Systematic Theology

by Lewis Sperry Chafer, Alan G. Hartman (Designed by)

The original eight volumes now complete and unabridged in four! "Though scholarly in the true sense of the word

Genres: Theology, Reference, Christian, Nonfiction

2880 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1993

About the author

Lewis Sperry Chafer was an evangelist and educator, founder and first president of Dallas Theological Seminary (originally Evangelical Theological College), and an influential proponent of Christian Dispensationalism and vehement opponent of covenant theology.

Reviews

[Brad · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a marvelous standard in the field of Systematic Theology. A great work by a man who spent the bulk of his life in the puruit of knowing the Lord and beholding the Lord Jesus through His word. Confidently written, scholarly, and thorough, this book will open your mind and heart to the glory of God and all that He had done and is yet to do.

[Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A standard text for evangelical theology. Chafer is well researched and biblically grounded. The only minor flaw is his tendency to insert block quotes, some of them several pages in length. Chafer stands as the first real Dispensationalist to systematize the movement. This 20th century gem will continue to shine until the very Rapture of the Church.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

should be in every christian library

[G Walker · Rating 2 out of 5]

This much I will say... Chafer, despite his flaws (ad there are "many"), clearly loved Jesus. And this is evident in what he writes and how he writes. He is humble and much of what he has to say has a doxological tone to it. And for that, Chafer's systematic is commendable over against others who may have better content, but for whom theology is "sport". That said, there are certain, noteworthy shortcomings in this set. Obviously, he was a product of his time... Chafer was a classical dispy, which has bigger implications that most give acknowledgment to (its not just about the Church and Israel or some version of premillennialism that includes a "secret" rapture). He held to a hybrid view of "free" grace. He was Ameraldian in his view of the atonement... and at parts, he "suffered" from a fundamentalist/prohibitionist hermeneutic... But still, for edification purpose alone (again not content), I would still rate this set higher than a Berkhof or Turretin. Maybe that is silly of me. But, despite his misguided theology, grace seems to me more prevalent (and genuinely real!) in his writings than it is found elsewhere in most protestant, English speaking systematicians.

[Christine Marshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is only my second time around reading the 8 volume works of Chafer. This is a must-read for every Christian who takes their relationship with God seriously. The pure act of Grace that God has bestowed upon us not only yesterday, today, tomorrow and into eternity is beyond what most of us even believe is imaginable and yet these volumes couldn't be clearer about how much God loves his people. My faith gets richer, every time I go through these volumes and again find important things I missed through the first reading. Much like the Bible itself, these volumes and the topics within bear the greatest concentration and the work of a life-long task of uncovering all God has planned for us.

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm only on Volume 4 out of 7 but I've learned quite a bit.

[Matt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mostly biblical (Chafer was much more a pastor than a trained theologian), however, too much in the classic dispensationalism extremes on certain subjects. To read with discernment as any book ;)

[Library of Pastor Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every born again Christian should read these volumes.

[Tim · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must have

[Sara · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read these. Actually, I read all 8 individual volumes. Required reading. Enough said.

[Cate]

No regret paying the price for such good books. Reading it surely will increase your spiritual knowledge.
After reading all volumes I turn the pages very often.

[Ryan Bibledingers · Rating 5 out of 5]

foundational