In his thoughts on Chapter 1 (http://criddlekitchentable.blogspot.com/2006/12/chapter-1-introduction-to-systematic.html) , Richard posed a couple of questions:

1. What do you think would be the implications for a church which gave up learning systematic theology?
2. Are there any doctrines you're particularly looking forward to? Nervous of? Looking through the contents, some things are already getting my heart racing!

The first one is interesting in that it presumes that churches are learning systematic theology which in many cases is probably not true! It also assumes that learning theology in a systematic way is the 'best way' and that other forms of learning are inferior. Having said that, the risks of not having a systematic view of theology is that certain passages are given more emphasis than others which can lead to divergent views of doctrine. Arguably this is why we have some of the major (and minor) denominations today. While the denomination structure provides a framework for doctrinal belief there is clearly the opportunity for churches to move in different directions if they do not have a good approach to the understanding of scripture (such as presented by a systematic one).
Without a good understanding of what scripture says about major areas of doctrine and what it has to say about big issues facing Christians today churches and Christians will be weaker and less able to make the impact on this world that we are here for.

In terms of particular doctrines I am looking forward to, most of them look interesting. Some that particularly catch my eye include:

• The Knowability of God
• Election and Reprobation
• Death and the Intermediate State
• The Power of the Church
• the New Heavens and New Earth