Systematic Theology: Biblical and Historical

by Robert Duncan Culver

Robert Culver wrote Systematic Theology with the goal of creating a treasure trove for the student of the Bible. No previous knowledge of theology demanded, this volume is written in an essentially readable way and is the perfect core to the library of anyone who loves to learn. Subjects the doctrine of God, the doctrine of man as created, the doctrine of man as fallen, the doctrine of salvation, the doctrine of last things, and the doctrine of Christ.

Genres: Theology, Christian, Reference

1304 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 2005

Reviews

[Mike E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a massive and comprehensive systematic theology from a reformed perspective. I have found this book to have several strengths: (1) Even when I read only a few paragraphs I frequently learn something new and fresh from Culver. (2) He manages to keep systematics eminently practical. (3) If you have a theological question, Culver will likely have thought about it at a much deeper level and address it.

Culver is a big fan of Strong's systematic theology.

Most publishers would have made this massive work more than one volume. I am glad they did not. I like having it all under one roof!

A recent example of a question that I brought to this book: what is the biblical evidence that the Son will be subordinate to the Father in the "new heavens and new earth?" Culver points the reader to 1 Cor 15:28 et. al. and writes, "This passage seems to suggest that the subordination of the Son to the Father is to be affirmed not only of the economic (functional) Trinity but of the essential Trinity, what the Godhead is in and of itself."

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Quotes:
Perseverance:

The believer is kept in faith and obedience, partial and temporary lapses not withstanding. It means that final apostasy does not take place, that sins committed in moments of neglect of the means of grace will be repented of rather than continued in. (767)

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a thick book requiring a significant commitment to work through and certainly not a systematic for beginners. That being said, I appreciate the style that this has been written in: conversational. I do not mean that is less than thorough or in anyway a light read. It is not. But one is left with the distinct pleasure of sitting down with an experienced theologian and having table talk. I have never heard Culver speak and yet I can make out his voice clearly as if he were a friend. I'll continue reading and let you know how the conversation concludes and perhaps where we have agreed and disagreed.

[Corey Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great systematic theology. Culver very carefully argues his points. The exhaustive Scripture index is very valuable.

[Michaelpatrick Keena · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is massive and packed with solid Biblical material. I am so jazzed.

[G Walker · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't get the fascination with this volume. Large, over sized. Nothing definitive or unique about its theology or theological method. Perhaps it would serve well as a introductory text over say Erickson or Grudem... but there are many better texts out there. And given the massive amounts of time it took to work through it, the return on investment was not worth it. This work is pastoral, and laden with Scripture (but more in a proof-texting way and not in a soundly exegetical way)... maybe that is the appeal.

[Christopher · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great magnum opus on reformed theology. Culver doesn't leave a stone unturned, and it is laden with Scripture.