Basic Theology: A Popular Systematic Guide to Understanding Biblical Truth

This book is exactly what it purports to be: a book on BASIC theology. It is wonderfully written and is a great starter book for the new-to-theology student. I recommend it wholeheartedly.

From the editor of the popular Ryrie Study Bible comes a systematic approach to Christian theology that will prove edifying to any class of theologian, be they pastor or plumber. In Basic Theology, Ryrie has taken the daunting topic of theology and created an even-handed introduction to and reference for a variety of major theological concerns, giving the reader a sturdy foothold for their faith and a powerful weapon against heresy and unfounded interpretations of God’s Word.

There is nothing wrong with being an amateur theologian or a professional theologian. There is everything wrong, however, with being an ignorant or sloppy theologian. As Christians, our thoughts about God need to coincide with what He’s said about Himself in the show more Bible. The phrase “sound doctrine” that Paul used means healthy doctrine (e.g., 2 Timothy 4:3; Titus 1:9). Healthy doctrine or healthy theology is always expected to result in holy living.

Written with a clear understanding of the Scriptures and an unpretentious style, Charles Ryrie’s classic Basic Theology is a standard text for many Bible students and pastors. In fact, Ryrie's theology is required reading for a variety of seminary courses. The work's clear, thoughtful language and concise exposition of topics make Basic Theology an easy to understand introduction to systematic theology for the layperson. It also serves as a handy and compact reference for the theologian or scholar.

This edition features 94 chapters arranged in outline style for easy reference. It also includes charts, definitions, scripture and subject indices to guide you to a clear and comprehensive picture of Ryrie's approach to systematic theology. Considerable attention is given to the dispensational view of the end times.

Reading this book will help you begin to think about how God wants to conform you to the image of Christ. Designed with personal application in mind, Basic Theology will provide you with sound theology, which in turn produces holy living. show less

Charles Ryrie's book Basic Theology: A Popular Systematic Guide to Understanding Biblical Truth is well written and easy to understand. Although the book is over 600 pages, there are 94 chapters, with each chapter being short and fairly easy to understand. I agree with most of his theology, which is from the perspective of an Evangelical Protestant. One of my measures of how good I consider a book is how many highlights I made (as counted by Logos Bible software). In this case, 196 (although a few were areas I disagree with).

Great read...very thorough. A systematic overview of the Bible's major doctrines. Written to help you think about how God wants to conform you to the image of Christ.

Very good synopsis of the major doctrines of the Bible. Dr. Ryrie provides many illustrations to help understand complex teachings.

Obviously I did not read this whole book...

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