Logos Bible Software
Sign In
Products>An Introduction to Systematic Theology

An Introduction to Systematic Theology

Publisher:
, 1974

Digital Logos Edition

Logos Editions are fully connected to your library and Bible study tools.

$12.99

Digital list price: $15.99
Save $3.00 (18%)

Overview

Cornelius Van Til revises his syllabus on Systematic Theology in the volume, accounting for developments in theology from Karl Barth and the subsequent studies of G.C. Berkouwer. The Christian faith must not be taken in the form of “piecemeal apologetics” but instead “be set over against the non-Christian faith as a whole.” This work includes his studies on Epistemology, General Revelation, and the Attributes of God, among other studies in Christian theology.

Resource Experts

Top Highlights

“Christians believe in two levels of existence, the level of God’s existence as self-contained and the level of man’s existence as derived from the level of God’s existence. For this reason, Christians must also believe in two levels of knowledge, the level of God’s knowledge which is absolutely comprehensive and self-contained, and the level of man’s knowledge which is not comprehensive but is derivative and re-interpretative. Hence we say that as Christians we believe that man’s knowledge is analogical of God’s knowledge.” (Page 12)

“The question of method is not a neutral something. Our presupposition of God as the absolute, self-conscious Being, who is the source of all finite being and knowledge, makes it imperative that we distinguish the Christian theistic method from all non-Christian methods.” (Page 8)

“The nature of our a priori element is clearly determined by our conception of God. Again, the nature of our a posteriori differs from the idealist notion of the a posteriori. Our facts are created and controlled by God, while the facts of idealism are not.” (Page 9)

“This distinction between the method of apologetics and the method of the other disciplines we believe to be mistaken. All the disciplines must presuppose God but at the same time presupposition is the best proof. Apologetics takes particular pains to show that such is the case. This is its chief task. But in so doing it is no more neutral in its method than are the other disciplines. One of its main purposes is to show that neutrality is impossible and that no one, as a matter of fact, is neutral. We conclude then that apologetics stands at the outer edge of the circle of systematic truth given us by systematics in order to defend it.” (Page 3)

  • Title: An Introduction to Systematic Theology
  • Author: Cornelius Van Til
  • Publisher: P&R
  • Print Publication Date: 1974
  • Logos Release Date: 2008
  • Era: era:modern
  • Language: English
  • Resources: 1
  • Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
  • Subject: Systematic theology
  • Resource ID: LLS:CVTINTSYSTH
  • Resource Type: Systematic Theology
  • Metadata Last Updated: 2022-02-02T19:25:37Z
Cornelius Van Til

Cornelius Van Til (1895–1987) was one of the most respected apologetic theologians of his time. Van Til earned degrees from Calvin College, Princeton Theological Seminary, and Princeton University on his way to becoming an Orthodox Presbyterian Minister.

He served throughout the ministry and scholarly fields, including serving as a professor of apologetics at Westminster Theological Seminary and Princeton Theological Seminary and being heavily involved with the foundation of the Philadelphia-Montgomery Christian Academy.

His most noted writings include The New Modernism, The Defense of the Faith, and Christianity and Barthianism which can all be found in The Works of Cornelius Van Til (40 vols.).  Much of his work with apologetics focuses on presuppositions, the difference between believers and non-believers, and the opposition between Christian and non-Christian worldviews.

Reviews

10 ratings

Sign in with your Logos account

  1. Jack Killough
  2. Lincoln A. Bovee'
  3. Donald P. Mosteller, Jr.
  4. Allen Haynie

    Allen Haynie

    1/15/2017

  5. Denver Race

    Denver Race

    4/9/2015

  6. brendon ward

    brendon ward

    1/19/2015

  7. Joshua Daniel Simmons
  8. Prayson Daniel

    Prayson Daniel

    10/18/2013

    In this work Van Til attempted to present what Scripture reveal about God in an organized and unified way. He aimed to explain that the ultimate source of truth and intrinsic value is not found in human beings but in God alone. Van Til combated all other philosophies that seeks to attain true self-knowledge and value in human beings. Following John Calvin’s understanding that “man never attains to a true self-knowledge until he has previously contemplated the face of God”(Calvin Inst. 1.1.2) Van Til argued that the knowledge of God as revealed in Scripture is the only standard by which all other conviction should not only be measured but also be based. This masterwork will help Christians bring different parts of Scriptures into relation to each other forming one unified portrait of God’s nature and His works. It will also help them to be able to give an apologia of the hope that is in them and at the same time be able to confront and challenge nonbelievers’ presuppositions.
  9. Randy Marsh

    Randy Marsh

    7/12/2013

  10. Faithlife User

$12.99

Digital list price: $15.99
Save $3.00 (18%)