Systematic Theology Paperback – February 7, 2017

Yep this is super awesome. Easy to read and understand

I bought the Kindle edition Louis Berkhof's "Systematic Theology" because of its low price. I had never read a book of systematic theology before, so I didn't have any idea of what to expect. It turmes out there are many good aspects to this book. Unfortunately, the good parts are offset by just as many bad parts.First the good: Louis Berkhof (1873-1957) an American-Dutch Reformed theologian was a very good writer. To a large degree, he presented his theology in clear, lively, and relatively understandable writing style for a layperson such as myself. On a few occasions, he does include some dense and hard-to-follow passages, but fortunately these passages are far and few between. I gained a great deal of understanding about what systematic theology is in general, and specifically what Dr. Berkhof's theological positions are.This leads to what I found bad about this book: Dr. Berkhof spends nearly one-half of the book explaining why every other theology besides his own position - Reformed Protestantism (Calvinism) - is wrong. Now, I understand that it's important for a theologian to defend their position - no theologian worth their salt would do less. But Dr. Berkhof defends his positions so forcefully that, to me, this book became less about explaining theology systematically and more about trying to convince me that his theology is the only one that is correct.One particular feature of this book I found very annoying: on many occasions, Dr. Berkhof quotes different theologians in their original language (mostly Dutch and German), but does not bother to provide a translation into English of these quotations in the text. I found myself continually forced to use an online translator to discover what these quotations meant.I did learn a great deal from Dr. Berkhof's "Systematic Theology," but, at the end of the day, I found its usefulness to me to be quite limited. Recommended, but with serious reservations.

At the time I purchased this book, there were four different kindle versions listed, each with a different price, and the reviews for all of these plus all print editions were combined together. I could find only two reviews which addressed the kindle format, and both mentioned particular issues. But I have no idea which version they had originally been attached to. I checked the sample, and it looked hopeful, so I went ahead and bought the version with ASIN B01N6YQU6A.Navigation: On a Kindle, one can use the GO TO function to get to any chapter. In between the Cover and the Preface there is a full table of contents with links to divisions and subdivisions within the chapters. So if you know where the content you want is located, you can get there in a few steps.But I did not see any sort of index. If you do not already know where the content you are interested in is located, you would need to use the search feature and hope that the key word(s) you select will be the same ones the author used in at least part of his discussion of the topic.The lack of an index will not be a large problem for those wanted to read entire sections, and who can find the desired entire section in the table of contents. But depending on how well your device handles searches and its own indexing, the lack of an index could be an issue for some readers. I debated whether the lack of an index was enough to lower the rating from 5 stars to 4, but left it at 5 stars.I have yet to read the entire book, but my initial skimming is consistent with my high hopes for it. Other reviewers have addressed the actual content in much greater detail, and I refer you to them on that subject.

It's good that the delivery is fast. But I'm sorry that the handwriting is too small.

Berkhof has given us a masterpiece in his well known (among reformed circles) work Systematic Theology. This was the very first book on theology I read. Given to me by a friend, I quickly found myself pouring through the pages. Particularly refreshing is his treatment on man's relation to God. One question that is before every man is "How is a man justified before his God?" Berkhof covers the doctrine of Justification in a succint yet thorough manner. Throughout the book Berkhof combines Scripture with logical thinking. He also offers opposing and varying views so the reader can beware. This book is not to be neglected, but should be used as both a tool for reference, as well as a tool for personal growth and knowledge. It is not for the collection of dust.

Somehow, Berkhof managed to write a systematic theology that was sufficiently deep but, at the same time, extremely readable. I actually enjoyed reading this and came away greatly enriched by the experience.

Berkhof's Systematic Theology is the best currently available one-volume systematic theology. He covers well much of Reformed theology in it. My only caveat is that it is now nearly 80 years old, and thus cannot interact with falsehood that has come up since. However, it covers the truth of the Scripture well. Bank tellers can tell bogus/counterfeit money because it's "different" from real money that they handle all the time. Master this volume and you'll know if something's "different" theologically.Prof. Berkhof uses many, many references to demonstrate that all the teaching is from the Bible itself. There are useful study questions and suggestions for further thought at the end of each chapter, as well as suggestions for further reading. Many of these sources are on-line and many are available for use on your Kindle!

There's not a whole lot to say about the book itself. If you are ordering this, chances are you already know what to expect. However, I do suggest going to a library and testing out different books (if they have them) just to get a feel for the type of language used in the book. You may find yourself re-reading a paragraph several times before understanding it if you aren't accustomed to this style of writing. Otherwise, this is a great book...

What's not to like? I got Berkhof's systematic theology for 99p! This invaluable reference book is a basic of a good Christian library and well-worth owning. It doesn't take up any shelf-space in the Kindle edition, either, and is available to me wherever I go.

Arguably one of the best of Reformed Christianity. I read most of this over 40 years ago.It is a useful book to give a clear concise reformed theology and will serve the studious person well.I had cause to refer to this book many times for clarification.With so many books on so- called theology available today, this holds true to The Bible and Apostolic teaching, it is an indispensable toolto help the Christian to understand this faith they proclaim. I recommend it highly.

Great value of you can cope with the dated and somewhat patronising language.

I am finding that this book is full of both challenging and fascinating ideas. I am learning a lot about Protestantism: I am sort of a Catholic, if anything, and did not know much about the Reformers of the Church.Will be picking it up and will continue studying it for a long time.

El libro ya es un clásico, no solo en inglés también en español. La presente edición se complementa con otro libro de introducción a la teología. Presentar las dos obras juntas representa una nueva forma de lectura y de consulta. Por generaciones la teología sistemática de Berkhof seguirá instruyendo a pastores y estudiantes como a creyentes en general.