The word "Theology" often has mixed effects on Bible students.  I've seen it inspire every emotion from fear to utter boredom on groups of people when the subject is approached.  Yet theology is the very heart of what and how we know about God.  Literally, it means "the study of God."  But more generally, it is the study of all things which the Bible teaches ... all things which God would have us know.

Many different kinds of approaches to studying theology exist - some more specifically focused, some more general.  Some rely on only portions of the Scripture while others approach God's revelation with certain preconceptions and prejudices.  But the most comprehensive and, in many ways, "honest" (at least in my opinion) approach to studying theology is "systematic theology".   Systematic theology is a method by which the ENTIRE Bible is used to "systematically" approach and address every major component of our knowledge and understanding of God, Man, and God's relationship and plan for Mankind.

Many, MANY theologians have authored systematic theologies over the history of the Church, and many are masterpieces of thought and revelation.  But this class is based on the works of two men who are among my favorites - Lewis Sperry Chafer, and Charles Ryrie.  The two men were/are not contemporaries with each other, but their works are available today and widely considered foundational works of orthodox Christian theology.  

I wrote this class two different times, one based on the works of each man.  Both have been invaluable at different times and for different reasons.  Though the class based on Ryrie's material is more recent, I do not favor it any more than the class based on Chafer's work.  

Old Doctrines Class Notes  This class was based on the book "Major Bible Themes" which was compiled by John Walvoord but is really a condensed and rather simplified version of Lewis Sperry Chafer's 8-volume "Systematic Theology".  A 2-volume abridged version of this work is also available.  All are excellent resources.

Systematic Theology Notes  This class was based on Charles Ryrie's "Basic Theology - A Popular Systematic Guide To Understanding Biblical Truth".