John Frame is a noted theologian, prolific author*, and Professor of Systematic Theology and Philosophy at Reformed Theological Seminary in Florida. He's known for his 4-volume set on the Theology of Lordship among other things. It's appropriate that he would produce a volume on Systematic Theology, the subject of today's review. Any quotes here are from that book.
First, what is theology? It is "a study of God," but Frame argues that we should develop a more precise definition. In his view, "theology must be essentially a study of Scripture." Scripture is sufficient, though. "Why, then, do we need theology in addition to Scripture?" Frame's answer: "because we need to apply Scripture to life." Hence his definition: "theology is the application of Scripture, by persons, to every area of life." For what purpose? Edification. It "responds to the needs of the people. It helps those who have questions about, doubts about, or problems with the Bible."
What is systematic theology? "Systematic theology seeks to apply Scripture by asking what the whole Bible teaches about any subject." The Bible is not written systematically; for example, we hear about God's attributes across many books throughout the Old and New Testaments. We develop a comprehensive understanding about this (or any) topic only through careful study of all such passages in their respective contexts. In other words, systematic theology helps answer the question "what does the Bible teach about _______?"
Systematic is just one of several kinds of theology. For example, "exegetical theology is interpreting the Bible verse by verse . . . it aims to help people understand particular passages in Scripture," and historical theology is "a study of the church's past theology, for the sake of its present and future." In Systematic Theology, Frame's focus is on the Bible as a whole; his "chief interest is to state what the Bible says" about a given topic. His monster (1100+ page) tome is organized in the following sections:
The Biblical Story
The Doctrine of God
The Doctrine of the Word of God
The Doctrine of the Knowledge of God
The Doctrine of Angels and Demons
The Doctrine of Man
The Doctrine of Christ
The Doctrine of the Holy Spirit
The Doctrine of the Church
The Doctrine of the Last Things
The Doctrine of the Christian Life
This is an amazing book for these reasons:
- Frame's writing is simple and concise; he has a gift for teaching.
- He can discuss alternative points of view without sounding judgmental or demeaning.
- He focuses on what Scripture says and does not deviate from it, acknowledging where people (even those from within his tradition) have strayed (or at least added things that have no Biblical basis)
- He's not afraid to be uncertain. God's ways are not our ways (Isaiah 55:8-9), and there are mysteries in the Bible. Frame's humble enough to acknowledge areas where we just don't know the full picture.
When I began (way back in August), my goal was to read it cover to cover. As I read, I learned so much, was humbled and pointed to the Bible, and realized how little I know; all good things. I particularly appreciated his discussion on the Word of God. However, I eventually decided to read only portions of greatest interest to me at present. This is a reference book- it's meaty. Every page was akin to eating a steak . . . it felt good, but needed time to digest. I would miss/forget a lot reading it all the way through. So I took a few months to read 30%, and this will sit on my shelf as a handy reference for future use. This one is highly recommended.
Rating: A
*some of his works are available for free
This is an amazing book for these reasons:
- Frame's writing is simple and concise; he has a gift for teaching.
- He can discuss alternative points of view without sounding judgmental or demeaning.
- He focuses on what Scripture says and does not deviate from it, acknowledging where people (even those from within his tradition) have strayed (or at least added things that have no Biblical basis)
- He's not afraid to be uncertain. God's ways are not our ways (Isaiah 55:8-9), and there are mysteries in the Bible. Frame's humble enough to acknowledge areas where we just don't know the full picture.
When I began (way back in August), my goal was to read it cover to cover. As I read, I learned so much, was humbled and pointed to the Bible, and realized how little I know; all good things. I particularly appreciated his discussion on the Word of God. However, I eventually decided to read only portions of greatest interest to me at present. This is a reference book- it's meaty. Every page was akin to eating a steak . . . it felt good, but needed time to digest. I would miss/forget a lot reading it all the way through. So I took a few months to read 30%, and this will sit on my shelf as a handy reference for future use. This one is highly recommended.
Rating: A
*some of his works are available for free
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