Systematic Theology (2 vols.)
Overview
What is the relationship between theology and philosophy? Between theology and the sciences? And what is the proper task of theology? In his 2-volume Systematic Theology, John Miley presents a unified and concise sum of Christian doctrine which understands God in light of philosophical and scientific criticism, and affirms the veracity of God’s revelation. The depth of Miley’s theological reflection and the clarity of his thought have made his Systematic Theology one of the key texts in Methodist theology ever since.
Miley’s enterprise is as apologetical as it is theological—he begins with a bold affirmation of theism and the existence of God, disassembling the sturdiest scientific and philosophical refutations of God and Christian revelation. From there, he outlines the attributes of God, the doctrine of the Trinity, and the incarnation. Miley’s Systematic Theology also includes sections on theological anthropology, the doctrine of Christ and salvation, and eschatology—and he discusses at length the atonement, justification, and the freedom of the will in relation to salvation. He concludes with an appendix on the inspiration and authority of Scripture.
- Defense of theism against scientific and philosophical criticism
- Outline of the sum of Christian doctrine
- Lengthy appendices on biblical inspiration and authority, angels, and the Arminian treatment of original sin
- Topical index
This is probably the most scholarly and extensive Arminian systematic theology ever written.
[Miley’s Systematic Theology] is clearly, directly, and strongly written; it is characterized by candor, restraint, and modesty; it is orderly in arrangement and lucid in discussion. It is altogether a good book, which the Arminian should find satisfying, and the Calvinist should count it a privilege to join issue.
- Title: Systematic Theology
- Author: John Miley
- Publisher: Hunt & Eaton
- Volumes: 2
- Pages: 1,070
Partially includedJohn Miley was born in 1813. He attended Augusta College, and became the chair of systematic theology at Drew University in 1873. Throughout his lifetime, he remained an active Methodist preacher and scholar, and appropriated John Wesley’s theology to contemporary issues. John Miley died in 1895.
Reviews
10 ratings
Sean
8/17/2019
This is a fairly standard 19th century theology from a Methodist/Arminian perspective. In many ways, it is more a natural and rational theological system than a biblical one, as the author explain more time reasoning his way through problems than interpreting Scripture--though at this level, the reader's proficiency in the Bible is largely assumed. As such, it's a rather tedious read, but if one prevails, at several points there are some gems. The biggest and brightest is his treatment of anthropology, particularly original sin. Many theology simply assume this one without really examining it in detail, but Miley gives a thorough discussion at the end of the first volume, then hits it again in an appendix to the second. There's also some stimulating material on baptism. Like many theologians, he suffers from what I call "eschatology fatigue"--that last locus is left rather thin as the author simply wants to finish up the project. ;) I would not recommend this as a starting point for a student seeking a general introduction to systematics, but it is quite useful as a reference work.
M. David Johnson
3/27/2015
Bill Shewmaker
10/15/2013
James Whited
8/10/2013
RevSarge
8/5/2013
Phil Niebergall
7/30/2013
Ray Mills
7/23/2013
