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Truth, Theology, and Perspective: An Approach to Understanding Biblical Doctrine
Study Systematic Theology through the Lens of Truth
There are many themes that flow through and unite the entirety of Scripture, and in his latest book, scholar Vern S. Poythress explores the relationship between God and truth.
In Truth, Theology, and Perspective, Poythress explains how truth informs and confirms what the Bible teaches. In addition to a theology of objective truth, he explains how it is interwoven through each of the major topics in systematic theology, such as revelation, the Bible, man, Christ, salvation, and eschatology. This perspective highlights how the interconnectedness and harmony of Scripture is an extension of God's own truthfulness and how this attribute is manifested in all of creation, prompting us to greater worship and gratitude to God.
For Those Interested in Systematic Theology: Particularly college students, seminarians, and pastors Written by Vern S. Poythress: Author of many works on biblical interpretation, science, and history including In the Beginning Was the Word; Redeeming Science; and Inerrancy and Worldview New Perspective: Major topics in systematic theology studied through the lens of truth
There are many themes that flow through and unite the entirety of Scripture, and in his latest book, scholar Vern S. Poythress explores the relationship between God and truth.
In Truth, Theology, and Perspective, Poythress explains how truth informs and confirms what the Bible teaches. In addition to a theology of objective truth, he explains how it is interwoven through each of the major topics in systematic theology, such as revelation, the Bible, man, Christ, salvation, and eschatology. This perspective highlights how the interconnectedness and harmony of Scripture is an extension of God's own truthfulness and how this attribute is manifested in all of creation, prompting us to greater worship and gratitude to God.
For Those Interested in Systematic Theology: Particularly college students, seminarians, and pastors Written by Vern S. Poythress: Author of many works on biblical interpretation, science, and history including In the Beginning Was the Word; Redeeming Science; and Inerrancy and Worldview New Perspective: Major topics in systematic theology studied through the lens of truth
- GenresTheology
160 pages, Paperback
Published July 12, 2022
4 people are currently reading
41 people want to read
About the author
Vern Sheridan Poythress
75 books149 followersVern Sheridan Poythress was born in 1946 in Madera, California, where he lived with his parents Ransom H. Poythress and Carola N. Poythress and his older brother Kenneth R. Poythress. After teaching mathematics for a year at Fresno State College (now California State University at Fresno), he became a student at Westminster Theological Seminary, where he earned an M.Div. (1974) and a Th.M. in apologetics (1974). He received an M.Litt. in New Testament from University of Cambridge (1977) and a Th.D. in New Testament from the University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa (1981).
He has been teaching in New Testament at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia since 1976. In 1981 he was ordained as a teaching elder in the Reformed Presbyterian Church Evangelical Synod, which has now merged with the Presbyterian Church in America.
More information about his teaching at Westminster can be found at the Westminster Seminary website.
Dr. Poythress studied linguistics and Bible translation at the Summer Institute of Linguistics in Norman Oklahoma in 1971 and 1972, and taught linguistics at the Summer Institute of Linguistics in the summers of 1974, 1975, and 1977. He has published books on Christian philosophy of science, theological method, dispensationalism, biblical law, hermeneutics, Bible translation, and Revelation. A list of publications is found on this website.
Dr. Poythress married his wife Diane in 1983, and they have two children, Ransom and Justin. He has side interests in science fiction, string figures, volleyball, and computers.
The family lived on a farm until he was five years old. When he was nine years old he made a public commitment to Christ and was baptized in Chowchilla First Baptist Church, Chowchilla, California. The family later moved to Fresno, California, and he graduated from Bullard High School in Fresno.
He earned a B.S. in mathematics from California Institute of Technology (1966) and a Ph.D. in mathematics from Harvard University (1970).
He has been teaching in New Testament at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia since 1976. In 1981 he was ordained as a teaching elder in the Reformed Presbyterian Church Evangelical Synod, which has now merged with the Presbyterian Church in America.
More information about his teaching at Westminster can be found at the Westminster Seminary website.
Dr. Poythress studied linguistics and Bible translation at the Summer Institute of Linguistics in Norman Oklahoma in 1971 and 1972, and taught linguistics at the Summer Institute of Linguistics in the summers of 1974, 1975, and 1977. He has published books on Christian philosophy of science, theological method, dispensationalism, biblical law, hermeneutics, Bible translation, and Revelation. A list of publications is found on this website.
Dr. Poythress married his wife Diane in 1983, and they have two children, Ransom and Justin. He has side interests in science fiction, string figures, volleyball, and computers.
The family lived on a farm until he was five years old. When he was nine years old he made a public commitment to Christ and was baptized in Chowchilla First Baptist Church, Chowchilla, California. The family later moved to Fresno, California, and he graduated from Bullard High School in Fresno.
He earned a B.S. in mathematics from California Institute of Technology (1966) and a Ph.D. in mathematics from Harvard University (1970).
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
July 31, 2022
Each time Dr. Vern Poythress writes a new book, he offers the church a gift that should be treasured. His keen mind and heart for God are rarities in today’s generation. His newest offering is no exception. In Truth, Theology, and Perspective, Poythress utilizes the theme of truth as a lens (or perspective) to explore the rich themes that emerge in sacred Scripture. What makes this work so unique is that the author uses truth as a primary perspective to shed light on major doctrinal themes. Dr. Poythress adds:
The four major themes explored in Truth, Theology, and Perspective include 1) The Doctrine of God, 2) The Doctrine of Man, 3) Redemption and 4) Application of Redemption.
The final aim of the author emerges near the end of the book. He writes, “To know truth fully is to know God” (p. 144). In the end, Poythress accomplishes his goal which leads people on the path of truth. Indeed, “This increase in knowledge is an increase in possession of the truth and enjoyment of the truth. It goes together with a consummate increase in many other aspects of human existence in communion with God.”
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review.
By using truth as a perspective, we hope to encourage readers to appreciate more deeply the biblical teaching and its inner harmony. Any one aspect of doctrine, such as the theme that God is true and that the Bible is true, is in harmony with every other aspect.
The four major themes explored in Truth, Theology, and Perspective include 1) The Doctrine of God, 2) The Doctrine of Man, 3) Redemption and 4) Application of Redemption.
The final aim of the author emerges near the end of the book. He writes, “To know truth fully is to know God” (p. 144). In the end, Poythress accomplishes his goal which leads people on the path of truth. Indeed, “This increase in knowledge is an increase in possession of the truth and enjoyment of the truth. It goes together with a consummate increase in many other aspects of human existence in communion with God.”
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review.
August 28, 2024
This book was basic, which is not bad per say, but for me l got very little out of this book. The truth as perspective could have used a lot more flushing out. The occasional nugget was found within however. 6/10
August 1, 2022
Reformed Theology is very familiar to me so I had no trouble with the truth aspect of this volume, however, the perspective portion gave me cause to pause.
Author, Vern S. Poythress, has been a professor for over 40 years, in fact, he has 6 degrees. This tiny volume has 19 chapters that are dispersed over 4 parts yet only 135 pages are used to deliver the information. To further compound the situation, the font size is large, spacing generous and there is LOTS of white space. I’d venture that if tightened up, the pagination would come in at 96 pages.
Why did I bother with all that? One reason is related to the $22 price; it’s absurd. The second has to do with perspective and how i felt reading the book. Thinking back 4+ decades to my college days, long before podcasts, reading this book as like a particularly erudite professor trying to rehash his “best of the semester highlights” just before a midterm or final exam. They would info dump, ask a question, stir a little and repeat. Poythress does this for each of the 19 subjects, in a small way, and ends each chapter with “An Application”. A few of these summarize what came before but most are a charge to the reader: “Let us…”
To be more specific, the attributes of God are addressed in 6 pages as is the Trinity. The author states his purpose isn’t to discuss these doctrines but how truth as a perspective effects or is effected. These pops of information that often seem disjointed left me wanting more from the author. To me, his writing feels incomplete. Perhaps I just don’t understand his perspective.
All things considered, a biblical but unusual look at Reformed Theology📚
Author, Vern S. Poythress, has been a professor for over 40 years, in fact, he has 6 degrees. This tiny volume has 19 chapters that are dispersed over 4 parts yet only 135 pages are used to deliver the information. To further compound the situation, the font size is large, spacing generous and there is LOTS of white space. I’d venture that if tightened up, the pagination would come in at 96 pages.
Why did I bother with all that? One reason is related to the $22 price; it’s absurd. The second has to do with perspective and how i felt reading the book. Thinking back 4+ decades to my college days, long before podcasts, reading this book as like a particularly erudite professor trying to rehash his “best of the semester highlights” just before a midterm or final exam. They would info dump, ask a question, stir a little and repeat. Poythress does this for each of the 19 subjects, in a small way, and ends each chapter with “An Application”. A few of these summarize what came before but most are a charge to the reader: “Let us…”
To be more specific, the attributes of God are addressed in 6 pages as is the Trinity. The author states his purpose isn’t to discuss these doctrines but how truth as a perspective effects or is effected. These pops of information that often seem disjointed left me wanting more from the author. To me, his writing feels incomplete. Perhaps I just don’t understand his perspective.
All things considered, a biblical but unusual look at Reformed Theology📚
October 18, 2022
In today's world, truth is relevant or we hear that is my truth or their truth. It is no wonder we live in a mixed up world filled with anxiety and confusion. I so appreciate books that point us to the truth. When we deny truth, we deny God. It is that simple. The teaching on truth gives us reminders about truth. That every truth makes a claim. Anyone who ignores truth puts themselves in danger. Truth has 3 key attributes, omnipresence (everywhere present), everlastingness (through all times), and unchangeability (immutability). In other words, truth is God's character. It also is the foundation of man's redemption. Jesus himself says that he came to testify to the truth.
The study helps look at truth in our world, circumstances and faith. The author takes a simple Oak tree for the reader to see the truth of the existence of that tree. Which leads to the authority and submission. These things to me are holy and reveal who God is.
If you are offended by truth, you are offended by God. Is the truth easy to embrace? No it is not in our sinful nature and that is why Jesus came. This book is important to read and reread. To gain strength in truth and wisdom. Highly recommend.
A special thank you to Crossway Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
August 12, 2022
Truth, Theology, and Perspective
An Approach to Understanding Biblical Doctrine
by Vern S Poythress
Pub Date 12 Jul 2022
Crossway
I am reviewing a copy of Truth, Theology, and Perspective through Crossway and Netgalley:
Author, and scholar Vern S Poythress explores major systematic theology topics through the lens of truth in his book Truth, Theology and Perspective. He explains in vivid detail how truth informs and confirms what the Bible teaches.
In this book Poythress deals with everything from the existence of God, to Creation, Miracles and Providence, the book is broken down into clear, easy to read chapters, great for those who are wanting to know a little more about how to understand Biblical Doctrine.
I give Truth, Theology and Perspective five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
An Approach to Understanding Biblical Doctrine
by Vern S Poythress
Pub Date 12 Jul 2022
Crossway
I am reviewing a copy of Truth, Theology, and Perspective through Crossway and Netgalley:
Author, and scholar Vern S Poythress explores major systematic theology topics through the lens of truth in his book Truth, Theology and Perspective. He explains in vivid detail how truth informs and confirms what the Bible teaches.
In this book Poythress deals with everything from the existence of God, to Creation, Miracles and Providence, the book is broken down into clear, easy to read chapters, great for those who are wanting to know a little more about how to understand Biblical Doctrine.
I give Truth, Theology and Perspective five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
July 8, 2022
Poythress is back with more of his typical work. Sometimes I think he sits down to pen a thought experiment and see where it might go. This seems like that sort of work. I hate to be niggardly in my praise, but perhaps it's because I missed the point. He has some (good and right) things to say about truth. Of that I am certain. Higher purposes, I cannot discern.
January 13, 2025
Dr. Poythress’s writing on how perspectives are often different, complementary, and true is phenomenal.
I did feel like the book should either have been 40 pages shorter or 100 pages longer. I think the last several chapters should have been removed OR greatly expanded to better explain their (real, but not immediately intuitive) connection to the overall theme of the book.
I did feel like the book should either have been 40 pages shorter or 100 pages longer. I think the last several chapters should have been removed OR greatly expanded to better explain their (real, but not immediately intuitive) connection to the overall theme of the book.
April 29, 2023
If this book made an important or applicable point, or had a general thrust toward an actual conclusion, it’d be a 3 star at least. But I finished and wondered, “why?” Helpful perspective and intriguing insights, but I could never discern Poythress’ reason for writing.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews