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.
Buy the book at Amazon or from WTS Books.
Title: Everyone’s a Theologian An Introduction to Systematic Theology
Author: R.C. Sproul
Publisher: Reformation Trust (2014)
I received this book for free from Reformation Trust for this review. 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: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Dave Jenkins is happily married to Sarah Jenkins. He is a writer, editor, and speaker living in beautiful Southern Oregon. Dave is a lover of Christ, His people, the Church, and sound theology. He serves as the Executive Director of Servants of Grace Ministries, the Executive Editor of Theology for Life Magazine, the Host and Producer of Equipping You in Grace Podcast, and is a contributor to and producer of Contending for the Word. He is the author of The Word Explored: The Problem of Biblical Illiteracy and What To Do About It (House to House, 2021) and The Word Matters: Defending Biblical Authority Against the Spirit of the Age (G3 Press, 2022). You can find him on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube, or read his newsletter. Dave loves to spend time with his wife, going to movies, eating at a nice restaurant, or going out for a round of golf with a good friend. He is also a voracious reader, in particular of Reformed theology, and the Puritans. You will often find him when he’s not busy with ministry reading a pile of the latest books from a wide variety of Christian publishers. Dave received his M.A.R. and M.Div through Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary.
