Summary of Christian Doctrine

by Louis Berkhof

Book Overview

Berkhof's Summary of Christian Doctrine is a very concise version of his 1932 magnum opus, Systematic Theology. Berkhof's theological views do not differ significantly from that of earlier Reformed... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0802815138
• ISBN13: 9780802815132
• Release Date: July 1938
• Publisher: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company
• Length: 200 Pages
• Weight: 0.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.2" x 7.6"

Customer Reviews

A Good Summary

If you are not up to going through Berkof's full 900 page Systematic Theology, this is the volume you want. It is a broad, brief and succinct summary of most of what is found in the big book. I recommend having both and using this smaller version as a type of index. As you read, if you come across things you want to study more fully, you can dive into the main volume. Berkof is an excellent resource for anyone looking into the reformed faith.

Classic And Timeless

This writing by Louis Berkhof is of the best systematic theology to be found, even if it is brief. Berkhof, as a Calvinist, brings glory thru Creation and Redemption history to God in this accurate summa of Christian doctrine. 'Since God not only created the world but also upholds it, we naturally pass from the doctrine of creation to that of divine providence. This may be defined as that work of God in which He preserves all His creatures, is active in all that happens in the world, and directs all things to their appointed end. It includes three elements, of which the first pertains primarily to the being (divine preservation), the second to the activity (divine concurrence), and the third to the purpose (divine government) of all things.' pg 55 Short, but to the point and sound.

Summary of Christian Doctrine

It is very concise, clear to understand. Especially, "Question for review" was good for summary.

Reliable standard

Berkhof's is widely acknowledged to be the best brief systematic theology written in the middle part of this century. It is reliable, balanced, concise. While free of lots of technical excusions, Berkhof was very well versed in the broader theological discussions, both classical and contemporary. As Dutch Reformed, he is more Kuyperian and less rationalist than most Anglo-American reformed theologians who preceded him. Still great for an elder training course, or for a college student preparing for seminary. For something even more basic for interested laymen, try J I Packer's Concise Theology or R C Sproul. For something a little older and longer, A. A. Hodge, Outlines of Theology. Of course, Calvin's Institutes of the Christian Religion is irreplacable.