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A Systematic Theology of Biblical Christianity, Volume 1: Prolegomena and the Doctrines of Scripture, God and Angels
This is the first volume of A Systematic Theology of Biblical Christianity by Dr. Rolland McCune released by Detroit Baptist Theological Seminary. This volume includes Prolegomena and the Doctrines of Scripture, God, and Angels.
- GenresTheologyNonfiction
443 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
February 22, 2026
If I'm just rating this on sheer enjoyability, it's a 3. But, content wise, I did grow in liking what I was reading as McCune progressed. In that sense, I'd give it a 4... so let's just give it a solid 3.5/5.
Prolegomena was quite boring, but that being said I can't say I have read a prolegomena that was gripping (although, I think Beeke and Smalley's format will make there's the best ST out there right now). Bibliology was fine, nothing that jumped off the page to my memory. What was striking and somewhat jarring was to see a layout of traditional dispensationalism immediately after. To one degree, it does make sense: you talk about the Bible and then present your big picture of the Bible immediately after. I believe Wellum does the same in his ST. But, perhaps it was a combination of the content and the layout of the book, but it felt odd. I found it very interesting in McCune's layout of 7 dispensations how little the Davidic covenant seemed to matter. Essentially, it was non-existent (I'm not sure it was mentioned anywhere?). Very surprising to me, given the fact how much the Davidic covenant is stressed in other dispy formulations. Perhaps where the progressive covenantalists can be of assistance.
In Theology proper, I was pleasantly surprised to see McCune affirm divine simplicity, the active obedience of Christ (in passing), and have a good section on the economic trinity. I'm certainly no expert in the field of classical trinitarianism that is the rage today, but I thought McCune was quite good here. The little section on the "Christlikeness of God" was quite good as well. Angelology section was fine.
All in all, a fine ST1 book. An engaging, clear, and heart-warming ST does seem difficult to write. But from the little I've read of Beeke and Smalley, they've done a great job.
Prolegomena was quite boring, but that being said I can't say I have read a prolegomena that was gripping (although, I think Beeke and Smalley's format will make there's the best ST out there right now). Bibliology was fine, nothing that jumped off the page to my memory. What was striking and somewhat jarring was to see a layout of traditional dispensationalism immediately after. To one degree, it does make sense: you talk about the Bible and then present your big picture of the Bible immediately after. I believe Wellum does the same in his ST. But, perhaps it was a combination of the content and the layout of the book, but it felt odd. I found it very interesting in McCune's layout of 7 dispensations how little the Davidic covenant seemed to matter. Essentially, it was non-existent (I'm not sure it was mentioned anywhere?). Very surprising to me, given the fact how much the Davidic covenant is stressed in other dispy formulations. Perhaps where the progressive covenantalists can be of assistance.
In Theology proper, I was pleasantly surprised to see McCune affirm divine simplicity, the active obedience of Christ (in passing), and have a good section on the economic trinity. I'm certainly no expert in the field of classical trinitarianism that is the rage today, but I thought McCune was quite good here. The little section on the "Christlikeness of God" was quite good as well. Angelology section was fine.
All in all, a fine ST1 book. An engaging, clear, and heart-warming ST does seem difficult to write. But from the little I've read of Beeke and Smalley, they've done a great job.
November 3, 2019
A very good work by an author previously unknown to me. I find his attention to theological detail, his precision, to be a wonderful relief. As well, I have not noticed in this volume (and trust I will also not find it in the next two volumes) the obvious cattering to the masses of the most wide sold systematic theology of all time. Bravo to Rollan McCune.
April 27, 2019
Overall, a really good Sys Theo volume. The chapter on Dispensationalism seems forced and will scare off some. I’m not sure why McCune doesn’t address theodicy in this volume.
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June 8, 2023If you are looking for a three volume set that comprehensively expounds Dr. McCune’s Systematic Theology, look no further than this Systematic Theology in three volumes by Dr. Rolland McCune.
August 3, 2009
Dr. McCune was one of my esteemed professors during my seminary days. I rejoiced to see him put his outstanding class notes into book form. This first volume deals with prolegomena, bibliology, theology proper, and angelology. I have enjoyed what I have read so far. Dr. McCune has a powerful and discerning mind and he has used the gifts God has graciously given in an incredible way. This excellent volume is a must read for any pastor. Here is a theology that is truly biblical, systematically arranged, and God exalting. I look forward to the release of the next volumes. May God, in his grace, grant that these works be greatly used in the advance of the gospel and the strengthening of the church. I think that Dr. McCune is a much needed influence within fundamentalism.
Sam Horn gives an good endorsement of the book on the back cover: “Rolland McCune’s Systematic Theology of Biblical Christianity is written for pastors and preachers by a theologian with a heart for pastors. Concise yet thorough, academic yet pastoral, simple yet profound, Dr. McCune has managed to provide a much needed theological resource that will be of immense value to both pastors and academicians. His balanced, biblical approach is refreshing. Careful scholarship and thorough research are evident on every page. This will be a tool that serious students of the Bible will find themselves turning to again and again.”
Sam Horn gives an good endorsement of the book on the back cover: “Rolland McCune’s Systematic Theology of Biblical Christianity is written for pastors and preachers by a theologian with a heart for pastors. Concise yet thorough, academic yet pastoral, simple yet profound, Dr. McCune has managed to provide a much needed theological resource that will be of immense value to both pastors and academicians. His balanced, biblical approach is refreshing. Careful scholarship and thorough research are evident on every page. This will be a tool that serious students of the Bible will find themselves turning to again and again.”
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August 21, 20120369
August 16, 2013
One of the best Systematic Theologies I've read - somewhat unknown
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews