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Christian Theology: Biblical, Historical, and Systematic
2022 Southwestern Journal of Theology (SWJT) Book of the Year
Adam Harwood's Christian Theology is both biblically faithful and historically informed, providing a fresh synthesis of the essential doctrines of the
The church has been entrusted with God's revelation―and to steward the word of truth, we must confess the Bible's teaching with clarity and conviction. Writing from a Baptist perspective, Harwood brings fresh insights that many systematic theologies lack. With readable prose, suggestions for further study, and discussion questions, Christian Theology will equip students and pastors to clarify and articulate what they believe and why.
Adam Harwood's Christian Theology is both biblically faithful and historically informed, providing a fresh synthesis of the essential doctrines of the
The church has been entrusted with God's revelation―and to steward the word of truth, we must confess the Bible's teaching with clarity and conviction. Writing from a Baptist perspective, Harwood brings fresh insights that many systematic theologies lack. With readable prose, suggestions for further study, and discussion questions, Christian Theology will equip students and pastors to clarify and articulate what they believe and why.
936 pages, Hardcover
Published October 19, 2022
57 people are currently reading
125 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
November 27, 2022
Here’s a new Systematic Theology that fulfills a distinct need on two fronts. First, it’s a bit more manageable than most systematic theologies without sacrificing the needed depth. Second, it’s from a distinctly Baptist perspective. In that vein, it doesn’t follow the Calvinistic approach that clearly dominates the systematic theology market. That difference means you get more perspective as several other popular volumes are so closely aligned as to render some redundant.
There’s also a unique presentation here that allows one new avenues of thinking. As I was reading, I was struck with how this material was obviously honed through years of interacting with students. Every section was quite approachable and useful. Only in the section on Last Things did I feel he left some questions unanswered, or at least gave a briefer treatment.
Who would benefit most from this book? Pastors will appreciate it for sure. It would also be a boon to one embarking on their first attempt at a really deep, thorough study. Several other such volumes might sink your studies by their opaque style, but that is not the case here. Even if you can handle those volumes, this one still gives a different perspective like I mentioned before that makes it still particularly valuable.
I keep a stack of 3-4 systematic theologies always close by. This one will join them on that often-used pile.
I received this book free from the publisher. 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.
There’s also a unique presentation here that allows one new avenues of thinking. As I was reading, I was struck with how this material was obviously honed through years of interacting with students. Every section was quite approachable and useful. Only in the section on Last Things did I feel he left some questions unanswered, or at least gave a briefer treatment.
Who would benefit most from this book? Pastors will appreciate it for sure. It would also be a boon to one embarking on their first attempt at a really deep, thorough study. Several other such volumes might sink your studies by their opaque style, but that is not the case here. Even if you can handle those volumes, this one still gives a different perspective like I mentioned before that makes it still particularly valuable.
I keep a stack of 3-4 systematic theologies always close by. This one will join them on that often-used pile.
I received this book free from the publisher. 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.
August 17, 2023
This is an excellent work.
Dr. Harwood covers every important topic of Christianity with an in-depth Biblical, Historical, and Systematic approach.
Highly recommend to any Christian, but especially those studying theology!
Dr. Harwood covers every important topic of Christianity with an in-depth Biblical, Historical, and Systematic approach.
Highly recommend to any Christian, but especially those studying theology!
March 10, 2025
Good stuff.
I must be honest, I bought this when I was assigned Systematic Theology by Wayne Grudem for class. But this book is my go-to systematic. I think Harwood is much more balanced and fair when he presents different views. Harwood covers each category of theology with depth and truth. He surveys church history and briefly describes how different, faithful Christians have believed different things throughout the ages. For example, if you are studying election and predestination, then Harwood's chapter on it is a great place to start studying because he fairly lays out the different schools of thought that Christians have held to over the centuries. Harwood brings a tone of grace, charity, kindness yet conviction with him in every sentence. I believe this is the best systematic theology in the Church right now. If you are a pastor, teacher, student, or anyone looking to go deeper in theology, this is a must-have.
The only reason this does not get five stars is because I do not believe the Bible is meant to be read "systematically." Read it like the original audience would have. Eat the text, live in the text, and let it live in you. Systematics are helpful for looking at the Bible from a bird's-eye view, but not my preferred way of studying. Biblical/canonical/literary theologies are more helpful I think.
I must be honest, I bought this when I was assigned Systematic Theology by Wayne Grudem for class. But this book is my go-to systematic. I think Harwood is much more balanced and fair when he presents different views. Harwood covers each category of theology with depth and truth. He surveys church history and briefly describes how different, faithful Christians have believed different things throughout the ages. For example, if you are studying election and predestination, then Harwood's chapter on it is a great place to start studying because he fairly lays out the different schools of thought that Christians have held to over the centuries. Harwood brings a tone of grace, charity, kindness yet conviction with him in every sentence. I believe this is the best systematic theology in the Church right now. If you are a pastor, teacher, student, or anyone looking to go deeper in theology, this is a must-have.
The only reason this does not get five stars is because I do not believe the Bible is meant to be read "systematically." Read it like the original audience would have. Eat the text, live in the text, and let it live in you. Systematics are helpful for looking at the Bible from a bird's-eye view, but not my preferred way of studying. Biblical/canonical/literary theologies are more helpful I think.
January 24, 2023
Harwood writes from a Baptist perspective. Given this, he takes a orthodox, fairly traditional approach to theology. He takes a middle position between the Calvinism/Armininian debate, comes closest to the 'open but cautious' camp regarding the spiritual gifts of prophecy, tongues and healing, and is agnostic regarding the millennium. Overall, the tone is gracious and the writing is clear. Though I don't agree with all of his conclusions, I have given this a five-star rating because he provides a fine treatment of systematic theology from his particular tradition.
August 18, 2024
Of all the systematic theology books I’ve encountered, this one is by far the easiest and most manageable one to read. Theology is no easy topic but I feel confident that anyone could pick this up (church attenders and seminary students and pastors and more) and be able to learn, understand, and follow along. I recommend this resource to all!
November 8, 2024
This is the best one-volume systematic theology I've ever read. I especially enjoyed how Harwood mixes historical theology with this systematic. He also shows a lot of humility in his descriptions of various views. Harwood will point out or highlight his view but tends to give equal time to important views he doesn't hold.
November 17, 2025
Adam Harwood’s Christian Theology is absolutely amazing. The way he covers the wide variety of topics and doctrines looking through Biblical, Historical, and Systematic lenses is wonderful! Every born-again believer who is looking to grow in their knowledge and understanding of God and His Word should read this. I would give this Theology book 10 stars if possible.
November 19, 2024
Very well Witten book
This systematic theology is very well Witten. I highly recommend it! I read it entirely. The only thing I can mention Harwood is too gentle with reformed theology.
This systematic theology is very well Witten. I highly recommend it! I read it entirely. The only thing I can mention Harwood is too gentle with reformed theology.
Read
February 8, 2025The sheer scope of this book is astonishing, it’s both comprehensive and impressive. Harwood covers a lot of material from multiple opinions and makes it easy to understand.
My favorite part though is how much theology routes back to Calvinism.
My favorite part though is how much theology routes back to Calvinism.
May 15, 2023
Takes a look at all views
January 1, 2025
Great theology book. Thought the section on The Doctrine of Last Things was weaker than the other sections (spec. Ch 28-29), but not enough to warrant missing a star.
Want to read
November 15, 2024I abstain from reading and reviewing this book in detail, after the prologue stipulates the Roman Catholic Church as a Christian tradition and names it first amongst all traditions, highly endorses Thomas Aquinas who is widely promoted in the Augustinian (both Catholic and Reformed) Church, and further endorses the highly problematic teachers Augustine, Calvin and Origen.
An introduction can probably not be worse. Now we know what to expect from this book and it is most probably a book we should stay away from.
Quotes: "When addressing controversies surrounding the doctrines of the Trinity and the person of Christ, Roman Catholics, Eastern Orthodox, and Protestants all refer to the early confessions of the church, especially the Apostles’ Creed, the Niceno-Constantinopolitan Creed (381), and the Chalcedonian Creed (451). In this manner, all the major branches of Christianity appeal to the authority of tradition."
"Most Christians—whether Catholic, Protestant, or Orthodox—would affirm this general sketch of history."
"II.Views on the Ordinances of the Church
A.Roman Catholic
B.Lutheran
C.Reformed
D.Symbolic
E.Other Christian Views
F.Conclusion"
An introduction can probably not be worse. Now we know what to expect from this book and it is most probably a book we should stay away from.
Quotes: "When addressing controversies surrounding the doctrines of the Trinity and the person of Christ, Roman Catholics, Eastern Orthodox, and Protestants all refer to the early confessions of the church, especially the Apostles’ Creed, the Niceno-Constantinopolitan Creed (381), and the Chalcedonian Creed (451). In this manner, all the major branches of Christianity appeal to the authority of tradition."
"Most Christians—whether Catholic, Protestant, or Orthodox—would affirm this general sketch of history."
"II.Views on the Ordinances of the Church
A.Roman Catholic
B.Lutheran
C.Reformed
D.Symbolic
E.Other Christian Views
F.Conclusion"
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews