Everyone's a Theologian: An Introduction to Systematic Theology

Many people, including Christians downplay the importance of theology in their lives. For example, it’s not uncommon to hear a Christian say, “I don’t have a theology”, or something of similar effect. This is not only untrue it’s dangerous. Doctrine comes from the Bible and the application of our doctrine is theology. Believing that theology is only for those who are in the ivory tower of academia who emphasize minute points of doctrine isn’t the point of theology. Everyone is a theologian—the question is whether they are a good one or a bad one. In Dr. Sproul’s new book Everyone’s a Theologian An Introduction to Systematic Theology he takes on many popular ideas of theology and seeks to help his reader understand not only what particular theological terms mean but also why they are significant to our lives. Written in his usual easy to read style, this book is a true blessing and treasure trove for the church. The book has eight sections. Each section takes a major doctrine such as what is theology, Scripture, theology proper, anthropology and creation, Christology, pneumatology, soteriology, ecclesiology, and eschatology. As Dr. Sproul elaborates on these critical doctrines, he helps readers to understand, what the terms mean like any good teacher does. Then he moves to show where the teaching about the particular doctrine under consideration is in the Bible. We live in an age where many Christians emphasize their feelings above the Word of God. Throughout the history of the Church men and women have valued the study of theology so highly that even non-academic people have dedicated their entire lives to the study. While we live in a changing age, we have an unchanging God. One area where theology can help us is in our daily lives such as in dealing with difficult people and difficult situations. This comes from a proper view of God who sees all and knows all—who reaches out to the broken hearted, redeems sinners, is sanctifying them, and will one day glorify them. Understanding the doctrine of God and the person and work of Christ is but one example of why theology is important today. To be “saved” from sin to Jesus is a doctrinal and theologically loaded concept that far too many Christians have sadly very little knowledge about. Yet understanding what we’ve been saved from, sin, and to the Lord Jesus Christ is to begin to grasp the critical doctrines of justification and definitive sanctification. Whether you are a new or seasoned Christian, been to Bible college or seminary, this book has something for you. Everyone’s a Theologian will be a book I read and reference often in my various writing projects. I highly recommend this book and pray the Lord uses it in the life of His Church in powerful ways to the glory of the Risen Savior—Jesus Christ.

Insightful. Theological. Profound. This 357 page, 60 chapter book, is packed full of theological teaching and truth. Written for the non-seminarian, every reader will gain tremendous understanding of the Bible, God, and many other major theological positions held by the historical evangelical church. Though this is no light-weight book, it is accessible. Without the expense of a first year seminary class, every Christian could pick up a copy of this book and greatly benefit in spiritual growth and renewing of their mind. The teaching gift of R.C. Sproul is truly amazing and God-given. He is able to take 60 major concepts and simplify the truths for the average person to grasp and pack it all in a relatively small book. Each of the chapters could be an expanded book by itself. I believe every Christian should have a copy in their library and reference it often. The sections and chapters include: PART ONE: INTRODUCTION Chapter 1 What Is Theology Chapter 2 The Scope and Purpose of Theology Chapter 3 General Revelation and Natural Theology Chapter 4 Special Revelation Chapter 5 The Inspiration and Authority of Scripture Chapter 6 Infallibility and Inerrancy Chapter 7 Canonicity Chapter 8 Scripture and Authority PART TWO: THEOLOGY PROPER Chapter 9 Knowledge of God Chapter 10 One in Essence Chapter 11 Three in Person Chapter 12 Incommunicable Attributes Chapter 13 Communicable Attributes Chapter 14 The Will of God Chapter 15 Providence PART THREE: ANTHROPOLOGY AND CREATION Chapter 16 Creatio Ex Nihilo Chapter 17 Angels and Demons Chapter 18 The Creation of Man Chapter 19 The Nature of Sin Chapter 20 Original Sin Chapter 21 Transmission of Sin Chapter 22 The Covenants PART FOUR: CHRISTOLOGY Chapter 23 The Christ of the Bible Chapter 24 One Person, Two Natures Chapter 25 The Names of Christ Chapter 26 The States of Christ Chapter 27 The Offices of Christ Chapter 28 Why Did Christ Die? Chapter 29 Substitutionary Atonement Chapter 30 The Extent of the Atonement PART FIVE: PNEUMATOLOGY Chapter 31 The Holy Spirit in the Old Testament Chapter 32 The Holy Spirit in the New Testament Chapter 33 The Paraclete Chapter 34 The Baptism of the Holy Spirit Chapter 35 The Gifts of the Spirit Chapter 36 The Fruit of the Spirit Chapter 37 Are Miracles for Today? PART SIX: SOTERIOLOGY Chapter 38 Common Grace Chapter 39 Election and Reprobation Chapter 40 Effectual Calling Chapter 41 Justification by Faith Alone Chapter 42 Saving Faith Chapter 43 Adoption and Union with Christ Chapter 44 Sanctification Chapter 45 Perseverance of the Saints PART SEVEN: ECCLESIOLOGY Chapter 46 Biblical Images of the Church Chapter 47 The Church: One and Holy Chapter 48 The Church: Catholic and Apostolic Chapter 49 Worship in the Church Chapter 50 The Sacraments of the Church Chapter 51 Baptism Chapter 52 The Lord’s Supper PART EIGHT: ESCHATOLOGY Chapter 53 Death and the Intermediate State Chapter 54 The Resurrection Chapter 55 The Kingdom of God Chapter 56 The Millennium Chapter 57 The Return of Christ Chapter 58 The Final Judgment Chapter 59 Eternal Punishment Chapter 60 Heaven and Earth Made New Appendix The Creeds This book receives a 10 out of 10.

Great content, a good read, well written.

This book is almost a word for word account of R.C. Sproul's DVD teaching series entitled "Foundations: An Overview of Systematic Theology." Having watched this video series in the past I immediately recognized the content. I'm glad this series has now been made available in book form. R.C. is a master teacher and in this book he covers the subject of Theology in its broadest sense. Theology not only refers to the study of God, but to everything that God has revealed to us in the Bible. In sixty short, but jam-packed chapters R.C. unveils with depth and clarity a summary of what the Bible has to say about its most important themes: Theology Proper - The study of God; Anthropology and Creation - The study of man; Christology - The study of Jesus; Pneumatology - The study of the Holy Spirit; Soteriology- The study of salvation; Ecclesiology - The study of the Church; and lastly (no pun intended) - Eschatology - The study of last things. This book is an excellent introduction to all of these subjects and the sub topics they address. As R.C. Sproul says, "Everyone, is a theologian, but either a good or bad one." You will come away from reading this book having learned a ton of important truths that will help you become a better theologian. With profound depth, clarity, historical, and practical wisdom Sproul will delight and intrigue you in helping you grow in your journey and intimacy with God - using your head, heart, and hands for His glory and your good.

R.C. Sproul’s Everyone's a Theologian is a powerful resource for those who have no knowledge of systematic theology. As opposed to many well-known doctrinal writings, Sproul wrote this with the layman in mind. Each topic is covered in five to six pages making this book easily digestible. The vocabulary isn’t unnecessarily advanced, therefore you won’t spend more time in a dictionary than in the book itself. Sproul supports all claims and topics with scripture. Modern analogies are used in nearly every chapter to further enforce each subject in the reader’s mind. On the more contested subjects, Sproul provides multiple perspectives and gives a brief history of each school of thought. He particularly addresses the divide between Roman Catholics and Reformers throughout the entire book. Everyone’s a Theologian is far more than a book, it is a resource for both the new believer and the seasoned theologian. It will even help believers grow in their apologetic proficiency. This isn’t a one-and-done book; it can be treasured for years to come.

What’s not to like about RC Sproul? A true blessings to Christians who embrace historical Christianity and the tenants of Grace for salvation from Gods punishment from sin. Easy to read, short chapters make this book a great devotional and a stalwart affirmation of faith. Great guide if you’re “searching”, experiencing God’s call, or just love the Lord’s truth.

Book was good overall- a good "crash course" on [mostly] Reformed theology- I highly recommend it as an intro. It's split up into small 10 minute chapters on different topics in theology, so it is very digestible and easy to make time to read while also being atomic- each chapter could be read on its own. This is of course for a Christian audience, but I would like to say that from a rhetoric perspective a few of the arguments were embarrassing. As an example, I want to include least two of the arguments presented that were poor and/or circular: 1.) The idea that theology should be considered on par with a science because of the suffix "ology" in other scientific fields such as "biology" (signifying both seeking knowledge/truth). I'm slightly simplifying the argument here but it's ridiculous and unnecessary. Science and theology are different things even if they both seek knowledge. Science is marked by hypothesis that are testable and theories that constantly are updated to support new observable evidence, peer review, and repeatability (among other things). Theology is not science or "on par" with it, because it shouldn't be compared to it in the first place. The things that make theology valid are not the same things that make science valid nor should they be. They are apples and oranges; I understand the goal was likely to bolster up theology to make it seem more valid, but that is the wrong way to go about it in my opinion. 2.) We know for sure heaven is real because Jesus said so and because He said He would have told us otherwise if that was the case. I do believe the words Jesus said, but this is technically a circular argument- again, in my opinion, just unnecessary. Might as well say "because Jesus said so" since if we take Jesus' words at face value there is no additional validity added in also arguing Jesus said he would have told us otherwise if that wasn't the case- we don't need that added validity if we believe Jesus' words in the first place and the argument ridicules the intellect. I am of the opinion these type of arguments are always unnecessary and silly because they are poor (and so reflect poorly on Christian intellect) and they preach to the choir anyway so there is no reason to include them. I highly recommend "The Reason for God" by Timothy. Keller for examples of solid rhetorical arguments (but it is not a theology book). Having said that, the book is pretty good and I do recommend it, my minor rhetorical nit-pickings aside. :)

An incredible and thoughtful primer on systematic theology. Dr. Sproul writes with such pastoral warmth and care, never getting too into the weeds. He introduces each subject in a very approachable manner that makes this a great starting point if you are looking to learn more about systematic theology. I cannot recommend this book enough. Couple this with his "What is reformed theology?" and "Essential Truths of the Christian Faith" and you are well on your way. Explains very well the traditional loci of theology as one would expect. After reading this you will definitely be ready to jump into something a little more in depth, perhaps Vos, Berkhof, or my personal favorite, a Brakel. This is a wonderful book that deserves a place on your shelf. A++

A systematic, point by point, walk through of our Christian beliefs. A really good read which although a bit of a heavy weight (I have the kindle version, so don't know the actual weight) is still very accessible. (Just purchased the hard back too, so I can let family & friends read it)

Livro muito claro, com os principais temas relacionados ao cristianismo explicados de forma simples e clara. Me fez conhecer e entender muitos tópicos relacionados à teologia, uma leitura fácil e cativante.

If you love RC this is no exception. Works through theology in an understandable way.

This book has taken all the big theological words you often hear and put it into great context, explaining each with examples and then also defining it properly. For a lay person wanting to understand theology better this is a must!

This book is very well written with clear and easy expression. If you have an interest in the first step of systematic theology, this book would be very good choice for you.