New convert or seasoned Christian, serious seeker or casually curious -- this is a fine Bible to own and to read. The genuine leather edition is supple and well made. The spine is Smythe-sewn, not stuck together with glue, as many Bibles are today, even expensive ones. Because the signatures are sewn together at the spine, this Bible will lie flat when it is open. The text is printed in clear, readable type that is large enough to read without squinting. The notes are generous and are likewise set in larger type than the majority of study Bible notes.The only weakness I see worthy of comment is that this edition does not have the helpful translators' notes in the margins. But all the other fine features are there. It has the finest book outlines, both at the introduction of each book and repeated as headers throughout the text, that I have seen in any other Bible.

The study Bible is simply one of the best on the market. The running commentary is outstanding as Charles Ryrie tries to present fair and balanced notes as to what the verses or the text is trying to communicate. On some passages, such as Genesis 6, he will provide serval diferent understandings of the passage, giving a broad education to the reader.

"A Synopsis of Bible Doctrine" is this study bible's strongest suite. It is easy to understand and would be a plus for any new Christian who is unfamilar with Christian doctrine. Except for a couple of places, Ryrie tries to present an objective look at doctrines. The section "The Doctrine of Future Things" is really good considering that Ryrie was dispensationalist, yet, he provides a quick refernce for all the major views: Pre-,Post-, and A-, millennialists are described.

There are other sections which make this study Bible the standard which others should be measured: Sections on the meaning of salavtion, archaelogy, and church history are easy to read and yet very informative.

Simply the study Bible that set the standard for others to follow.

The Ryrie NEW AMERICAN STANDARD is the MOST ACCURATE English Bible that we have available to us to date. It is an excellent study Bible with a good concordance and much more. The most important feature of this Bible is that it is a "word-for-word" translation of the original manuscripts. It is easy to read, clear, and concise. Also, there are maps, word descriptions, references to historical events, and records that concur and validate the Word.

I bought this book based upon the 5 star review(s) it received at amazon.com. Having read the Ryrie Study Bible for years I expected somewhat of the same by way of written style, however, I discovered a cleaned-up theological volume that had no controversy (in the good sense) and most everything was packaged neatly and cleanly. Very dry, almost a sleeper. The good side is that the information is trustable and reliable, so it can be safely used for reference, which is how I would use it.

Basic Theology is a very concise and easy to read book on theology. Great for beginners or anyone brushing up on the subject. It covers all the major areas of systematic theology and gives good evidence to counter arguments so that they reader may objectively see both sides of the argument.

I have read several theology books, but chose this one to use for a class of adults at our church. I am developing a 30 week course, you may download the lectures/slides at ... and read sections of Ryrie's book that go along with each lesson. If you are studying Theology by yourself, this is the book to get.

Dr. Ryrie does a good job in stripping down the heavy theological terms associated with all of the areas of theology constantly discussed. This book is definitely a good buy for any NEW Christian or any believer who wants a good reference tool. For those who want to get into the 'heavier' aspects of theological discussion, you might want to pick up Paul Enns 'Moody Handbook of Theology' also for sale on this site. (*note to Amazon.com folks- link this part to the Moody Handbook of Theology* and erase my note *smile*)

Charles Ryrie, a scholar from Dallas Theological Seminary presents a book that will help all Christians seek to understand Theology without all of the jargon associated with Theology. Here, he provides the basic tenets of the Christian faith: inspiration, illumination, revelation, and much, much more. He also includes topics such as Theology Proper to Soteriology. This book will definately help the Christian seeking to deepen their relationship with God.

The disctinct value of the book is that it delivers the simple language exposition of the one of the most fundamental Biblical doctrines, namely ASSURANCE OF SALVATION. The author devotes a separate chapter to this topic, however all the rest of the book, while presenting the Basics of Christian Biblical Theology, builds towards this great Truth, formulates solid logical and doctrinal fundaments of what the author calls the Doctrine of Certainty. The Good News of Salvation in Christ is made explicit and goes in line with Apostle John's concern "so you may know that you have eternal life" (1 Jn 5:13).

...This is considered by many to be the Classic Handbook on Dispensationalism, and it is a Revised Version of his original work entitled "Dispensationalism Today".

It serves as a Curriculum Resource for Doctrine courses at Philadelphia Biblical University, and, therefore, it comes highly recommended.

Charles Ryrie served as the President of Philadelphia Biblical University and he continues to serve as a Professor at this Institute and Dallas Theological Seminary.

As for the book itself, it provides the Basic Doctrines of Dispensationalism as understood by C.I. Scofield, and as reinterpreted by Charles Ryrie himself. As such, it is essential to a Proper Understanding of Modern Dispensationalism.

However, it is NOT a proper assessment of the Original Dispensationalism that was taught by J.N. Darby and the Plymouth Brethren. It neglects the Essential Doctrine of the Apostasy, which was the Foundational Doctrine for the Original Dispensationalists.

It also does not consider the excellent and profound insights provided by John Master and Brian Toews, concerning the New Covenant. Nor does it do justice to some of the arguments brought forth by the Progressive Dispensationalists.

Overall, this book serves as an excellent Primer for Dispensationalism....

Shalom - Soror Samhain

I decided that I needed a primer on dispensationalism after reading a commentary on Romans by William Newell. His work was thorough and insightful, but it assumed some background in dispensational thought and history. Having been raised in a covenant-theology church, dispensational thought came to me as a revelation on how to understand the Bible. However, I wanted to understand what was the basis for dispensational beliefs and how it fit together. Charles Ryrie's book seemed like an easy way to get some background.

Much about Ryrie's book was helpful. It defines dispensations (a particular method and revelation by which God interacts with the world), lists the 7 commonly accepted dispensations (Innocence, Conscience, Civil Government, Patriarchy, Mosaic Law, Grace, and Millenium), the hermeneutics (grammatical-historical), the historical development of these beliefs and the justification for approaching Scripture this way. He also discusses eschatology, salvation, and the nature of the Church from a dispensational perspective. These chapters answered most of the questions that I originally had in mind and put into perspective other popular literature based on the same system. If you weren't raised in a dispensational church, this book can help you understand the allusions in modern evangelical culture.

On the other hand, if you weren't raised dispensational, you will still miss allusions in this book. For instance, the author refers to the 144,000 of Revelations in discussing church doctrinal statements. Why? I feel as if the author assumes a minimum level of exposure to dispensationalism which many folks just don't have. Some other downsides: the author sprinkles objections from covenant and amillenialist positions throughout the book. Ryrie tends to take exteme objections and either show that they are based on faulty logic or that the same objections can be made to the objector's own system. Perhaps these are comments that dispensationalists can expect to hear, but I was left wondering if all theologians of other systems sound so shrill. However, while Ryrie can be critical of other belief systems, he seems respectful and not emotional, keeping the tone of the book civil. Also there are chapters on Progressive dispensationalism, Covenant theology, and Ultra-dispensationalism, which provide a background for other beliefs but are presented more as straw men. Again, I imagine that the author meant to be helpful but should have stuck to his strengths.

In short, I'd say this is a good introduction to dispensationalism for someone who knows a little about it already. If you are completely new to the topic, this book is at least short and succint. I'd recommend getting something more in depth as a second source.

Charles Ryrie gives an able defense of classical dispensationalism. He begins with an overview of the idea of dispensations and provides a new and revised definition of the term as well as Biblical justification for the use of the word. Dispensationalism is a help, not a heresy, as its opponents have often uncharitably characterized it. Ryrie goes on to outline and defend the dispensationalist view on the following topics:

the logic of seven dispensations

the need for a literal hermeneutic

the plan of salvation under the Law and under Grace

the distinction between Israel and the Church

pretribulational, premillennial eschatology

Other chapters include an account of dispensationalism's origins and a defense against the charges of recency and divisiveness. Ryrie also provides three chapters dealing with dispensationalism's opponents: 1) progressive dispensationalism, which bears a remarkable resemblance to Laddian historic premillennialism, 2) covenant theology, and 3) ultradispensationalism.

Here is a solid, basic theology coupled with a Study Bible that cannot lead you astray. Simple enough for new Christians, yet the Expanded Edition has enough meaty notes to satisfy the advanced believer. Most of the bottom page notes are brief and to the point, with some exception. Lucid, pointed, full of facts, occasionally Ryrie shows his theological position in such places as not listing Jehovah-Rapha (God is my healer) as one of the Jehovah titles in his notes, when nearly all other Jehovah titles are listed from the Hebrew. Basic bottom line: Baptist theology,pleasantly Dispensational,great for salvation orientation and facts on books/authors, satisfying for mainstream readers.

I used the Ryrie Study bible for a quite a while when I first got saved. This is an excellent study bible. Very nice.

Steve Mays Pastor, Laurens, SC.

Dr. Charles Ryrie is is well known for his unusal ability to explain Bible truth so clearly and logically. The thousands of notes in this Bible are a vertual Bible Institue. It is chuck full of clear and simple explanations of very difficult passages. These notes are written by an esteemed scholar with impeccable degrees and qualifications. The very latest information through archeology and history make the notes as up to date as you can find. Dr. Ryrie has such a vast knowlege of the culture of the Bible times that he explains so many things that are not understood without that background of knowledge. His outlines of books of the Bible are extremely well done and helpful. This is one of the best helps of Bible notes available. It is a must for a hungry Bible student who wants not just truth but truth that is from a warmed heart of God's servant.

I thought that this would be an excellent book based on the previews that I reveiwed. However, after receiving the book, I ended up throwing it away in the trash. The categorizing of the gifts was difficult to understand (and I'm in Mensa). Also, the implications that prophecy is not for today and that speaking in unknown toungues is not for every believer is not based on sound biblical principles as I believe it and, moreover, as I have experienced it.

I have referred to this book many times over the years. I have recommended it to many of my students and fellow classmates in Sunday School, my Bible Institute classes and Bible studies. It is excellent for laymen and answers many of the questions the average Christian has without being too technical.

An excellent, practical overview of the spiritual gifts that are available today. He contrasts the nature of the gifts to talents, the fruit of the Spirit, ministries etc. to put them in the clearest light. This has become our standard text in our course on spiritual gifts in the Twin Cities Bible Institute.

I have owned a number of study bibles in the past (Dakes, Nelson, Thompson, etc.). I have not been completely satisfied with any of them. In my search, I have determined the following criteria, which have to be balanced in selection of a bible. Of course, your needs may vary.The Ryrie Study Bible meets most of my needs. However, there are way too many notes that are unnecessary and only serve to add bulk. It appears that Dr. Ryrie had a goal to increase the number of notes from his previous version.

The construction is average. The leather quality is typical of the leather found on most bibles, and the same can be said of the paper quality. The binding is also typical. You can find Cambridge's bibles that offer overall superior construction with impressive leathers and paper. Cambridge's best personal bible retails for [$] that uses goatskin leather and leather lining. Holman's top of the line KJV reference bible ([$]) also has similar quality as compared to the Cambridge.

Primarily a KJV reader, self-pronouncing text and a dictionary are features that are very beneficial to me. Ryrie does not provide these features.

On the positive side, this bible has easy-to-read text, excellent subtitles, exceptional cross-references, a very useful topical section, functional concordance, great diagrams, and informative book introductions.

This is an excellent Bible. It has a plethora of great study helps, layouts, and maps. If you need a quality Bible that will last through some extensive studying and still come out in good shape, this is it. I would recommend a version without the index tabs. They tend to get in the way when you want to quickly flip to a book you are familiar with. Plus the pages crease and fold a little around the tabs as time goes by. Another small disappointment is that there is no index for all of the charts and commentaries scattered throughout the Bible. I have made my own and attached it into the back. Be careful of some of Ryrie's comments also, they tend to be from a theological perspective and not always from the anointing. I call this library piece my 'mac daddy'.

Ryerie has put together an awesome Study Bible. It has maps in the text that show where in the world the events are happening. Verse notws that clear up trouble pasages. In the back, you have your own little handbook of theology. This is a must for everyone.

Written by a truly fine scholar, this book will give the reader a basic understanding of the pretribulation rapture point of view. Of particular interest is the inclusion of information about the origin of the pre-trib view from someone within the pre-trib camp itself, and not from an outsider. Much of the material focuses on arguments against a post-trib rapture. At times though, I was not convinced that some of the arguments were presented as objectively as they could have been. Nevertheless, Dr. Ryrie, always being the gentleman, presents the material in a non-offensive, scholarly style. Worthy reading.

In this book, Dr. Charles Ryrie examines 35 of the Lord's miracles and provides a brief analysis of each. After scripture is quoted, Dr. Ryrie provides the setting and the circumstances under which each miracle was performed. The reader is educated as to the significance of the miracle, the impact the miracle had on the people involved at the time and how the miracle has significance to present day Christians. The only disappointment I encountered was that each miracle was only given three to five pages of exposition. Other excellent works by Dr. Ryrie include "Basic Theology" and "Dispensationalism".

I bought his book thinking that it would contain a basic summary of each of the popular religions (I didn't read any of the reviews before buying it). The author obviously spent a great deal of time studying many religions, unfortunately, his very bias comments that are interspersed within the text make the book impossible to read. Please Mr McDowell just give us the facts of the religions and not your opionion. This book should of been titled "why my religion is right and yours is wrong".

Concerning his arguments for his chosen religion, what can I say other then they make him look like a fool. His logic to identify an occult religion would surely apply to own religion, but he simply doesn't see it. Its quite sad to think about his state of mind

McDowell's and Stewart's *Handbook of Today's Religions* is a compilation of their series on the cults, world religions and secular religions, under one title. The work provides a systematic survey of the core beliefs, philosophical characteristics and significant writers within each religious viewpoint, and offers a critique from the foundation of a historic, Biblical Christian worldview.

The book is copiously documented from the primary sources and significant secondary materials, and is clearly written in a friendly and personable style. The documentation contained in this book alone is worth the price of the book. The religious views treated, while held to be in error by the authors, are treated with an irenic tone and intelligent manner.

This book has four major sections: Understanding the Cults, Understanding the Occult, Understanding Non-Christian Religions, and Understanding Secular Religions. It closes with an article by Norman Anderson on "A Christian Approach to Comparative Religions."

I read this book years ago when I first became a Christian. It helped to settle in my mind the uniqueness of true Christianity. It also helped to answer lingering questions I had about other belief systems. So it helped to solidify my belief that the Christian faith was true and that other belief systems were false.

In the first section on cults the authors first discuss "What is a Cult?" They then present the basic characteristics of cults and the beliefs of orthodox Christianity. The beliefs are present via quotes from important Christian creeds, with supporting Biblical references. It's not a thorough Biblical study of such doctrines, but adequate for presenting the orthodox view. For a more thorough study on the basic doctrines of the Christian faith, see my "Scripture Workbook: For Personal Bible Study and Teaching the Bible."

The first section of this book then looks at individual groups like JWs and Mormons. For each group it presents a very short history of the group. For a more detailed history of each group, one would have to consult books like Walter Martin's "Kingdom of the Cults" or Ruth Tucker's "Another Gospel."

But what this book does provide is a detailed Biblical discussion of each group's teachings. The book first documents the group's doctrines through extended quotes from it's own literature. The authors then provide extensive Biblical refutations of these doctrines.

The tone of the book is one of presenting an exegesis of the relevant Scriptures. It is not strongly judgmental, just strongly Biblical. And my "Scripture Workbook" provides additional Biblical refutations of claims of groups discussed in this book.

The second section of this book gets into an area that I find rather uncomfortable to study: the occult. I never was attracted to the occult, and it just gives me the creeps studying about it. But the Bible does say not be ignorant of Satan's devices, so at least a cursory knowledge of occult practices can be helpful.

This sections looks at occult practices like astrology, fortune telling, and parapsychology. For each practice, a basic explanation is provided, then a logical and/ or Biblical refutation.

The third section looks at non-Christian religions like Hinduism and Islam. When I first read this book I found this section particularly interesting. I had never really considered becoming a Mormon or JW, but before becoming a Christian I did investigate other world religions. And again, this book confirmed my previous studies that Christianity was to be preferred over these other religions.

The discussions in this section are similar to the ones in the section on cults. A very short history of the religion is presented and then a much more in-depth discussion and Biblical refutation of its teachings.

The last section looks at atheism and related belief systems. Again, a basic history is provided of each system, then logical refutations of their teachings. The authors are smart enough to focus on logical arguments as Biblical arguments would hardly hold much sway with atheists.

So overall, this is a very helpful book due to the breadth of belief systems it covers. But with such a variety of views discussed, it doesn't provide as much detail on each group as some other books might. But for someone who was in the position I was of still having questions about competing worldviews to Christianity, this book can be very helpful. And it will provide the Christian with a basic knowledge of each of the systems discussed along with providing much material for Biblical studies. And for more Biblical study on many of the topics discussed in this book, see my "Scripture Workbook."