Basic Theology: A Popular Systematic Guide to Understanding Biblical Truth

by Charles Caldwell Ryrie

Publisher:

Moody

, 1999

Overview

From the editor of the popular Ryrie Study Bible comes a systematic approach to Christian theology that will prove edifying to any class of theologian, be they pastor or plumber. In Basic Theology, Ryrie has taken the daunting topic of theology and created an even-handed introduction to and reference for a variety of major theological concerns, giving the reader a sturdy foothold for their faith and a powerful weapon against heresy and unfounded interpretations of God’s Word.

There is nothing wrong with being an amateur theologian or a professional theologian. There is everything wrong, however, with being an ignorant or sloppy theologian. As Christians, our thoughts about God need to coincide with what He’s said about Himself in the Bible. The phrase “sound doctrine” that Paul used means healthy doctrine (e.g., 2 Timothy 4:3; Titus 1:9). Healthy doctrine or healthy theology is always expected to result in holy living.

Written with a clear understanding of the Scriptures and an unpretentious style, Charles Ryrie’s classic Basic Theology is a standard text for many Bible students and pastors. In fact, Ryrie's theology is required reading for a variety of seminary courses. The work's clear, thoughtful language and concise exposition of topics make Basic Theology an easy to understand introduction to systematic theology for the layperson. It also serves as a handy and compact reference for the theologian or scholar.

This edition features 94 chapters arranged in outline style for easy reference. It also includes charts, definitions, scripture and subject indices to guide you to a clear and comprehensive picture of Ryrie's approach to systematic theology. Considerable attention is given to the dispensational view of the end times.

Reading this book will help you begin to think about how God wants to conform you to the image of Christ. Designed with personal application in mind, Basic Theology will provide you with sound theology, which in turn produces holy living.

Key Features

• A basic handbook of theology written in plain English for every Christian
• A systematic overview of the Bible’s major doctrines, including God, the Bible, the Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ, the church, Satan, sin, salvation, man, angels, demons, events to come and more
• A glossary of theological terms
• A list of key Scripture passages for the study of theology

Contents

Top Highlights

“Prolegomena, the title of this section, simply means prefatory or preliminary remarks.” (Pages 12–13)

“God superintended the human authors of the Bible so that they composed and recorded without error His message to mankind in the words of their original writings.” (Page 81)

“Hermeneutics is the study of the principles of interpretation. Exegesis consists of the actual interpretation of the Bible, the bringing out of its meaning, whereas hermeneutics establishes the principles by which exegesis is practiced.” (Page 125)

“Remember that when symbols, parables, types, etc. are used they depend on an underlying literal sense for their very existence, and their interpretation must always be controlled by the concept that God communicates in a normal, plain, or literal manner.” (Page 17)

“The Holy Spirit opens the Scriptures for the believer so that he can know God more fully.” (Page 28)

From the Preface

Theology is for everyone. Indeed, everyone needs to be a theologian. In reality, everyone is a theologian-of one sort or another. And therein lies the problem. . . .

—Charles C. Ryrie

Endorsements

Ryrie’s greatest legacy may well be making the Scriptures he reveres more understandable to lay people.

—Larsen T. Bebbington

Product Details

• Title: Ryrie’s Basic Theology
• Author: Charles Caldwell Ryrie
• Publisher: Moody
• Print Publication Date: 1999
• Logos Release Date: 2006
• Pages: 655
• Era: era:modern
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subject: Theology, doctrinal › Popular works
• Resource ID: LLS:BASICTHEOL
• Resource Type: Systematic Theology
• Metadata Last Updated: 2024-09-24T16:17:15Z

About Charles Caldwell Ryrie

Charles Caldwell Ryrie (1925–2016) was a renowned author and scholar and key figure in the theology of dispensationalism. He received degrees from Haverford College, Dallas Theological Seminary, University of Edinburgh, and Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary.

Ryrie served as professor of systematic theology and dean of doctoral studies at Dallas Theological Seminary and professor at what is now Cairn University.

Along with frequently contributing to Bibliotheca Sacra, Ryrie authored over 25 books including Dr. Ryrie’s Articles, Transformed by his Glory, Nailing Down a Board: Serving Effectively on the Not-for-Profit Board, The Basis of Premillennial Faith, and Neo-orthodoxy.