top of page
URCNA MISSIONS
Reformed Dogmatics
Vos, Geerhardus Edited by Richard B. Gaffin Jr. Translated by Annemie Godbehere, R. van Ijken, and others. 5 vols. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012–2016 Vos was a Dutch American theologian who focused on the Redemptive-Historical contours of theology. In these volumes he covers the central theological loci using the Socratic method of questions and answers.
Reformed Dogmatics
Bavinck, Herman Edited by John Bolt. Translated by John Vriend. 4 vols. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2003–2008 In these magisterial volumes, the great Dutch theologian, Herman Bavinck, covers all the central loci of theology. He provides a thorough historical background to the various loci.
The Christian’s Reasonable Service
Brakel, Wilhelmus à. 4 vols. Grand Rapids, MI: Reformation Heritage Books, 1992–1995 This classic work of systematic theology comes out of the Dutch “further reformation” of the 17th century. It exhibits the beauty of Reformed doctrine which is made even more beautiful by Brakel’s warm piety. After grounding each point of doctrine is scripture, he explains what happened with that truth in church history, and then adds outstanding pastoral application.
Core Christianity: Finding Yourself in God’s Story
Horton, Michael S. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2016 Michael Horton has written multiple single-volume systematic theologies – as well as a multi-volume dogmatic theology that is not included on this list – that provide entry points for believers from a wide range of backgrounds and levels to engage with theological reflection upon Christian doctrine. Core Christianity is the most basic and introductory, and includes an apologetic aspect that makes it really useful for new be
The Christian Faith: A Systematic Theology for Pilgrims on the Way
Horton, Michael S. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2011
Pilgrim Theology: Core Doctrines for Christian Disciples
Horton, Michael S. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2011
Systematic Theology
Berkhof, Louis Carlisle, PA: Banner of Truth, 2021 Berkhof’s Systematic is the standard for Presbyterian and Reformed pastors, theologians and laypeople. It covers the accepted categories for study overviewing the central concerns for each. It is thorough yet accessible.
Manual of Christian Doctrine
Berkhof, Louis Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1939 This is Berkhof’s cut down version of his Systematic Theology (see below). In this shorter version, Berkhof manages to keep the essentials of each theological category.
But for the Grace of God: An Exposition of the Canons of Dort
Venema, Cornelis P. Grandville, MI: Reformed Fellowship, 1994 Dr. Venema, former president of Mid-America Reformed Seminary offers a clear and pastoral exposition of the Canons of Dort. A short book of nine chapters with study questions following each chapter, it is an excellent resource for study groups. Venema shows that the doctrines of grace are not abstract theology but the church’s joyful confession of God’s saving grace in Christ. A study like this gives believers conf
bottom of page