"Dogmatic Theology, Third Edition" by William G.T.

Shedd is a significant work in systematic theology,

particularly within the Reformed tradition. The book offers a comprehensive exploration of Christian
doctrines, providing detailed discussions on the nature of God, the Trinity, creation, providence, and
salvation, among other topics.

Shedd's approach is both philosophical and theological, aiming to address the intellectual challenges of
his time while remaining firmly rooted in biblical exegesis and Reformed confessions. His work is known
for its depth, clarity, and thoroughness, making it a valuable resource for pastors, theologians, and
serious students of theology.

This third edition has been updated and corrected to ensure its continued relevance and accuracy,
enhancing its utility for contemporary readers. It remains a key text for understanding the systematic
presentation of Christian dogma, reflecting Shedd's profound scholarship and theological insight

A theological introduction serves as a foundational overview of theology, often addressing its nature,
scope, purpose, and methods. It sets the stage for deeper exploration into specific theological doctrines
and discussions. Here are key elements typically covered in a theological introduction:

Definition of Theology:

Theology is the study of God, encompassing His nature, attributes, and relationship with the world. It is
both a science and an art, seeking to understand divine revelation and articulate faith coherently.

Sources of Theology:

Theology primarily draws from Scripture, but also considers tradition, reason, and experience. These
sources provide the material for theological reflection and formulation.

Branches of Theology:
Systematic Theology: Organizes theological topics systematically (e.g., God, humanity, sin, salvation).

Biblical Theology: Focuses on the theological themes within the Bible itself.

Historical Theology: Studies the development of theological thought throughout history.

Practical Theology: Applies theological insights to everyday life and ministry.

Purpose of Theology:

Theology aims to deepen the understanding of faith, support the practice of worship, guide ethical
living, and provide a framework for interpreting experiences. It serves both the church and the broader
community by offering insights into the meaning and implications of Christian beliefs.

Methods of Theology:

Theological methods include exegesis (critical interpretation of biblical texts), historical analysis,
philosophical reasoning, and practical application. These methods help theologians to construct
coherent and relevant theological arguments.

Challenges in Theology:

Theological work must navigate various challenges, such as cultural differences, historical contexts, and
diverse interpretations. It also engages with contemporary issues, ensuring that theology remains
relevant and responsive to the modern world.

A theological introduction often aims to equip readers with the tools and perspectives necessary for
more advanced theological study and reflection. It lays the groundwork for exploring the rich and
complex landscape of Christian theology. For more detailed information, you can explore theological
textbooks or introductory courses from reputable theological institutions.

Bibliology is the doctrine that deals with the nature, authority, and purpose of the Bible within Christian
theology. Here's a summary of its key components:

Nature of Scripture:

Inspiration: The doctrine of inspiration holds that the Bible is "God-breathed" (2 Timothy 3:16), meaning
that the Holy Spirit guided the human authors to write what God intended, ensuring that the Scriptures
are both divine and human in their origin.
Inerrancy: This concept asserts that the Bible, in its original manuscripts, is without error in all that it
affirms, whether it pertains to doctrine, history, science, or any other matter.

Infallibility: Related to inerrancy, infallibility means that the Scriptures are incapable of leading people
astray in matters of faith and practice.

Authority of Scripture:

Supremacy: The Bible is the ultimate authority for Christians in all matters of faith and conduct. It is the
final court of appeal in theological disputes and moral questions.

Sufficiency: This doctrine maintains that the Bible contains all the knowledge necessary for salvation and
living a Christian life. No additional revelations are needed beyond what is provided in the Scriptures.

Canon of Scripture:

Definition: The canon refers to the collection of books that are considered divinely inspired and
authoritative. For Christians, this includes the 66 books of the Old and New Testaments.

Formation: The process of canonization involved discerning which books were inspired by the Holy Spirit
and thus authoritative for teaching and doctrine. This process was guided by criteria such as apostolic
authorship, consistency with other Scriptures, and widespread acceptance in the early church.

Purpose of Scripture:

Revelation: The Bible reveals God’s character, will, and redemptive plan for humanity. It tells the story of
creation, fall, redemption, and restoration.

Instruction: Scriptures provide teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness (2 Timothy
3:16-17), equipping believers for every good work.

Edification: The Bible builds up the faith of believers, offering encouragement, hope, and guidance for
personal and communal living.

Interpretation of Scripture:

Hermeneutics: This is the science and art of interpreting biblical texts. It involves understanding the
historical context, literary forms, and intended message of the Scriptures.

