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About the Book
Distinguished Christian educator, Dr. R.J. Gore, brings more than thirty years of Reformed theological teaching experience to this encouraging introductory guide to biblical, Christian theology.
Getting Started is meant to help students and those new to or intimidated by theology “get started” in the right direction as they first learn about the God of the Bible.
Throughout Dr. Gore explains key terms, historical movements, influential theologians, and different approaches to theological inquiry, all in a warm, approachable, and easy to understand tone. He also teaches methods that anyone, regardless of experience, can use to do theology in a biblical and balanced fashion.
For students, newcomers to Christianity, or anyone with an interest in Christian theology, Getting Started is an indispensable introduction and the perfect starting off point for the journey of a lifetime!
Praise for Getting Started: An Introduction to Systematic Theology for Students and Laymen
“The greatest theologians think thoughts after God, articulate them, and, then, apply them with pastoral wisdom, and—this is the key—with the love of Jesus Christ. R.J. is that theologian and shepherd, and his theology changes lives for good. We would all do well to listen, to read, and to think about what he says in Getting Started – a magnificent book representing more than thirty years of theological teaching experience by a first-class theologian.” –Michael A. Milton (PhD, University of Wales; DMin, Erskine Seminary), President and CEO, Faith for Living, Inc.; Distinguished Professor of Missions and Evangelism, Erskine Theological Seminary; President and Senior Fellow, D. James Kennedy Institute of Reformed Leadership; former Chancellor-President and CEO of Reformed Theological Seminary
“Getting Started by Dr. R.J. Gore is exactly what is needed to introduce a serious student to the systematic and scientific study of God. Throughout its pages, Gore covers with just enough breadth and depth an overview of essential theological concepts. His skilled teaching acumen makes the complex understandable and brings into focus what may, before reading, have been murky and vague. Readers will find their grasp of the field of theology sharpened and well positioned.” –Dr. George M. Schwab Sr. (MDiv, PhD), Professor of Old Testament, Erskine Theological Seminary; Contributor to the ESV Expository Commentary Series; Deacon, Tenth Avenue Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
“When I sat under Dr. Gore’s teaching as his student, he’d always say ‘In doing theology we do not begin with reason or any other point in the created horizon, we must affirm that our starting point lies in the affirmation Deus dixit or God has spoken.’ Getting Started echoes that sentiment and expands upon it. It is a must have for those seeking an excellent introduction to fundamental theological thinking.” –Paul A. Tambrino (EdD, PhD), President Emeritus, Iowa Valley Community College District; former Academic Vice President, Warren County Community College; author Ask Augustine, Mariology: Past, Present and Future and Big Truths for Growing Minds: Stories of Long, Long Ago
“Books on systematic theology can be intimidating. The very nature of systematic theology sometimes forces those who write in this discipline to be somewhat obscure. However, Dr. Gore provides a useful tool for students of theology in a crystal clear fashion. This book is the product not only of many years of study but also by decades in the classroom as a superb teacher. Students and lay people alike will benefit from this volume.” –Loyd D. Melton (PhD), John Montgomery Bell Professor of New Testament, and Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program, Erskine Theological Seminary
“If you agree with everything in this book then you don’t ‘get it’ and you don’t understand the author. Unlike many Reformed theologians, my friend and former colleague, R.J. Gore, reads and thinks widely and his students are exposed to this. R.J. wants his students to learn to think for themselves and then prove what they believe from Scripture, as did the great Reformers. What the world needs is more theologians who know how to think and not more theological parrots (Heb. 5:13-14). This book will help you get there.” -Robert Leslie Holmes (D.Min., Ph.D., LLD., DD), Professor of Pastoral Theology and former Seminary Provost at Erskine Theological Seminary; Moderator of the General Synod of the ARP Church in 2020; Founder, Pittsburgh-Ireland Prayer Initiative; author, When Good Enough Just Isn’t Good Enough: Pursuing Excellence in Christ’s Service
About the Author
R.J. Gore (DMin, Erskine Theological Seminary; PhD, Westminster Theological Seminary) is Dean Emeritus and Professor of Systematic Theology at Erskine Seminary. He served for twenty-nine years as an Army Chaplain (Colonel) including a combat tour in Iraq (in 2004), has pastored a small church, and has held numerous leadership roles in his presbytery and denomination. He is the author of Covenantal Worship: Reconsidering the Puritan Regulative Principle and is the editor of Celebration, a book of sermons for the 180th Anniversary of Erskine Theological Seminary.
Contents
Acknowledgements
Preface
1. Theological Encyclopedia
2. Values and Limitations of Theology
3. The Task of Systematic Theology
4. What is Systematic Theology?
5. A Covenantal Model
Appendix A: Theological Loci
Appendix B: Other Arrangements
Name Index
LCCN: 2023905611
Cover Design by The Greater Heritage
Made entirely in the USA
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