Product Description The original eight volumes now complete and unabridged in four! "Though scholarly in the true sense of the word, this work can also be read and understood by those not formally trained in theology." —Charles C. Ryrie
Item Specifications...
ISBN 0825423406 EAN 9780825423406
Pages 2880
Dimensions: Length: 9.8" Width: 7.5" Height: 6.9" Weight: 9.95 lbs.
Release Date Jan 27, 1993
Availability 0 units.
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Books > Subjects > Religion & Spirituality > Christianity > Theology > General [8607 similar products]
These eight books have done more to impact modern theology--especially in America--that just about any out there. While dispensationalism existed before Chafer, and though it has been refined sense his day (much to the chagrin of some!), this work is a must-read for anyone who wants to interact honestly with the position.
Positively, it is very well written. It is elegant, and the language at times is exalted. Chafer's passion for his subject drips from the pages, as does his distain for views he deems heretical. Further, it is thorough. Even today nothing has been written to match its scope and depth, and for this one thing alone, the books are worth their price. Finally, it is an excellent presentation of dispensationalism as a whole. There is little by way of "sloganeering" and still fewer unexplained assumptions. Thus, at the end of any given discussion, one can assess whether he agrees or disagrees with Chafer and be able to explain why, if he so chooses.
The negative is not enough to warrant the loss of the fifth star, and it is only this: Chafer perhaps holds the discipline of systematic theology slightly higher than it deserves. By this, I mean that he is willing to submit the text to his theology, which can quickly lead to eisogesis. I am a firm believer that exegesis comes before theology, and on this point, Chafer may find himself in error. But any such examples of this are rare indeed; the only example that immediately comes to mind is his discussion on Eph. 2:8-10 and election. Read Kaiser's _Toward an Exegetical Theology_ for a more solid approach on this.
So, all in all, I highly recommend this to anyone who wants to better understand dispensationalism. There are fewer clearer articulations, and certainly none more influential. Consider this a primary source!
(Note: I consider myself a little more dispensational that Chafer himself in that I take several passages more literally than does he, and likewise, more "free grace"--a la Bing, Hixon, Hodges, etc.--so while I have a deep apprecation for Chafer and recognize my roots there, I am not in full agreement with all of his work.)
For Better Or Worse - The Dispensational Standard Nov 11, 2006
No treatment of the controversial teaching of dispensationalism is complete without reading the works of Lewis Sperry Chafer, the founder of my alma mater, Dallas Theological Seminary, and a talented musician who had a heart for the Lord.
We must remember that no theology is perfect - not even the closest saints of God ever understood it all - and Chafer alters between brilliance and eisegesis. I think his strong antinomianism might have laid the foundation for the later 'lordship controversy' (MacArthur versus Ryrie and Hodges), and I question the actual biblical foundation of the second and consequently third comings of Christ.
But his chapters on man, Satan, and angels are excellent. Again, I am not in full agreement with each of his points, but he presents a compelling case in most chapters.
I would hope that those who are dispensational or covenantal would at least be fair and read the man who popularized dispensational theology at Dallas. Read it as the dispies teach it, not as you have 'heard' others talk about it. A good read but not great.
Chafer's Systematic Theology Aug 10, 2006
Bought the set in about the third year I was a Christian. Took me a couple of years to read them all but it was and is, nearly 50 years later, the foundation for my whole Chrisian life. For many years my wife and I had a college group at church and I sold about ten sets a year, Today I hear raves from them about how Chafer's changed their lives. By all means get a set!! Robert Seelye, La Habra CA.
Fantastic Mar 28, 2006
I have found this work to be nothing but helpful and edifying to not only myself, but others around me.
Quickly: I enjoy the way these volumes were written; I can appreciate a sense of humor because much to the chagrin of many, God Himself has a sense of humor.
Also, if someone "searching for God" quits their such purely because someone states that one must check out their mind in regards to content, positive volition, receptivity, objectivity, etc., they obviously didn't want the truth that much. If you really want the truth, nothing will stand in your way. Even the old Greek and Roman philosophers knew that the mind must be clear and open in order to learn anything. Doctrine cannot and will not be "dumbed down" for anyone-and Chafer makes that clear.
Systematic Theology is an Outstanding Theological Work Dec 30, 2005
To be quite frank with you, I was simply going to come online and recommend that you do not buy the abridged version, but make certain that you are getting the full, unabridged 4 volume set. However, I was surprised at reading one review which makes a comparison to Monty Python. That reviewer also suggested that Chafer's approach was for a believer to check their mind at the door of a church before entering.
I must admit, I have no idea where this person is coming from. Chafer has one of the most careful, logical and systematic approaches to theology that I have ever read (and I have a huge library). I know of several pastors whose ministry was changed profoundly because of this one book. There is nothing anti-intellectual about Chafer's approach; there is nothing which is dumbed-down. Bear in mind, this is a 4 volume set. My abridged version is about 1000 pages. In particular, Chafer's approach to the Angelic Conflict is exemplary.
I have only one criticism, and that is with the abridged version: somethimes, a point will be made which is true, but the Scripture quoted is not directly on point. I do not know if that is the fault of Chafer or the fault of the abridged text.
My recommendation is, if you are going to own just one book (or set of books) which cover nearly the entire realm of doctrine, this should be it.