Exegesis vs. Eisegesis: Exegesis is the practice of drawing out the meaning from the text itself, while
eisegesis involves reading one's own ideas into the text, which is generally avoided in sound theological
practice.
Bibliology is foundational for understanding how Christians view and use the Bible as the Word of God,
shaping their beliefs, practices, and worldview. For more detailed information, you can explore
resources from theological institutions or comprehensive theological texts.

The doctrine of theology, often referred to as "the study of God," encompasses the comprehensive
exploration of the nature, attributes, and works of God, as well as His relationship with humanity and
the universe. Here is a summary of its core components:

Nature of Theology:

Definition: Theology is the systematic study and rational analysis of the nature of the divine. It involves
exploring religious truths and beliefs, particularly those relating to God and His relationship with the
world.

Scope: Theology covers a wide range of topics including the nature of God (Theology Proper), the Trinity,
Christology (the study of Christ), Pneumatology (the study of the Holy Spirit), soteriology (the study of
salvation), eschatology (the study of end times), and ecclesiology (the study of the church).

Sources of Theology:

Revelation: Theology relies on divine revelation, primarily found in Scripture (the Bible). General
revelation refers to knowledge about God available to all people through nature and conscience, while
special revelation refers to specific truths disclosed through the Bible and Jesus Christ.

Tradition: The accumulated wisdom and teachings of the church throughout history also play a
significant role in theological study.

Reason and Experience: The use of reason and personal or communal religious experience can also
contribute to theological understanding.

Branches of Theology:

Systematic Theology: Organizes and synthesizes theological truths into a coherent system, addressing
major doctrinal areas.

Biblical Theology: Focuses on the theological themes within the Bible, tracing the progressive revelation
of God’s truth.

Historical Theology: Studies the development of theological ideas and doctrines throughout church
history.

Practical Theology: Applies theological insights to practical issues in ministry and daily Christian living.
Purpose of Theology:

Understanding God: Theology seeks to deepen the understanding of who God is and His will for
humanity.

Guidance for Life: It provides ethical and moral guidance for how to live according to God's will.

Strengthening Faith: Theology aims to build up the faith of believers, offering a solid foundation for
belief and practice.

Defending the Faith: It equips believers to defend their faith against objections and misunderstandings.

Methods of Theology:

Exegesis and Hermeneutics: Critical interpretation and understanding of biblical texts.

Philosophical Analysis: Using logical and philosophical methods to explore and explain theological
concepts.

Historical Contextualization: Understanding theological ideas within their historical context to

appreciate their development and application.

Key Doctrines in Theology:

The Doctrine of God (Theology Proper): Studies the existence, attributes, and nature of God.

The Trinity: Explores the Christian understanding of one God in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy
Spirit.

Christology: Examines the person and work of Jesus Christ.

Pneumatology: Focuses on the Holy Spirit’s nature and work.

Soteriology: Looks into the doctrine of salvation.

Eschatology: Studies the end times and the final destiny of souls and the world.

The doctrine of theology is foundational for all other areas of Christian thought and practice, seeking to
provide a systematic and coherent understanding of the divine and its implications for life and faith.

The doctrine of Anthropology in Christian theology deals with the study of humanity, exploring its
origin, nature, purpose, and destiny from a biblical perspective. Here is a summary of its key
components:
Creation of Humanity:

Imago Dei (Image of God): Humans are created in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:26-27). This
means that humans reflect certain attributes of God such as rationality, morality, and the ability to have
relationships.

Body and Soul: Humans are composed of both physical (body) and non-physical (soul/spirit) elements.
This dual nature allows for the physical interaction with the world and the spiritual connection with God.

Nature of Humanity:

Original Righteousness: At creation, humans were in a state of innocence and righteousness, living in
perfect harmony with God, each other, and creation.

Fall and Sin: Humanity fell into sin through the disobedience of Adam and Eve (Genesis 3). This original
sin brought about a fallen nature, separating humanity from God and introducing death, suffering, and
moral corruption into the world.

Total Depravity: The doctrine of total depravity holds that every aspect of human nature is affected by
sin, rendering humans incapable of coming to God without divine grace.

Purpose of Humanity:

Glorify God: The primary purpose of humanity is to glorify God and enjoy a relationship with Him forever
(Westminster Shorter Catechism, Q.1).

Stewardship: Humans are called to be stewards of God's creation, exercising dominion and care over the
earth (Genesis 1:28).

Human Destiny:

Salvation and Redemption: Despite the fall, God has provided a means of salvation through Jesus Christ.
Redemption restores the relationship between God and humanity, offering eternal life and the hope of
resurrection (John 3:16; Romans 6:23).

