To paraphrase Benjamin Franklin, nothing in life is certain, except death and Reformed systematic theologies. From Calvin, Turretin, van Maastricht, a Brakel, Bavinck (who wrote three), Hodge, Berkhof, and to Beeke, there has never been a shortage of quality systematic theologies by the Reformed tradition. It therefore takes a brave man to endeavour to add his name to such a list of luminaries.
With this book, DeYoung has so endeavoured and has acquitted himself with great aplomb. This is the new introductory text that I will be recommending heartily, especially to those looking to dip their toes into the arcane world of systematic theology.
With Daily Doctrine, we get orthodox Reformed theology presented in a refreshing format. Though the general organisation follows the traditional loci of systematics, DeYoung further subdivides the material into chapters that span 260 days. This gives the reader doctrine that can be read daily across 500 words or so – it really is theology made that simple.
DeYoung’s goal is clear: to “translate” the technicalities of academic theology into parlance that the everyman understands. He does not shy away from these technicalities what is brilliant is how he explains them with such precision and clarity that everyone can actually get them. A sampling of topics includes theopaschitism, patripassianism, supralapsarianism, traducianism, impeccability, and preterism. These are not elementary doctrines, but DeYoung is one of those writers who insist that Christians should mature beyond the elementary doctrines. Paul agrees (Heb 6:1-2).
Interestingly, DeYoung also includes matters that do not typically feature in mainstream systematics. For instance, he treats covenant theology as a separate locus, instead of subsuming them under other loci. This allows for a sustained and contiguous exposition on the various covenants that flow as a coherent whole. I was also particularly pleased by his explanation of the common phrase semper reformanda (spoiler: Baptists should not be using this phrase to justify their disagreement with paedobaptism!).
Most valuably, DeYoung writes as a 21st century pastor-theologian, well attuned to the upheavals of theological liberalism and the Sexual Revolution. He has several chapters propounding an orthodox view of gender and sexuality, even dedicating an entire chapter to transgenderism, perhaps the epitome of the sexual chaos we face today. Contemporary theological debates such as eternal subordination of the Son, Spirit Christology, progressive covenantalism, and continuation of the spiritual gifts are mentioned and explored, even if briefly.
DeYoung has truly given an exciting book to the Church. It is all at once a year-long devotional and a handy reference tool. It is succinct in exposition and pastoral in tone (he has a chapter on how to pray well). Calvin pioneered, Turretin clarified, Bavinck stabilised, and DeYoung distilled. It truly is a book for everyone: for the layperson, a steady guide down the deep waters of theology for the experienced theologian, an aide memoire to refresh the memory and springboard further research. He has dealt a death blow to the common adage of “theology being too deep” and shows all at once that though it is God we are trying to know, it is God who desires that we know.
(I was given a copy of this book for an honest review.)
