A friend of mine is wrestling with some theological issues, and her pastor gave her one of Wayne Grudem’s books. Now, those who know me, know that Grudem’s Systematic Theology is my least favourite book. Indeed, several weeks ago, when Parchment and Pen posted their list of top ten theology books, the blogosphere cried out in horror that they had made Grudem number one on their list.
When my friend told me that she was reading Grudem, I suggested she read something else, and so she asked me for suggestions.
The problem: My suggestions probably wouldn’t be considered ‘safe’ and I don’t want there to be trouble in her church as she reads and wrestles through these issues.
My automatic response would be to recommend Grenz’s Theology for the Community of God, which is probably my favourite systematic. But, I know that in many evangelical circles, Grenz is viewed with suspicion for being one of those post-modern/post-conservative evangelicals.
My other two “go to” systematics, after Grenz, would be Oden’s 3-volume systematic theology, and Erickson’s Christian Theology. The problem in suggesting these, though, is that they may be too academic for what my friend is looking for (not to mention Oden is Arminian which may rock the boat a little bit).
So, what good resources can I offer my friend in replacement of Grudem? I’ve suggested Erickson’s Introducing Christian Doctrine, which is the less technical version of his Christian Theology. And I’ve also suggested Boyd and Eddy’s Across the Spectrum.
What would be good ‘safe’ theology books to recommend to my friend, that are accessible at a lay-level? I’ve never been good at staying with the ‘safe’ stuff, so any suggestions would help.
What do you have against Grudem’s Systematic Theology? I have it, have read it, and there are many good and useful things in it. He also mentions other sides, while still stating his own position or reasons for choosing one argument over another. I know that you have things against anything with a Reformed bent, but is that what you are holding against him? I know that NOBTS, SBTS, and others seminaries where I have friends, certain classes use Grudem as part of their required texts for the class.
Because there are a number of better evangelical theologians than he.
Oh, and also, Amanda wrote this post. She is more Evangelical than I.
Hi Jared,
There are many things I have against Grudem’s ST and also with his approach to theology in general. If I went into them in detail I would forget that I’m a lady, and say some rather harsh things.
I’m not anti-Reformed per se, so much as I struggle with this Young, Restless, Reformed movement that is sweeping evangelicalism to the expense of all other traditions. Oddly enough, for all my Wesleyan leanings, I am a huge fan of some of the Dutch Calvinist works (eg., Dooyeweerd and Kuyper).
In the case of offering suggestions to my friend, I have no problem suggesting other Reformed titles to her. In fact, more Reformed, Calvinist type works would be the ‘most’ safe for her.
I just don’t understand why Grudem is the ‘go to’ guy for systematics.
I think A Community Called Atonement by Scot McKnight is a good option.
Drew,
That is an excellent suggestion. I was a little disappointed with it, but i may go back and read it as a book to introduce congregations to theology. Never considered that.
Thanks Drew, I’ll have to check it out!
I don’t know what “safe” means but you might try Michael Horton’s new Systematic — it would be deeply evangelical and should have a sufficient Reformed pedigree (if that’s driving the interest in Grudem) but it is more intellectually broad by several orders of magnitude.
Dan Migliore’s Faith Seeking Understanding is very readable and amenable to evangelicals and Reformed folks; despite being written by a Princeton prof it was glowingly endorsed by Calvin’s President, and it really is very easy to read.
And then there’s the volume Constructive Theology, edited by Serene Jones and Paul Lakeland. This would be least Reformed evangelical but it includes a lot of Reformed contributors and I found it to be very easy to read.
Or you could look toward Grenz, Bloesch, or McGrath. I’d add: I’ve personally found the actual Institutes by the actual Calvin deeply moving and profound in a way that the angry new Calvinists aren’t.
Peace.
Hi John,
I haven’t had a chance to check out Horton’s book yet. I’ve heard good things, though. (Makes a mental note to add it to my book wishlist. Can never have too many systematics)
In this case, is it readable at a lay-level?
As for Grenz, I’ve told my friend that he is my favourite, and that if she wants to expand beyond this introductory quest that she is on, it would be a good ‘next’ book to read.
Good point, it’s tough reading compared to Grudem. But Horton is really engaging in a broad way, very admirable.
Alister McGrath has some good introductory books, from the very introductory Theology: the Basics, to the biggish Christian Theology: An Introduction which also has a companion Reader. He is, in evangelical terms, a safe pair of hands, and generally a reliable and clear (if pedestrian) writer.
One of the more exciting introductions (that is still genuinely introductory) comes from someone who has rather outgrown his evangelical roots: Mike Higton, Christian Doctrine (SCM Core Text).
Amanda, what makes a theology ‘unsafe’? Is this a purely relative term that can be more accurately called ‘threatening’ or is there something substantive you are implying? I think I know what you are getting at but for me Grudem (as I know him second hand from people who actually read him) strikes me as tremendously unsafe in his uncritical overlooking of power structures that the Gospel calls us to name (again this comes second hand).
Hi David,
By ‘safe’ I mean the theology that evangelicals hold too and hold up. Grudem would fall in this category, in particular as evidenced by P&P voting it the number one theology textbook for the church. When my friend began having these theological questions, Grudem’s text was THE book that the pastor referred her to.
‘Unsafe’ would be those that would dare to suggest anything outside of the normal box. Hence, Grenz is definitely ‘unsafe’ to many evangelicals.
I of course use these terms ‘safe’ and ‘unsafe’ in quotes. I personally don’t find Grudem safe at all as there are problems with his methodology and theological presuppositions on a number of topics.
(Working really hard to not do a ‘why I dislike Grudem’ post).