Manual of Christian Doctrine

by Louis Berkhof

Publisher:

Eerdmans

, 1933

Overview

In response to the popular reception of his Systematic Theology, Berkhof wrote this shorter, more succinct, and more accessible edition for a broader audience. Manual of Christian Doctrine is based directly on his Systematic Theology, and follows the same organizational structure in simplified form. Even in this abridged form, Manual of Christian Doctrine remains a comprehensive statement of Reformed theology. Each chapter concludes with a list of questions and items for discussion, making it ideal for classroom use or group study.

Product Details

• Title: Manual of Christian Doctrine
• Author: Louis Berkhof
• Publisher: Eerdmans
• Publication Date: 1933
• Pages: 372

About Louis Berkhof

Louis Berkhof was born in 1873 in the Netherlands, and immigrated with his family to West Michigan in 1882. In 1893, he began attending the Theological School of the Christian Reformed Church (now Calvin Theological Seminary), where he studied under Hendericus Beuker and was influenced by the writings of Abraham Kuyper and Herman Bavinck. Berkhof graduated from Calvin Theological Seminary in 1900 and became the pastor of First Christian Reformed Church in Allendale, Michigan. He attended Princeton Theological Seminary from 1902 to 1904, where he studied under B.B. Warfield and Geerhardus Vos. H. Henry Meeter, a friend of Berkhof, remarked that “Berkhof frequently said that he owed more to Vos than anyone else for his insights into Reformed theology” (Reformed Theology in America, 156).

Berkfhof returned to Michigan in 1904 and became pastor of Oakdale Park Christian Reformed Church in Grand Rapids. In 1906, he was appointed professor of exegetical theology at Calvin Theological Seminary, and in 1926, became professor of dogmatic theology. He also delivered the Stone Lectures at Princeton in 1921. On September 9, 1931, Berkhof became president of Calvin Theological Seminary, where he served until his retirement in 1944. During his lifetime, he wrote prolifically, including numerous volumes on theology, social issues, politics, education, and missions. In addition to his books, he also published countless articles in Reformed periodicals, such as The Banner, De Wachter, and the Calvin Forum. He also served as the first president of the Reformed Ecumenical Synod in 1946.

Louis Berkhof died in 1957.

 

Sample Pages from the Print Edition

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Contents

Top Highlights

“ The same deed is in its entirety both a deed of God and a deed of the creature” (Page 114)

“From the preceding it already appears that conversion comprises two elements, namely, repentance and faith.” (Page 243)

“Sin is also pollution, an inherent corruption to which every sinner is subject” (Page 139)

“It concerns the provision which God makes for attaining the ends of His government, and the care which He manifests for all creatures.” (Page 111)

“There are only two dispensations in the strict sense of the word, that of the Old and that of the New Testament” (Page 167)

Product Details

• Title: Manual of Christian Doctrine
• Author: Louis Berkhof
• Publisher: Eerdmans
• Print Publication Date: 1933
• Logos Release Date: 2009
• Era: era:contemporary
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subjects: Reformed Church › Controversial literature; Theology, doctrinal
• ISBNs: 9780802816474, 0802816479
• Resource ID: LLS:MANLCHRDOCT
• Resource Type: Systematic Theology
• Metadata Last Updated: 2022-09-30T01:27:26Z

About Louis Berkhof

Louis Berkhof (1873–1957) was a Reformed theologian whose works remain highly influential. He taught at at Calvin Theological Seminary from 1906 and served as its president from 1931–1944.

Berkhof’s writings, including his Systematic Theology, presented Reformed thought in the tradition of John Calvin, Abraham Kuyper, and Herman Bavinck. Throughout his tenure at Calvin, he stressed the importance of orthodoxy, a focus shown in his works.

Sample Pages from Manual of Christian Doctrine