DMcFadden
Puritanboard Commissioner
This is kind of an aside, but I am somewhat newly "reformed", but not "truly reformed" and I was wondering why it seems like most of the more popular Calvinistic preachers among younger people mostly talk about Wayne Grudem's systematic theology and they really don't mention any others very often except for occasionally mentioning Calvin's institutes perhaps.
Is it because most of the Calvinistic preachers that are popular among younger people are at least slightly charismatic?
Quite possible. However, here are some other reasons:
1. Grudem sides with clear communication over technical jargon. Despite his Harvard, Westminster, and Cambridge education, he avoids leaving Latin droppings on every page. And, when it comes to English words, can you really cram more meaning into the "perspicuity" of Scripture (the term used in many texts) as opposed to the "clarity" of the Bible?
2. Grudem calls his work a "systematic theology." However, he suffuses it with lots of exegetical insight. Remember that he is known for his exegetical and commentary work.
3. Grudem has written his book to make it accessible to students taking their first course in Systematic Theology. You do not need to understand the intricacies of philosophy to follow his arguments.
4. While he is Baptist, historic premil, and Vineyard friendly, his commitment to Reformed soteriology comes through quite clearly. Perhaps some of the speakers who appeal to younger people appreciate the fact that one does not need to be TR in order to appreciate Grudem.
Is Grudem my be-all and end-all? Not by a mile! Reymond is pretty easy to read, contemporary, and Presbyterian. The older dogmaticians, including the Protestant scholastics, are rich, deep, and satisfying. I just thought that a non-swimmer might appreciate the wading end before going for the deep water.