Systematic Theology

by Anthony C. Thiselton

A rounded, coherent and biblically grounded account of the major topics in the study of theology, by one of the world's most widely respected evangelical scholars. At last, here is a concise one-volume systematic theology that readers will find both accessible and affordable. Equally useful to students, ministers and interested lay people, the work is divided into fourteen chapters, to match weekly sessions in an average-length semester. Each chapter, in turn, contains five roughly equal subsections. One of the book's great strengths is to provide a broad interdisciplinary perspective, and within that framework to cover all the key elements expected of any systematic theology: a theological understanding of God and creation; issues concerning theism and atheism; the nature of humankind and of misdirected desire and alienation; the work and Person of Christ; the Person and work of the Holy Spirit; the Church, ministry and sacraments; and two chapters on the last things. Each chapter is built on careful foundations in biblical exegesis, while also interacting with major thinkers through the centuries and today. Too often systematic theologies yield disappointingly few practical lessons for Christian discipleship and devotion. Thiselton, by contrast, has produced a work that is fully mindful of these practical concerns, injecting into his theological discussions many helpful observations about their relevance to the Christian life.

Genres: Theology, Religion

470 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 20, 2015

About the author

Anthony Charles Thiselton is emeritus professor of Christian theology at the University of Nottingham and a fellow of the British Academy. His recent publications include Approaching Philosophy of Religion, Discovering Romans, Systematic Theology, The Holy Spirit, and The Last Things.

Reviews

[Jess Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!

Thiselton est vraiment très doué pour exposer en peu de mots des sujets parfois complexes et profond. Son écriture est très fluide, très facile à lire.

Franchement j'aurais pas dit non à 100 voir 200 pages de plus mais ce n'était pas le but de l'auteur de faire trop gros.

(bon ben du coup je suis conquis et je crains de ne plus avoir d'excuse pour lire son commentaire sur 1 Corinthiens. Vu que comme Wright il sait apparemment écrire je n'ai plus peur d'attaquer un pavé de Thiselton)

[Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

A kind of "drive by shooting" systematic theology. Sticks pretty closely to the standard theological loci, though with some curious changes (i.e. a chapter on the challenge of atheism). Not really a good go-to systematics text, but a nice smattering for the advanced student. Even still, Thiselton's knowledge is unparalleled in terms of multi-disciplinary theology and it shows in this text.

[Cal Davie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very decent introduction to the theology of the Christian faith, and an excellent resource for theology students. At times, Thiselton's philosophical understanding appeared to be limited with lines such as "Nietzsche was a nihilist" which is clearly a vast oversimplification. Nevertheless, he is more philosophically engaged than a lot of modern systematicians. His biblical theology is very strong and he brought much nuance to complex passages and issues. This is well worth a read, and although not quite perfect, it's possibly one of the best textbooks on the market for theology undergrads.

[Douglas Fyfe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. For some reason it was in the bargain bin ($10 from $60) but it was excellent. Especially for anyone into historical theology; Thiselton is superb at going back to primary sources to explain the trajectory that leads to contemporary understandings.
Highly recommend this book.

[Pat Phelps · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this systematic was just ok. There were some sections I find strange for a systematic (animal/non-human creation), but overall Thieslton did a nice job of the major categories. More on scripture could have also been added.

“Take up and Read” - Saint Augustine

[Grant Knepper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really well done intro to the topic. Fairly neutral perspective that makes it good for use as a textbook.

[Zach Waldis · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thiselton is super smart, and an important source on hermeneutics. But this book falls flat. Thiselton is super quote happy and one wonders just what exactly Thiselton himself has to contribute. The book says it is intended for students and busy ministers, but I can't say that I would recommend this book to either of those groups.