Singing Theology

One of my favorite works of theology is Wayne Grudem’s Systematic Theology. It is – as I have told people – the most accessible single volume theology available today. I say “accessible” because I would say that it differentiates itself from other theology books, because the average churchman can read it, be edified by it, understand it, and apply it.

There are plenty of other good single volume theologies (Hodge’s Systematic Theology, MacArthur’s Biblical Doctrine, Berkhof’s Systematic Theology), but none of them don’t have the accessibility of Grudem,

One of the strength’s of Grudem’s work is how he ends each chapter with discussion questions meant to help the reader “do theology” by seeing the relevance for a particular doctrine in life.

On page 16, Grudem writes, “I do not believe that God intended the study of theology to be dry and boring. Theology is the study of God and all his works! Theology is meant to be lived and prayed and sung!”

And the most unique feature of his book is at the end of each chapter, Grudem cites lyrics (or stanzas) of appropriate hymns that correspond with the chapter. He gives us a living-breathing demonstration of the words of Colossians 3:16 – “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”

For example,

• Chapter 4 – “The Authority of Scripture.” The recommended hymn is R. Kelso Carter’s “Standing on the Promises.”

• Chapter 8 – “The Sufficiency of Scripture.” The recommended hymn is “How Firm a Foundation.”

• Chapter 11 – “The Incommunicable Attributes of God.” The recommended hymn is Walter C. Smith’s “Immortal, Invisible.”

• Chapter 12 – “The Communicable Attributes of God.” The recommended hymn is Sir Robert Grant’s “O Worship the King.”

Theology should inspire and encourage worship, and Grudem serves us by leading right to a song to sing!