55. Daily Doctrine

Daily Doctrine: A One Year Guide to Systematic Theology. Kevin DeYoung. 2024. 432 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars] [theology]

First sentence from the introduction: This is going to sound over the top but writing this book has been a dream come true.

First sentence from day one: The aim of Christian theology is to know, enjoy, and walk in the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 

This systematic theology is meant to be digested one day at a time. The book allows for five days a week. So not 365 days of systematic theology. It builds in some grace days each week. It is written from a Reformed perspective.

From the introduction, "I endeavor on every page to be biblical. A big part of systematic theology is learning the proper terms and debates and distinctions. I make no apology for teaching these things. But the overarching goal in all this learning is to understand what the Bible teaches, defend what the Bible teaches, and enjoy the God whom the Bible reveals."

He goes on to say that the book can be enjoyed as a daily devotional, a reference book, or a "mini" systematic theology. 

It is well organized. Each reading is a building block. 

Some entries ARE accessible. Some have a truly must-read aspect to them because the entry is so central, so foundational, so essential to understanding the Christian faith. Because they are so essential, so core, these do have a more practical aspect to them. A certain thrilling aspect to unpack, a HOW CAN IT BE, ISN'T IT WONDERFUL. Entries that lead to gratitude, rejoicing, peace. 

For example, the chapters on the atonement are absolutely WONDERFUL. And that's just one example. There are, of course, many, many more.

Other entries are less accessible. I will say that ALL entries are intellectual in nature. But some are extra scholarly and dry. These daily entries are more difficult to comprehend and unpack, and, on the surface at least they seem to have less of an impact on the day-to-day lives of Christians. There are certainly chapters where the vocabulary is challenging. I have read many theological books through the years, so I thought I would have a fair grasp of the material. I was wrong. This isn't a bad thing. Just to say that there may be entire weeks where a reader is struggling to make sense of the text AND to put the pieces of the puzzle together in terms of so what. Why does knowing this impact me right here, right now. 

Again, there were plenty of days that were impactful and accessible and relevant. But I had imagined in my head a book where every day would be incredibly nourishing and amazing. There are plenty of rewarding days. There are. But this book will require effort. It may require rereading passages. It may require looking up unfamiliar vocabulary. It may require some extra research to see if you can find easier explanations of some concepts. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible