Pre-seminary theology book

[Faithhopelove24]

Lord willing, I will start seminary next fall. Between now and then, I’d love to put myself through a substantial work of theology. What would you recommend? Up to this point, I’ve not read any systematic cover to cover.

I was trying to decide between Calvin’s Institutes, Bavinck’s Wonderful Works of God, or Puritan Theology by Joel Beeke and Mark Jones. I’m open to any suggestions though.

 

[Charles Johnson]

Lord willing, I will start seminary next fall. Between now and then, I’d love to put myself through a substantial work of theology. What would you recommend? Up to this point, I’ve not read any systematic cover to cover.

I was trying to decide between Calvin’s Institutes, Bavinck’s Wonderful Works of God, or Puritan Theology by Joel Beeke and Mark Jones. I’m open to any suggestions though.

Puritan theology, while a good book, isn't really a traditional systematic. It's more of a collection of essays on the perspective various Puritans had on different aspects of theology.

A. A. Hodge's Outlines of Theology or Louis Berkhof's Systematic Theology could be good options for you. Calvin's Institutes is also good, and is something everyone should read, although it differs in some respects from a traditional systematic. In particular, it's better prose, but less "systematic." It does touch on most aspects of theology though.
You will almost certainly be asked to read something like Berkhof in seminary, so Calvin might be a nice way to spend your time until then.

 

[Polanus1561]

Berkhof’s Manual

 

[davejonescue]

I believe Beeke and Smalley also have the 4 vol. "Reformed Systematic Theology." It is supposed to be geared towards both technical and general readers, which I think means it is as much devotional as it is scholastic. Also, you can read it on places like Everand for $12 a month without having to dish out the $120 for the set if needed.

 

[Jim]

I have come to really enjoy Beeke and Smalley’s Reformed Sytematic Theology - it is very thorough and readable; however, due to it’s size (4000 pages) I wouldn’t recommend it for a first time exposure to systematics. I love Bavinck’s one volume Wonderful Works of God/Magnalia Dei; also in agreement with Polanus1561 - Berkhof’s Manual is very good, and concise. Speaking of concise, I usually will recommend Sproul’s Essential Truths of the Christian Faith, or Packer’s Concise Theology for first-time systematic exposure.

 

[Jordantyson1646]

As well, John Brown's Systematic Theology may be a good option. I say this because it is thoroughly scriptural. Every page is filled with scripture references. It would be a good resource to not only familiarize yourself with these doctrines, but also to see how they come out of the text.

 

[alexanderjames]

Agreed that ‘Puritan Theology’ and ‘Reformed Systematic Theology’ are probably not the best first options for the reasons above.
If you choose Calvin, might I suggest the 1541 edition.

 

[SolaScriptura]

You're going to an academic environment. Calvin's Institutes are absolutely foundational for every expression of the Reformed tradition. Many classes in seminary will reference the Institutes or even assign readings from it. But I recommend reading it in its entirety prior to going just to get a good base. Also, make sure you've read the Bible through, cover to cover, prior to going to seminary.

 

[Faithhopelove24]

Thank you all for the suggestions so far. Looks like Calvin might be the winner here... but I am open to more suggestions!

 

[Polanus1561]

Thank you all for the suggestions so far. Looks like Calvin might be the winner here... but I am open to more suggestions!

Calvin will not give you as much historical theology.

 

[sgemmen9]

I'd suggest the systematics by Beeke. It's an easy read too, especially if you're just getting into things. It lays a good foundation. Horton's Christian Faith is good. Older stuff like Calvin's Institutes is more challenging but technically introductory. There's so many and they're all so good. Brakel is great and also an easy read.

 

[MatthewBall]

I would HIGHLY recommend Beeke's systematic.

It is thorough, deep, rich, robust, doctrinally sound and remarkably accessible!

 

[bookslover]

I have come to really enjoy Beeke and Smalley’s Reformed Sytematic Theology - it is very thorough and readable; however, due to it’s size (4000 pages) I wouldn’t recommend it for a first time exposure to systematics. I love Bavinck’s one volume Wonderful Works of God/Magnalia Dei; also in agreement with Polanus1561 - Berkhof’s Manual is very good, and concise. Speaking of concise, I usually will recommend Sproul’s Essential Truths of the Christian Faith, or Packer’s Concise Theology for first-time systematic exposure.

Also, Beeke is working on a 1-volume abridgment of the 4-volume behemoth.