Eschatological Hope: In Christian eschatology, humanity looks forward to the return of Christ, the
resurrection of the dead, and the final judgment. Believers will enjoy eternal life in the new heavens and
new earth, while unbelievers face eternal separation from God (Revelation 21-22).

Relationships and Community:

Family and Society: Humans are inherently relational beings, created for community and fellowship. The
family is seen as the basic unit of society, and the church is the community of believers who support and
nurture one another in faith.

Ethical Living: The doctrine of Anthropology also addresses how humans should live ethically,
emphasizing love, justice, mercy, and humility as core virtues in relationships with others.

The doctrine of Anthropology provides a framework for understanding human identity, purpose, and
destiny from a theological perspective, emphasizing the significance of humanity in God's creation and
redemptive plan. For more in-depth exploration, theological texts and resources from academic
institutions can provide further insights.

The doctrine of Christology is a central tenet in Christian theology that focuses on the person and work
of Jesus Christ. Here is a summary of its key components:

Person of Christ:

Divine Nature: Christology affirms the full divinity of Jesus Christ. According to the doctrine of the
Trinity, Jesus is the second person of the Trinity, co-equal and co-eternal with God the Father and God
the Holy Spirit (John 1:1, Colossians 2:9).

Human Nature: Christology also emphasizes the true humanity of Jesus. He was born of the Virgin Mary,
lived a human life, experienced human emotions, and underwent suffering and death (Philippians 2:7-8,
Hebrews 2:14-17).

Hypostatic Union: This term describes the union of Christ's divine and human natures in one person.
Jesus is fully God and fully man, without confusion or separation between the two natures (Council of
Chalcedon, 451 AD).

Work of Christ:

Incarnation: The incarnation refers to the Word becoming flesh, where the eternal Son of God took on
human nature (John 1:14). This event is central to Christian belief as it marks God entering human
history.

Atonement: Christ's atoning work involves His sacrificial death on the cross, which reconciles humanity
with God. Theories of atonement include penal substitution (Christ took the penalty for sin), Christus
Victor (Christ's victory over sin, death, and the devil), and moral influence (Christ's sacrifice as an
example of love and obedience).
Resurrection: The resurrection of Jesus is a foundational event, demonstrating His victory over death
and affirming His divine nature. It provides the basis for the Christian hope of eternal life (1 Corinthians
15:14-17).

Ascension: After His resurrection, Jesus ascended to heaven, where He is seated at the right hand of the
Father. This signifies His exaltation and ongoing intercessory role for believers (Acts 1:9-11, Hebrews
7:25).

Second Coming: Christology includes the belief in Jesus' future return to judge the living and the dead,
culminating in the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan (Matthew 24:30, Revelation 19:11-16).

Titles of Christ:

Messiah (Christ): Jesus is recognized as the promised Messiah, the anointed one who fulfills Old
Testament prophecies (Matthew 16:16).

Son of God: This title emphasizes Jesus' unique relationship with the Father, affirming His divinity (Mark
1:1).

Son of Man: A title that highlights both Jesus' humanity and His role in divine judgment (Daniel 7:13-14,
Mark 10:45).

Lord: Affirming Jesus' authority and divinity, this title reflects His sovereign rule over all creation
(Philippians 2:9-11).

Historical Development:

Early Church Councils: Key Christological doctrines were articulated and defended in early church
councils, such as Nicaea (325 AD), which affirmed Christ's divinity against Arianism, and Chalcedon (451
AD), which defined the hypostatic union.

Heresies: Various heresies have challenged orthodox Christology, including Arianism (denial of Christ's
divinity), Nestorianism (separation of Christ's natures), and Eutychianism (confusion of Christ's natures).
The church's responses to these heresies helped to clarify and solidify orthodox Christological beliefs.

Christology is foundational for understanding the identity and mission of Jesus Christ, shaping Christian
worship, doctrine, and practice. For more in-depth exploration, refer to comprehensive theological texts
and resources from reputable theological institutions.

The doctrine of Soteriology is the study of salvation within Christian theology, addressing how God
saves humanity through the work of Jesus Christ. Here is a summary of its key components:
Need for Salvation:

Human Sinfulness: According to Christian belief, all humans are sinners by nature and by choice, falling
short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23). This sin separates humanity from God, resulting in spiritual death
and eternal punishment (Romans 6:23).

Basis of Salvation:

Grace: Salvation is fundamentally an act of God’s grace, meaning it is unearned and undeserved.
Ephesians 2:8-9 emphasizes that it is by grace through faith that one is saved, not by works.

Atonement: Central to Soteriology is the atonement, where Jesus Christ’s sacrificial death on the cross
pays the penalty for sin. Different theories of atonement include:

Penal Substitution: Christ took upon Himself the punishment for sin that humanity deserved (Isaiah
53:5-6, 2 Corinthians 5:21).

