By: Paul Enns
I collect theology books. From the first doctrine book I
ever owned—Great Doctrines of the Bible by William Evans, which I used
in a High School course in 1970—I have built a fair collection of works on the
five major divisions of theological study: Systematic, Biblical, Dogmatic,
Historical, and Contemporary.
Recently added to that collection is The Moody Handbook
of Theology, Revised and Expanded, penned by Paul Enns (Moody Publishers,
2014). While I stop short of calling it a “masterpiece,” a term that is
somewhat subjective, I do view it as a contemporary classic. Webster defines
the latter as something that has come to be considered one of the best of its
kind, something that is an example of excellence, and that is exactly what this
800-page book is. It is a readable, rich,
and reliable overview of the five major divisions of theological
study.
First, it is readable. There is little jargon
here. When theological terms are necessary (e.g., dichotomy, trichotomy,
hypostatic union, imputation, etc.), they are clearly defined in simple
language not only in the text but also in the excellent Glossary in the back
pages. As I read it, in fact, I was reminded again of the clarity of William
Evan’s book in my High School days. It is ideal for laymen but also a good tool
for Bible college and seminary level because of the extensive documentation of
the material in endnotes (although I personally would have preferred
footnotes).
Second, it is rich. This massive work is a
veritable treasure trove of biblical truth. While I
respectfully disagree with the author that “Biblical Theology” should be the
first division the student studies (I believe Systematic Theology comprises the
foundational building blocks), Part 1 addresses the former. After briefly presenting
the plethora of approaches that have been offered for studying OT Theology (pp.
33–37), Enns presents and defends his preference: a thematic approach that
develops the concept of the Kingdom of God (pp. 37–39). He then moves
era-by-era (Edenic, Noahic, Patriarchal, Mosaic, Monarchial, and Prophetic)
through the OT, examining the main theme and others.
Enns approaches NT theology using what most conservatives
consider the best approach: “systemiz[ing] the truth as it was progressively
revealed through the various writers of the NT” (p. 80). He then presents the
theology of the Synoptics, Acts, James, Paul, Hebrews, Peter and Jude, and
John.
Part 2 turns to Systematic Theology and is the lengthiest
part of the book (184 pages). After the customary Introduction, Enns chooses to
start with Bibliology (with which I totally agree) and then moves through the
other eight major subjects. I was disappointed in the former because of a lack
of presenting the difference between “inerrancy” and “infallibility,” a flaw of
several contemporary works (IMHO), in contrast to old ones (Turretin, Hodge,
Westminster divines, etc., which is not just my opinion).
Part 3 moves on to Historical Theology, a much neglected
area in our day, the result of which causes much error. As Enns notes, the
purpose of this aspect of theological study is “to describe the historical
origin of the dogma of the Church and to trace its subsequent changes and
developments” (p. 439). Its four chapters survey the major theological
teachings of the Ancient, Medieval, Reformation, and Modern eras.
Part 4 addresses Dogmatic Theology, which the author
correctly differentiates from Systematic Theology by describing it as the
theology of a particular group or system. The five chapters here are Calvinistic,
Arminian, Covenant, Dispensational, and Catholic.
Part 5 is a survey of Contemporary Theology, an extremely
important area of theological study that addresses ten of the major theological
systems that have arisen in the 20th-century, most of which are
seriously aberrant. Among several others, these chapters cover: Neo-orthodoxy,
Evangelical Feminism, Charismatic Theology, and the Emerging Church.
Scattered throughout the book, there are also 55 charts and
tables, just a few examples of which include: Comparing the Gospels; Order of
the Decrees; OT Prophecies of Christ; Theories of the Atonement; Forms of
Church Government; Views of the Lord’s Supper; Views Concerning Last Things;
Perversions of the Doctrine of Christ; and Calvinism and Arminianism Contrasted.
In addition to the aforementioned Glossary, there are also three excellent
indexes: Persons, Subject, and Scripture. Also, each chapter concludes with a
“For Further Study” section listing both beginner and more advanced works for
students who wish to go deeper. Occasionally (IMHO), the number of works listed
is just a little overkill (come to think of it, this review probably is too).
Third, it is reliable. It was interesting to
read some reviews of this book on Amazon, some of which criticized it because
the reviewer was obviously a member of one of the aberrant theologies addressed
in Part 5. This book is thoroughly evangelical and solidly orthodox. It is
young earth oriented, “mildly” Calvinistic, dispensational, and (thankfully)
cessationist. Obviously, no reader is going to agree in every jot and tittle,
but he can use it with full confidence of its roots in biblical and historical
Christianity. And please, even if you differ on the aforementioned subjects,
you should not avoid this book, for it will thoughtfully challenge you.
I would also interject that the author is for the most part
quite unbiased, honestly presenting conflicting views of theological issues. A
case in point is the extent of the atonement (pp. 340–41); he fairly presents
the arguments for both definite and unlimited (although experienced reviewers
will get a sense of which one he holds). Likewise, he objectively presents the
differing views of Eschatology (pp. 408–425). When it comes to the seriously
aberrant theologies of Part 5, however, Enns speaks the Truth in love and
exposes clear biblical error.
I cannot recommend this classic highly enough. It is hands
down the best one-volume survey of theology ever penned. The only improvement I
think could be made is a Study Guide (and I for one would love to write it).
[Note: Moody graciously provided me with a review copy of
this book with no strings attached as to the content of my review.]
