Wayne Grudem's 'Systematic Theology'
 

I just received Wayne Grudem's Systematic Theology in the mail yesterday.... Yeah!!!!

I ordered it from Amazon new for $25 plus S&H. I love that book!! :clap

Re: Wayne Grudem's 'Systematic Theology'
 

Do you agree with his Calvinistic view of soteriology?

Re: Wayne Grudem's 'Systematic Theology'
 

Yes I do, actually. I like the fact that he is Reformed and also believes in spiritual gifts for the Church today.

He's been classified before as a Reformed Charismatic Baptist, quite an unusual combination. I don't agree with every single thing in the book (Who does?), but overall the book is invaluable.

Note: The chapter that talks about the Trinity talks about Modalism and specifically mentions the United Pentecostal Church as a Modalistic organization.

Re: Wayne Grudem's 'Systematic Theology'
 

So you believe in the doctrine of "election?"

What do you think about his words regarding the UPCI as to modalism?
:D

Re: Wayne Grudem's 'Systematic Theology'
 

If you define election this way (as Grudem does), then yes, I believe in the doctrine of election:

Election is an act of God before creation in which he chooses some people to be saved, not on account of any foreseen merit in them, but only because of his sovereign good pleasure.

There is no question in my mind that the UPCI is intentionally modalistic, and that bothers me very much.

How do you feel about it?

Re: Wayne Grudem's 'Systematic Theology'
 

I think the doctrine of election is an affront to the very nature of a just God. But that's just my opinion.

Regarding modalism: There are some in the UPC who are extreme Jesus only's and that there are those who claim to be modalistic who really are not. I believe that "modalism" in it's pure form is probably more close to a correct definition of the Godhead than trinitarianism could ever be. Although, I probably do not subscribe to modalism, I think it definitely has its merits.

I, personally subscribe to the Godhead as taught in the scriptures and described by the Jews. I firmly believe in the oneness....but not the oneness of Jesus only radicals. :D

Re: Wayne Grudem's 'Systematic Theology'
 

:thumbsup

What do the "Jesus only's" believe about the Godhead? And why do you consider them to be radical?

Re: Wayne Grudem's 'Systematic Theology'
 

What is pure modalism?

Re: Wayne Grudem's 'Systematic Theology'
 

Good question.
I'm not sure.

I thought pure modalism is that God was Father, then became Son and was no longer Father, and is now Holy Ghost and is no longer Father or Son. Sorta like Clark Kent has to leave before Superman can appear.

I may be wrong about that definition.

Re: Wayne Grudem's 'Systematic Theology'
 

Jason Dulle has an interesting article on the subject: http://www.onenesspentecostal.com/ugstsymposium.htm

Another name is Sabellianism: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sabellianism

Or modalistic monarchianism. Tertullian's, Against Praxeas, is an interesting read. http://www.ccel.org/ccel/schaff/anf0...xeas#highlight

The arguments of some early Christians against Modalism are misrepresentations and misunderstandings on their part, imo. Unfortunately all of the original writings of those who held to a type of modalism are lost so we can only read what their antagonists wrote about them.

This is what Wayne Grudem wrote in his Systematic Theology book about modalists. Go to page 242:

http://books.google.com/books?id=DA8...age&q=&f=false