Christus Victor: Christ’s death and resurrection defeated the powers of sin, death, and the devil
(Colossians 2:15).

Moral Influence: Christ’s love and sacrifice serve as the ultimate example to draw people to repentance
and faith (1 Peter 2:21).

Means of Salvation:

Faith: Salvation is received through faith in Jesus Christ. Faith involves trusting in Christ’s finished work
on the cross and His resurrection (John 3:16, Romans 10:9-10).

Repentance: Genuine faith is accompanied by repentance, a turning away from sin and turning towards
God (Acts 3:19).

Regeneration: Also known as being "born again," regeneration is the work of the Holy Spirit,
transforming a person’s heart to enable them to believe and live a new life in Christ (John 3:3-7, Titus
3:5).

Results of Salvation:

Justification: A legal declaration where God pronounces a sinner righteous on the basis of Christ’s
righteousness (Romans 5:1). This is a once-for-all act that changes the believer’s standing before God.

Sanctification: The ongoing process by which believers are made holy, growing in righteousness and
conformity to Christ (Philippians 2:12-13). This involves both God’s work and the believer’s active
pursuit of holiness.
Glorification: The final stage of salvation where believers are fully and finally freed from sin and receive
resurrection bodies in the new heavens and new earth (Romans 8:30, 1 Corinthians 15:42-44).

Assurance of Salvation:

Perseverance of the Saints: The doctrine that those who are truly saved will persevere in faith and will
not ultimately fall away (John 10:28-29, Philippians 1:6). This assurance is based on God’s faithfulness
and the believer’s continued faith and obedience.

Soteriology provides a comprehensive understanding of how salvation is accomplished and applied,

highlighting the transformative and redemptive work of Jesus Christ and the ongoing role of the Holy
Spirit in the believer’s life. For further reading, consider consulting theological texts and resources from
established theological institutions.

Eschatology is the branch of Christian theology that studies the "last things," including the end times,
the final destiny of humanity, and the ultimate triumph of God’s kingdom. Here is a summary of its key
components:

The Return of Christ:

Second Coming: Christians believe that Jesus Christ will return to earth in glory and power to judge the
living and the dead. This event is anticipated as a future, physical return of Christ (Matthew 24:30, Acts
1:11).

Signs of the Times: Various signs are described in Scripture that will precede Christ’s return, such as
wars, natural disasters, false prophets, and widespread apostasy (Matthew 24, 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4).

Resurrection of the Dead:

General Resurrection: At the end of time, all the dead will be resurrected. The righteous will be raised to
eternal life, and the unrighteous to judgment and eternal separation from God (John 5:28-29, 1
Corinthians 15:52).

Glorified Bodies: Believers will receive glorified, imperishable bodies that are free from sin, suffering,
and death (1 Corinthians 15:42-44, Philippians 3:21).

Judgment:
Final Judgment: Christ will judge all people based on their faith and deeds. This judgment will determine
their eternal destiny—either eternal life with God or eternal separation from Him (Matthew 25:31-46,
Revelation 20:11-15).

Books of Life and Deeds: Scripture mentions the Book of Life, which records those who belong to Christ,
and other books that contain the deeds of individuals (Revelation 20:12-15).

Millennium:

Millennial Views: There are various interpretations of the millennium described in Revelation 20:

Premillennialism: Belief that Christ will return before a literal thousand-year reign on earth.

Postmillennialism: Belief that Christ will return after a symbolic millennium, a period of peace and
righteousness on earth brought about by the church's influence.

Amillennialism: Belief that the millennium is symbolic of the current church age, and Christ’s reign is
spiritual, not a literal thousand years.

Heaven and Hell:

Heaven: The eternal dwelling place of believers, where they will live in the presence of God,
experiencing eternal joy, peace, and communion with Him (Revelation 21:1-4, John 14:2-3).

Hell: The eternal place of punishment and separation from God for those who reject Christ. It is
described as a place of suffering and finality (Matthew 25:41, Revelation 20:15).

New Heavens and New Earth:

Renewal of Creation: God will create a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells. This
new creation will be free from sin, death, and suffering, and God will dwell with His people forever
(Revelation 21:1-4, 2 Peter 3:13).

The Kingdom of God:

Already/Not Yet: The kingdom of God is both a present reality and a future hope. It was inaugurated
with Christ’s first coming and will be consummated at His return, bringing about the full realization of
God’s rule over all creation (Mark 1:15, Revelation 11:15).

