Called "one of the great systematic theologies in the modern era" and "a classic from a leading Reformed theologian of the 1800s," Shedd's Dogmatic Theology is one of those monumental works that has truly stood the test of time. The editor, Alan Gomes, considers Dogmatic Theology "one of the finest theological systems ever produced...unequaled by anything produced by modern evangelicals."

Benefits of the Electronic Edition. The Logos Bible Software edition contains the complete text of the Third Edition (2003) from P&R Publishing. This new edition includes a number of features that set it apart from previous editions, make it easier to use, and provide additional value:

The Logos Bible Software edition is fully searchable and Bible references are hyperlinks, making it easy to locate any word, concept, phrase, or Bible passage within the work.

We've also made it simple to access theological works in the course of a typical Bible study: just define a custom collection containing one or more theological titles. Every Passage Guide search will then include Dogmatic Theology! This is just another example of how Logos works to make careful exegesis of the biblical text a joy rather than a burden!

"It is a profound work that sets forth the deepest themes of religion with a grandeur and majesty of expression that has rarely been equaled and that never will be outdated."

"Since its publication more than one hundred years ago, Shedd's Dogmatic Theology has held a place of honor among the magisterial theological works of the Christian faith."

“One of the largest and best systematic theologies.”

“[Ranks] second only to the works of Jonathan Edwards.”

"Reading Shedd is like discovering a family heirloom in the attic. By making him available again to a wide audience, the editor, Alan Gomes, has rendered a great service. Gomes has actually improved Shedd's classic by taking material from the third somewhat 'miscellaneous' volume and inserting it into the body of the work. Many other helps (viz., glossaries, clear notations, illuminating editorial comments) make this the best edition of this work. If the questions of the authority of Scripture, God's omniscience and omnipotence, human helplessless, the substitutionary atonement, justification, the scope of salvation, and the doctrine of endless punishment are as fiercely contested in our day as in Shedd's, we will find Dogmatic Theology as relevant as ever."

"The reissuing of Shedd's Dogmatic Theology occasions pure joy for all who are devoted to biblically sound and historically alert theology. Here they will encounter an energetic and well-stocked mind laboring diligently to perceive the truths of Scripture, chart their interrelations, and follow their implications through high and reasoned speculation. Alan Gomes's introduction—itself an inviting invitation to the delights of historical and systematic theology—identifies not only the peculiar strengths of Shedd's work, but also ways it can correct many errors of more recent theology. The English translations of Shedd's many untranslated quotations enhance the work's accessibility, as do the glossaries, which by themselves may instruct readers in theological terminology and biography alike. An eminently useful publication and a significant service to the church."

"The term theology is derived from the Greek theos, meaning 'God,' and logos, meaning 'word' or 'discourse' ; hence, 'discourse about God.' The word systematic comes from the Greek verb sunistano, which means 'to stand together' or 'to organize' ; hence, systematic theology emphasizes the systematization of theology."

“Systematic Theology may be defined as the collecting, scientifically arranging, comparing, exhibiting, and defending of all facts from any and every source concerning God and His works.”?

“The science of the facts of divine revelation so far as those facts concern the nature of God and our relation to Him, as His creatures, as sinners, and as the subjects of redemption. All these facts, as just remarked, are in the Bible.”?

If you've never gotten excited about theology before, here are a few good reasons to get into it now.

The study of theology can have a major impact on a believer's personal faith and practice. The more we grasp the nature of God and understand what we believe, the better we can live out those beliefs. The Moody Handbook of Theology suggests that systematic theology is necessary:

Shedd, William Greenough Thayer (1820–1894). Calvinist theologian and church historian. A sixth-generation descendant of Massachusetts Puritans, Shedd appropriated many of the leading intellectual trends of the nineteenth century without sacrificing his commitment to Reformed orthodoxy. His speculative interests in Romanticism, historical consciousness and evolution made him remarkably sensitive to the powerful new thinking of his century. Yet Shedd did not create any controversy, for his firm Calvinist faith was never altered by his novel speculations.

While a student at the University of Vermont, Shedd was profoundly influenced by his philosophy professor, James Marsh. Thereafter his thinking reflected an intimate familiarity with the leading luminaries of European Romanticism. Upon his graduation from Andover Theological Seminary, Shedd served a Congregational church in Brandon, Vermont, and later a church in New York City. But his pastoral labors were brief, less than four years in all. The greater part of his career was devoted to teaching. His diversified appointments included seven years as professor of English literature at Vermont, two years as professor of sacred rhetoric at Auburn Theological Seminary and eight years as professor of church history at Andover. In 1863 he accepted a position at Union Theological Seminary (New York), beginning an affiliation with that institution which would continue for twenty-eight years. After 1874 he served as professor of systematic theology, succeeding Henry Boynton Smith.

One of the eminent theologians of his era, Shedd exhibited literary gifts, historical interests and a speculative spirit in his many works, including a History of Christian Doctrine (1863) and Dogmatic Theology (1889). As an Old School Presbyterian he opposed any revision of the Westminster Standards and remained a great advocate of Baconianism and its inductive reasoning.

Reid, D. G., Linder, R. D., Shelley, B. L., & Stout, H. S. (1990). Dictionary of Christianity in America. Downers Grove, Ill.: InterVarsity Press.

About the Editor. Alan W. Gomes (Ph.Dd, Fuller Theological Seminary) is associate professor of historical theology at Talbot School of Theology, Biola University.