Systematic Theology, Second Edition: Part 2

An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine

By: Wayne A. Grudem

Narrated by: Tom Parks

This new edition of Systematic Theology by Wayne Grudem may be the most important resource you can own for helping you understand Scripture and grow as a Christian.

The most widely used resource of the last 25 years in its area, Systematic Theology by Wayne Grudem has been thoroughly revised and expanded for the first time while retaining the features that have made it the standard in its field: clear explanations, an emphasis on each doctrine's scriptural basis, and practical applications to daily life.

This audiobook (Part II) includes "The Doctrine of the Application of Redemption" (13 chapters), "The Doctrine of the Church" (10 chapters), and "The Doctrine of the Future" (four chapters). Topics treated include common grace, election, the gospel call, regeneration, conversion, justification, adoption, sanctification, baptism, death, union with Christ, the church, grace, the Lord's Supper, worship, gifts of the Holy Spirit, the return of Christ, the millennium, and much more.

Praise for the second edition:

"After a quarter century of remarkable usefulness globally...it remains remarkable. I thank God for this precious gift to Christ's people worldwide." (John Piper)

"Stands out for its clarity and accessibility." (Thomas R. Schreiner)

With nearly 250 pages of new content and revisions that took several years, this new edition now includes the following distinctive features, making it even better:

• Updated, fuller analysis of several recent controversies within evangelicalism, including the eternal relationship between the Father and the Son in the Trinity, the question of God's atemporal eternity, the role of women in the church, "seeker-sensitive" churches, miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit, and contemporary worship music.
• New, thoughtful critiques of open theism, the "new perspective on Paul," Molinism (or "middle knowledge"), "Free Grace" theology, and the preterist view of Christ's second coming
• Completely revised, stronger chapter on the clarity of Scripture
• Completely revised, stronger chapter on creation and evolution, including a longer critique of theistic evolution and an extensive discussion on the age of the Earth
• New discussion of how biblical inerrancy applies to some specific "problem verses" in the Gospels
• Additional material respectfully explaining evangelical Protestant differences with Roman Catholicism (with extensive interaction with the Catechism of the Roman Catholic Church), Protestant liberalism, and Mormonism
• Completely updated bibliographies
• All Scripture quotations updated from RSV to ESV
• An explanation of why monogenes in John 3:16 and elsewhere should be translated as "only begotten" rather than merely "only" (this is a change from the first edition)
• New discussion on the impassibility of God
• An extensive discussion on the eternal submission of the Son to the Father, taking into account controversies in recent years
• A discussion of recent criticisms of the penal substitutionary view of the atonement
• Numerous other updates and corrections that have be prompted by letters and emails from people around the world and by interaction with the students Wayne has taught over the last 26 years both at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and at Phoenix Seminary

Part of the brilliance of Systematic Theology over the years has been its simplicity and ease of use. Each chapter follows the same structure. First, there is discussion of the doctrine being considered, such as justification or the Trinity or the deity of Christ. An explanation of that doctrine's biblical support and possible objections follow. Personal application and key terms to know for personal growth are provided in the accompanying PDF. The accompanying PDF also includes a Scripture memory passage, references to other literature on the topic, and suggested hymns and worship songs.

If you are someone who thinks theology is hard to understand or boring, then this new edition of Systematic Theology will likely change your mind.

The appendixes referenced in both parts of the audiobook are available in the audiobook companion PDF download that accompanies part two.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2020 Wayne A. Grudem (P)2020 Zondervan Academic

A Vast Introduction

While the book is gargantuan, Mr. Parks’ narration is wonderful and doesn’t make a chore of the reading/listening. Personally, I read and listen along, so there are a couple of things I noticed that I didn’t enjoy, but they do not subtract from Wayne Grudem’s brilliance, at all. At the end of each chapter, there are “Questions for Personal Application,” “Scripture Memory Passage,” and usually lyrics to two hymns, one older, one contemporary - and these are not included in the narration. Nor is the first appendix, that lists nine creeds/confessions of faith dating from the 3rd-4th centuries A.D. to 1925.

If Grudem’s statement includes even a partial quotation of Scripture, even in non-canonical works, a reference is given. Along with this, he gives translations and grammatical uses of words, and this sheds light on what may seem like strange verses when first read. I forget if he mentioned how long it took to write this book, but even the first chapter alone would’ve taken me years. So, this book - an introduction, mind you, to systematic theology - was probably written over the course of decades. At the end of each chapter, too, are bibliographies if one wishes to dive deeper into a topic. This is a great help for further study.

The only thing I didn’t enjoy about Mr Parks’ narration was that questions didn’t always have an inflection or tone to let you know that a question had been asked. But this is small as he did a marvelous job of reading nearly 1400 pages. A standing ovation is in order, sir! Well done!

In-depth Analysis

Good balance between theological topics. Compares and contrasts important subjects with in-depth analysis. Highly recommend.

My Favorite systematic Theology Book

Great book. Talks about the authors personal stances on different doctrines but also gives the belief systems of other doctrines. This book strengthened my understanding of the Bible in whole and look forward to reviewing different sections in the future.

Highest Rating

a systematic an d detailed dicosion of theological topic applicable to the sincere believer of today

somewhat over my head

somewhat over my head. but I really like it. if you want to learn about God, read this

Loved it!

This was an amazing help for my Bible study group. I didn't always have the time to sit down and read the chapters so having it on an audio book was very helpful. The narrator held my interest and it was easier for me to get through the chapters. We took a little over 2 years to complete the book as a group, but it was so worthwhile and encouraged lots of good discussion. I highly recommend it.

Wonderful Resource

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I was challenged to clarify and consider my position on various topics. I found the author to be mature and courteous when discussing those he disagreed with.

Excellent Work on Systematic Theology

Excellent work.
Every subject I could imagined was covered.
I am grateful for various views provided on each subject.
Great resource for growth in our understanding of Systematic Theology.