Eschatology provides a framework for understanding the ultimate hope and future of Christians, offering
assurance of God's final victory and the fulfillment of His redemptive plan. For more detailed study,
theological texts and resources from academic and religious institutions can provide further insights.
Classic Christianity: A Systematic Theology" by Thomas Oden is a comprehensive and accessible
presentation of Christian theology rooted in the classical tradition of the early church. Here is a
summary of its key themes and structure:

Foundation in Tradition:

Oden emphasizes the importance of the Christian tradition, particularly the teachings of the early church
fathers, as a foundation for theology. He seeks to recover and present the classical Christian consensus
that has been shared across historical Christian communities.

Systematic Approach:

The book is structured systematically, covering the major doctrines of Christianity in a coherent and
organized manner. Oden divides the work into three main parts, following the classical structure of
systematic theology: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

God the Father:

Creation: Oden discusses the doctrine of creation, emphasizing God as the Creator of all things and the
goodness of creation.

Providence: He explores God’s providential care and governance of the world, addressing questions of
divine sovereignty and human free will.

Humanity and Sin: Oden examines the nature of humanity, created in the image of God, and the impact
of sin on human nature and the world.

God the Son:

Christology: A significant portion is dedicated to the person and work of Jesus Christ. Oden explores the
incarnation, atonement, resurrection, and ascension of Christ, affirming His full divinity and humanity.

Salvation: He discusses the doctrine of salvation, including justification, sanctification, and glorification,
emphasizing the role of Christ’s redemptive work in reconciling humanity with God.
God the Holy Spirit:

Pneumatology: Oden addresses the person and work of the Holy Spirit, highlighting the Spirit’s role in
the life of the believer and the church.

Church and Sacraments: He examines the nature of the church, the body of Christ, and the sacraments
as means of grace, focusing on baptism and the Eucharist.

Eschatology: The book concludes with a discussion of the last things, including the return of Christ, the
resurrection of the dead, the final judgment, and the new creation.

Ecumenical Perspective:

Oden’s work is ecumenical, drawing on insights from various Christian traditions, including Protestant,
Catholic, and Orthodox. He aims to present a theology that is faithful to the core teachings of historic
Christianity while being accessible to contemporary readers.

Practical Application:

Throughout the book, Oden emphasizes the practical implications of theological doctrines for the life of
faith. He seeks to show how classical Christian theology can inform and enrich the spiritual and moral
lives of believers today.

"Classic Christianity" is celebrated for its clarity, depth, and faithfulness to the historic Christian faith. It
serves as a valuable resource for theologians, pastors, and laypeople who seek a deeper understanding
of Christian doctrine rooted in the classical tradition.

For further exploration, consider consulting reviews and summaries available through academic and
religious institutions, as well as purchasing the book from reputable sources.
Thank you Dr. Flowers,

These lessons speak so clearly to areas of contentions that far too often get ignored. A couple areas that
I want to briefly discuss. Flowers mention that “Some Calvinist conflate the choice of man to repentant
in faith with the choice of God to save those who do repent in faith.”

I believe this the misinterpretation many make when it comes to the word and meaning of “sovereign”
Calvinist I believe presume by reading into verses like Psalm 115:3 “God is in heaven; he does whatever
pleases him,” Every Christian can agree with this verse. Sovereign = God rules. The question is, how
does he rule? I affirm God is sovereign but I still hold on to the equally valid truth that man is responsible
(able to respond). A.W. Tozer says it best

“God sovereignly decreed that man should be free to exercise moral choice, and man from the beginning
has fulfilled that decree by making his choice between good and evil. When he chooses to do evil, he
does not thereby countervail the sovereign will of God but fulfills it, inasmuch as the eternal decree
decided not which choice the man should make but that he should be free to make it. If in His absolute
freedom God has willed to give man limited freedom, who is there to stay His hand or say, ‘What doest
thou?’ Man’s will is free because God is sovereign. A God less than sovereign could not bestow moral
freedom upon His creatures. He would be afraid to do so.” – A.W. Tozer, The Knowledge of the Holy: The
Attributes of God

Romans 3:10

10 As it is written: “There is no one righteous, not even one. 11There is no one who understands, no one
who seeks God

Flowers does an excellent job when he says no one is righteous, yes we all agree, but goes on to ask the
logical next question. What’s our only hope, trust in the righteous one. It is my understanding that
Calvinism says that humbly confessing and turning to Jesus is a work. I don’t believe it’s a work, it’s a
reasoned response to revealed revelation that each man has received. God has provided the means,
(Prophets, Apostles, Jesus, scriptures, Holy Spirit, etc) The question one needs to ask and answer is, are
the means that God has provided sufficient for man to respond positively? What I have leaned is that
one system says no and the other says yes.