Systematic Theology: Biblical and Historical (ISBN 1845500490)

Outstanding!:
If one wants a systematic theology that is both biblical and pastoral then one should definitely purchase Robert Duncan Culver's book. It is one book that I would highly recommend for pastors and seminary students. Culver pretty much discusses almost all the standard topics of systematic theology (except prolegomena, bibliology, and pneumatology). Considering the size of this book (over 1200 pages in small print font), one will definitely find that Culver does not leave a stone unturned - he pretty much discusses almost all the issues that are pertinant to a specific doctrine. Hence, the high value of this systematic theology text. The perspective given is conservative evangelical, Calvinistic, Baptistic, and premillennial (with a hint of dispensationalism). Many evangelical readers will be comfortable with Culver's positions and arguments. One can even say that Culver's systematic is presented in a more "classical" way (i.e., Grudem, Reymond, etc.) rather than ontological or philosophical way (i.e., Barth, Pannenberg, etc.). Thus, you will see him quote Scripture quite profusely. Overall, I would highly recommend this work. Not only is the book a mine of information but also a book that is pastorally sensitive. Hence, pastors will find the book very useful for their ministries. Also, Culver writes in an enthusiastic and easy-to-read style. You can see his passion for God and his truths throughout the pages. This book will become one of the great evangelical systematic theology texts for the many decades to come.

Excellent resource on systematic theology:
This book is the result of a lifetime of work by a master theologian. Any student of systematic theology will find this an excellent resource. The author has an amazing grasp of the subject material which is developed from a solid biblical basis and yet is set in context with an extensive array of pertinent information from other resources. The reader of this work will be taken through history, philosophy, linguistics, science, ..., as they relate to the subject. It is useful for the beginning student as they will be exposed to this vast topic without being overwhelmed. It is likewise useful to the seasoned expert because of the masterful grasp and presentation of the material. This work is unique in that the author finished it when he was 88 years old, after a lifetime of study and ministry, and yet references to works from 2004 are included. Dr. Culver is definitely a conservative scholar, however, others will find this book useful as it also presents contrasting views and an avenue into reference material.

Systematic Theology: Biblical & historical:
I have not in all honesty spent enough time in this work to rate it. I will say that, which I have read, that it has not surpassed Louis Berkhof's work in this same area. The \o4\c that I've giving it, is for its being thorogh as far as its subject manner.