on the names and titles of Christ that are utilized throughout the biblical corpus. Terms such as “Son of God”, “Son of Man”, and “Logos” are examined in great detail to include a truly valuable appendix focused on the issue of the translation of divine family terms for those in the Muslim community. In this particular appendix, Dr. Kelly rightly notes “How the Church translates the Word of God into the various languages is of essential importance in communicating the Gospel from age to age, and from culture to culture.” This again is of special importance when addressing who Christ is to those of the Muslim faith. Towards that end, Dr. Kelly comments “While it is good to be zealous to see results among the world’s enormous Muslim population, care must be taken to insure that any positive response they give to the gospel they receive is based on a gospel that is faithful to the witness of the New Testament and to the witness of the Church throughout history, and unites them in belief and fellowship to believers in Christ in other times and places.” Thus ensuring matters of translation are not overlooked when it comes to affirming the Jesus of the Bible when translating God’s Word into another language and for another culture that treats Jesus as just a prophet is something worthy of discussion and it was impressive to see Dr. Kelly devote this level of attention to this issue.
What is also very impressive about this volume is the evidence of sound scholarship and research. The numerous footnotes throughout this book will provide the reader with a seemingly limitless source of additional resources for further study on the variety of topics Dr. Kelly engages in this book. The bibliography is another impressive section again demonstrating the level of research and effort that went into the writing of this text.
I highly recommend Dr. Kelly’s systematic theology text to all believers but especially pastors and Bible College or Seminary students. The accessibility of Dr. Kelly’s writing style enables the laymen to have the ability to dig into complex and important issues of Christology and the plethora of scholarly information will also provide even the most seasoned theologian with years of material worth engaging. This is a book that will be referenced over and over in my own Bible study and I encourage you to pick this volume up as you will find it to be well worth your time and effort.
I received this book from Christian Focus Publications via Cross Focused Reviews for this review. 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 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Dr. Kelly roots his discussion in a Trinitarian perspective on Christ noting this particular volume has as its underlying theme the incarnation of Christ that “accomplishes the ultimate restoration of purity and beauty to humanity and the cosmos.” Throughout this excellent book, Dr. Kelly utilizes numerous quotes from early church fathers and noted theologians to drive home his message and focus of assisting the reader to better understand who Jesus is, why He came, and why any of that matters for the believer. Matters such as the incarnation, the atonement, and the return of Christ are foundational truths of the faith and thus having a firm and biblically sound grasp on such issues is of great importance and this book provides that needed firm and sound biblical approach.
Unlike many other systematic theology texts, whether the aforementioned classic works or those of more recent times, Dr. Kelly writes in a style that is scholarly without losing the layman in overly complex theological concepts or complicated theological terminology. An excellent example of his ability to relay scholarly and rather deep theological truths in a manner easily understood by the average layman can be observed in his discussion of the witness of the Old and New Testaments to Christ. Beginning with the statement that “The first confession of the Church is that Jesus Christ is Lord”, Dr. Kelly then relays a cogent and well thought out set of proofs of how Scripture as a whole demonstrates that stated confession. Even when referring to what can often be the complex writing style and thought processes of many early church fathers, Dr. Kelly yet again avoids an overly complicated writing methodology instead opting to lucidly explain issues such as the two Adams, matters of typology and allegory, as well as the important Christological concepts of Jesus as our Prophet, Priest, and King.
I also greatly appreciated the section on the names and titles of Christ that are utilized throughout the biblical corpus. Terms such as “Son of God”, “Son of Man”, and “Logos” are examined in great detail to include a truly valuable appendix focused on the issue of the translation of divine family terms for those in the Muslim community. In this particular appendix, Dr. Kelly rightly notes “How the Church translates the Word of God into the various languages is of essential importance in communicating the Gospel from age to age, and from culture to culture.” This again is of special importance when addressing who Christ is to those of the Muslim faith. Towards that end, Dr. Kelly comments “While it is good to be zealous to see results among the world’s enormous Muslim population, care must be taken to insure that any positive response they give to the gospel they receive is based on a gospel that is faithful to the witness of the New Testament and to the witness of the Church throughout history, and unites them in belief and fellowship to believers in Christ in other times and places.” Thus ensuring matters of translation are not overlooked when it comes to affirming the Jesus of the Bible when translating God’s Word into another language and for another culture that treats Jesus as just a prophet is something worthy of discussion and it was impressive to see Dr. Kelly devote this level of attention to this issue.
What is also very impressive about this volume is the evidence of sound scholarship and research. The numerous footnotes throughout this book will provide the reader with a seemingly limitless source of additional resources for further study on the variety of topics Dr. Kelly engages in this book. The bibliography is another impressive section again demonstrating the level of research and effort that went into the writing of this text.
I highly recommend Dr. Kelly’s systematic theology text to all believers but especially pastors and Bible College or Seminary students. The accessibility of Dr. Kelly’s writing style enables the laymen to have the ability to dig into complex and important issues of Christology and the plethora of scholarly information will also provide even the most seasoned theologian with years of material worth engaging. This is a book that will be referenced over and over in my own Bible study and I encourage you to pick this volume up as you will find it to be well worth your time and effort.
I received this book from Christian Focus Publications via Cross Focused Reviews for this review. 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 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
December 23, 2023
Excellent.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews