Jul
15
2009
Michael Horton’s Systematic Theology
In April 2010, Michael Horton’s long-awaited one-volume systematic theology entitled The Christian Faith: A Systematic Theology for Pilgrims on the Way (Zondervan) will hit bookstores everywhere.
Here is the publishers description:
Michael Horton’s highly anticipated The Christian Faith represents his magnum opus and will be viewed as one of—if not the—most important systematic theologies since Louis Berkhof wrote his in 1932.
A prolific, award-winning author and theologian, Professor Horton views this volume as “doctrine that can be preached, experienced, and lived, as well as understood, clarified, and articulated.” It is written for a growing cast of pilgrims making their way together and will be especially welcomed by professors, pastors, students, and armchair theologians.
Features of this volume include: (1) a brief synopsis of biblical passages that inform a particular doctrine; (2) surveys of past and current theologies with contemporary emphasis on exegetical, philosophical, practical, and theological questions; (3) substantial interaction with various Christian movements within the Protestant, Catholic and Orthodoxy traditions, as well as the hermeneutical issues raised by postmodernity; and (4) charts, sidebars, questions for discussion, and an extensive bibliography, divided into different entry levels and topics.
Dr. Horton is the J. Gresham Machen Professor of Systematic Theology and Apologetics at Westminster Seminary in California. I know that Mike has worked real hard for a long time on this and I fully expect that the church worldwide, for years and years to come, will benefit greatly from his God-honoring labors.
12 Comments
I will have to notify Mr. Charles Hodge, Mr. Louis Berkhof, Mr. Wayne Grudem and Mr. Robert Reymond they will soon have company on the shelf.
[...] Features of this volume include: (1) a brief synopsis of biblical passages that inform a particular doctrine; (2) surveys of past and current theologies with contemporary emphasis on exegetical, philosophical, practical, and theological questions; (3) substantial interaction with various Christian movements within the Protestant, Catholic and Orthodoxy traditions, as well as the hermeneutical issues raised by postmodernity; and (4) charts, sidebars, questions for discussion, and an extensive bibliography, divided into different entry levels and topics. (HT: Tullian Tchividjian) [...]
This is great news! I anticipate using this as a textbook to replace Erickson. I’m praying for you, Tullian, and what I’m sure are the many new and exciting challenges/opportunities of ministry.
If Dr. Horton has crafted a work that is more useful–and more user-friendly–than Robert Reymond’s “New Systematic Theology of the Christian Faith,” I’ll be greatly impressed. I keep Dr. Reymond’s matchless volume within easy reach at home and at work. What a fabulous resource!
Pastor, I hope you and your family are enjoying a fabulous, restful (and richly deserved) vacation!
I’m part of the generation of Calvinists for whom Horton’s systematic theology will be his first. Berkhof, etc. will follow in due time.
I am continually thankful for the ways you point us to good places to feast. How well you have taught us to love Truth that will Inform the Mind, Enlarge the Heart, Bend the Will!
Is it too early to start a Christmas Wish List? If I fill out 14 blue cards and get a petition signed by 22 people, will this be made available in the bookstore – with a discount for staff?
Thanks for your prayers, Mike.
Hmmm . . . I notice that you completely ignored Becky!
Tullian,
I have no doubt Horton loves Christ and is a brother…but I am grieved by his strong belief in a “two kingdom” view of the Church and culture. As far as I can tell his views are far from your Christ transforming culture view of the Kingdom coming “on earth as it is in heaven.”
It also troubles me that Horton holds strong views as to the dichotomy of Law and Gospel and is antagonistic to other views. Seee John Frame’s article on Law/Gospel where he mentions Hortan by name in this regard. I assume (maybe wrongly) that you lean towards embracing the covenant theology that was taught by Frame and Pratt at RTS.
Can you address these two concerns and how they relate or do not relate to his systematic theology?
Andy, it is true that Horton and I have some differing views on certain things but he is most definately a reformed, covenantal theologian whose systematic theology will be a great contribution for years to come.
Mike, would this be the book to replace Erickson or Grudem? We have both very big theo books. Erickson is more egal and Grudem more comp. Not sure which Horton is (Tullian, which is he?) so if he is comp, a better replacement for Grudem not Erickson. I am reading Grudems’ 20 Christian Beliefs, which is a condensation of his larger work (this one is 156 pages) as I am looking for a smaller book for my students texts… You can see his comp and election views clearly, but not so much on other contradicting views.
Thoughts?
I want to thank you for the book “Do I know God”? I just finished reading and ordered another book you wrote. ” unfashionable”.
I lived in S. Fl for several years and know Ft. Lauderdale very well. When I found out about how you were called to Coral Ridge. I immediately knew you were the man for the job. I praise God for how he works and moves. I have been praying for S. Fl for many years and you are an answer to my prayers.
I will continue to pray for you and your ministry. God bless you.
In Christ
Paul