A Book Review from Books At a Glance
by Matthew B. Tabke
In 1873, a man named Louis Berkhof was born in Emmen, Netherlands. He moved with his family in 1882 to Grand Rapids, Michigan, as many Dutch people did at that time. Louis graduated from Calvin Theological Seminary in 1900 and became a pastor at First Christian Reformed Church in Allendale, Michigan. He later returned to Princeton Theological Seminary and quickly earned a B.D. before returning to Michigan to pastor in Grand Rapids. In 1906 he began teaching at Calvin Theological Seminary and continued for nearly four decades. He served in both the Biblical Studies department and the Systematic Theology department. Throughout his career he authored 22 books, two of which are included in the expanded edition of his magnum opus Systematic Theology. The first 201 pages of the work under review is the Introductory Volume to Systematic Theology. This is followed by his 807-page Systematic Theology. Both works were originally released in 1932 and were apparently meant to be read as a pair. Berkhof rereleased a revised version of Systematic Theology in 1938. Banner of Truth has now combined the introductory volume and the magnum opus together in the expanded edition of Systematic Theology. Space will be given to both works in this review.
As mentioned above, the expanded edition of Berkhof’s Systematic Theology begins with his Introductory Volume to Systematic Theology. Berkhof lays the groundwork for the task of engaging in systematic theology in a helpful and robust way. Elements such as the nature of dogmatics, the task of dogmatics, and the history of dogmatics are discussed in the first section. The second section of the book discusses the “principia of dogmatics” or the principles of dogmatics. Here the principia divide between cognoscendi externum (the special revelation of Scripture) and cognoscendi internum (faith) which are each addressed and supplemented by chapters on Religion and Inspiration.
The introductory volume is a helpful work for laying the groundwork of systematics, but there are two elements in particular that compound its usefulness. First, Berkhof mentions that he added, “a great deal of historical material” to the revised edition, and that “more attention has been paid to recent movements in theology” (xiii). Because this is a modern work and because Berkhof writes with concision, this material is incredibly valuable for readers who would like to understand the history of systematic theology and some of the more recent schools of thought regarding the discipline, both secular and Christian. One who familiarizes himself with Berkhof’s material will have little historical work to do to “catch up” to the modern state of systematics. Second, Berkhof addresses through his chapters on Principium Cognoscendi Externum and Inspiration what is lacking in his formal Systematic Theology, namely, a doctrine of Revelation. It seems Berkhof intended the introductory volume to be read in tandem with the greater work and the two do pair nicely. However, this also represents the major complaint one might have with the work. Why were the two volumes initially published separately? Perhaps this is a question that could be answered more reasonably in 1932, but either way Banner of Truth is doing the reader a great service by publishing the works together.
After page 201, the reader will find themselves at the beginning of Berkhof’s magnum opus, Systematic Theology. The work is divided into six parts corresponding to six doctrines; each major part has two levels of division further at the category and chapter level. Berkhof speaks first of the being of God followed by the works of God. He follows with a discussion of Man in the state He was made, His current state of sin, and His existence in the covenant of grace. The Person of Christ is discussed before turning to His states and His offices. Part four does not have any subsections, but discusses various aspects in its chapters related to soteriology such as conversion, faith, justification, and sanctification. After this Berkhof considers the doctrine of the church and discusses the means of grace. Finally, the work moves to a study of the last things from an individual and general standpoint.
There are several aspects of Berkhof’s work that continue to make the volume praiseworthy in the modern era. First, the author mentions at times, the reason for the ordering of material. For instance, on page 175 he writes, “the doctrine of man must follow immediately after the doctrine of God, since the knowledge of it is presupposed in all the following loci of Dogmatics.” This may seem like a moot point at first glance, but some modern systematic theologians have abandoned the notion that there is a logical procession to the consideration of systematic theology. While systematic theology textbooks may be used as reference works, the placement of material has implications which cannot be flippantly dismissed. Berkhof is right to follow a logical order as he crafts his work.
Second, the integration of historical material throughout the volume is a welcome characteristic of the work. Just as the ordering of the material is a natural aspect of classical theology, so too is the inclusion of historical and contemporary perspectives on various doctrines. Again, there are modern authors who have chosen to include historical treatments of doctrines only as an afterthought in support of their conclusions, in footnotes or bibliographies, or in the worst cases, not at all. Authors such as Berkhof seem to be exercising a great humility demonstrating they have the character commensurate of a theologian because they recognize in writing that they are not the first to approach the task. Berkhof does not give space to a historical perspective on every aspect of every doctrine, but he works to show major movements within the history of thought on a variety of important subjects. One struggle with this aspect of Berkhof’s method is that sometimes his own conclusions on a certain matter can get lost in the fray of historicity.
Many reviewers have praised Berkhof for his ability to write in a concise way; this paragraph will join that chorus with a bit more comment. Berkhof does not waste time when addressing the various aspects of each doctrine. Most shocking about his writing is the incredible breadth contained within each chapter. Most chapters are between 8-15 pages and contain descriptions of doctrines, historical perspectives on a doctrine or aspect of a doctrine, common objections to doctrines, and answers to those common objects. Professor, pastor, student, and laymen can all benefit from the work done here by Berkhof as the statements are quick and clear. The concise nature is perhaps where the volume shines the most. Yet one word of caution is needed for students and laymen when reading this work. The author was a scholar and often deals with complex philosophical and theological concepts, often from authors both modern and historical who wrote in languages such as Latin, German, and Dutch. Berkhof does not hesitate to quote these original works directly, without translation. Readers unfamiliar with these languages may encounter difficulty here.
Berkhof’s Systematic Theology with its companion Introductory Volume to Systematic Theology is sure to serve a wide audience for years to come. The historical nature of both works brings an awareness of the rich heritage of Christian doctrine upon which the modern man sits. The pointed and concise nature of his writing allows for the reader to access a bevy of material without sifting through endless pages. As mentioned above, nearly any level of reader will benefit from Berkhof’s organized treatment of Christian doctrine. The technicality will challenge at times, but the work is sure to remain a classic Christian systematic theology of the modern era.
For those who are more developed in conviction, it will be important to know that Berkhof is thoroughly Reformed and holds to Covenantalism, Calvinism, and Paedobaptism. Regardless of the reader’s position on these subjects, Berkhof is a classic modern systematic theology that is worth far more than its $45.00 price tag. Purchase this book.
Matthew B. Tabke
Buy the books
SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY (EXPANDED EDITION), by Louis Berkhof