J. Rodman Williams (1918–2008)

In Williams third volume of his Renewal Theology,: he covers the Church and the Last Things. This volume, as well as the others, are plain, simple, and keeping controversy to a minimum. His perspectives in theology are more predominantly Biblical, avoiding philosophical conclusions and speculative considerations; also, his engagement with Scripture is clear and logical.

Williams does deal at some length with the controversy on millennial views and his discussion on the Church and civil government, although basic, is very good and balanced.… (mehr)

In his second of three volumes, Williams continues the plain, clear, non-controversial discussion of theology systematically covering Salvation, the Holy Spirit, and Christian Living. Again, as I stated in my review of volume 1, this is a great beginner book on theology for someone seeking to understand Biblical concepts without fussing and trying to sort through various competing theologies and high-sounding doctrinal positions.

But, more than that, this volume offers the charismatic perspective, which would do well for any Christian to read and gain a balanced insight and understanding into the various types, modes of operation, and the practical application of the spiritual gifts in one's personal life..The author also discusses the differences between what is meant by "spiritual gifts" as opposed to "natural talents." This is a must read for anyone unsure about the charismatic view or is just plain against it (cessationist) who is ready for the challenge to his uninformed or preconceived notions about the Holy Spirit and spiritual gifts.

He also provides clarity to issues like regeneration, justification and sanctification without going beyond what the Bibles reveals, without countering opposing views, and without philosophical argumentation, delving lightly into controversial topics in a non-confrontational tone as, for example, the security of salvation and the possibility of apostasy.

Let me be clear, if one is looking for a book to discuss all the varieties of doctrinal beliefs and theological views, this is not the book. It's purpose is to teach what the Bible teaches and lead readers "more deeply into the truths that He alone can reveal" through the plain exposition of Scripture in a systematized fashion without cluttering or obstructing it with differing points of doctrinal opinions.

The new Christian seeking understanding to gain a better grasp of God's purposes for his life, the old Christian seeking to trod again the "old paths" and regain the simplicity of following Christ, both will benefit from reading and re-reading "Renewal Theology."… (mehr)

In his first of three volumes on sytematic theology, Williams gives many good insights into what the Bible teaches in a way that is, although, easy to understand provokes engaging times of thought and reflection in comparison with one's own views. While at times offering different views on partciular subjects, Williams does so as to not deal with it controversially , nevertheless, his discussion is thorough. As such, this is a great beginner book on theology for someone seeking to understand Biblical concepts without fussing and trying to sort through various competing theologies and high-sounding doctrinal positions.

What is really good and different about Williams' Systematic Theology from other typical systematic theologies is, along with his 18 page discussion on miracles, he adds a discussion on the cessation of miracles running about 10 pages, which engage Warfield's cessationism.

There are not many pentecostal/charismatic sytematic theologies, as far as I know, out there, so this would be a welcome addition to one's library, whether or not he is a pentecostal or a cessationist. This book offers much for further study and advancing a right understanding of how charismatics approach the Bible.… (mehr)