We Adventists are known for our intensive work in biblical studies, from which we have secured a strong grasp of the Bible’s teachings, giving special attention to eschatology. This emphasis means our doctrinal understandings tend to be colored by an end-time anticipation of Jesus’ return. We have not distinguished ourselves, however, in systematic theology, that enterprise which seeks to integrate biblical truths into a single overall comprehensive system.

This gap Norman Gulley, longtime professor of theology at Southern Adventist University, begins to fill by producing the first true systematic theology to come from an Adventist hand. In developing any serious systematic theology, the task must grow as a lifetime work of a single mind. Therefore, with this initial volume Gulley embarks on a formidable undertaking set to run to multi-volume dimensions that certainly will impact Adventist theology as well as create a wake in the larger Christian theological community.

The current volume, subtitled Prolegomena, the Greek term for “first things”, assembles an encyclopedic review of virtually all the factors at play in today’s theology. This tracing of roots culminates, however, in an intensely contemporary analysis quite at home in today’s world. To achieve this, Gulley assembles a panoramic review of ideas, people, events, places, philosophies, and trends, many dealt with in brief cameo style that extracts the essential elements without the burden of long treatises. Of course such an approach invites the evergreen threat of distortion by brevity, but with a sweeping grasp of all these factors this writer demonstrates his understanding of the complexities at hand.

This first volume offers an introduction to a wide array of important elements, making it a treasury of information. The reader will find effective guidance in the 10-page table of contents. Furthermore, the data is fairly treated in a manner that will attract non-Adventist readers. Since the major work is yet to come, one may ask what is to be gained with such a ponderous first volume. The answer is forthright: here is a review of the elements that will largely control what follows as Gulley explores the great truths of biblical teaching. Systematic Theology is the area where the modes of human thinking interface with divine revelation. Hence it stands at the intersection between biblical truth and the philosophical and cultural baggage every reader brings to the text itself. Anyone seriously concerned with the study of the Bible will find this volume useful.

Norman Gulley has a long and distinguished career in the Adventist ministry. His preparation includes a Ph D., earned at Scotland’s prestigious University of Edinburgh, and widespread service both in mission appointments outside North America as well as in the United States.

Outside Adventist circles he has come to be known within the burgeoning Evangelical community. These leaders represent the vigorous, growing core of recent theological development in America. The author’s standing is evidenced in a Foreword by Millard J Erickson, of Baylor University, immediate past president of the Evangelical Theological Society. This volume appears to be characterized by its orientation toward the Evangelical community, evidenced in both language and issues considered.

For many years the most vigorous critics of the Adventist movement, Evangelicals compose a group drawn from many conservatively-oriented denominations just now coming to see Adventists not as a sectarian cult, but as serious students of the Word of God. Coincidentally, in recent times several prominent Evangelical theologians are challenging certain traditional doctrines such as the immortality of the soul and eternally-burning hellfire, clearly influenced by Adventist studies of these subjects. Some Adventist readers will find themselves ill at ease with such an approach in this volume, perhaps out of concern about biblical inerrancy. However, the purpose of this first volume is introductory, with Gulley’s full exposition of doctrinal subjects yet to come, so we should watch for how he deals with such topics in his work to come. The usefulness of this volume is readily apparent.

Readers will find excellent nutshell discussions of a huge range of interesting, vital topics selected because they impact on Christian understanding. The extended discussion of world views and the character of contemporary postmodernism will be especially valuable, bringing to the Adventist Church its best single source on these subjects. Although it could never be described as light reading, its language makes it accessible to most people with an interest in Bible study and theology. Every theological student, pastor, and informed layman should take steps to gain access to this volume.