A Solid Dose of Daily Doctrine
Kevin DeYoung’s Daily Doctrine: A One-Year Guide to Systematic Theology is a commendable effort to make a weighty subject accessible to a broad audience. True to its title, the book is structured as a year-long devotional, with 260 readings (five per week) that break down the major tenets of Christian theology into manageable, bite-sized pieces.
DeYoung’s strength as a writer shines through in his ability to distill complex theological concepts into clear and concise prose. He tackles everything from the doctrine of Scripture to eschatology, all from a distinctly Reformed perspective. While the book is an excellent introduction for those new to systematic theology, it also serves as a valuable refresher for pastors and seasoned students of the Bible.
The devotional format is perhaps the book’s greatest asset. Each reading is short enough to be incorporated into a daily routine, yet substantive enough to provide real food for thought. DeYoung’s writing is engaging and often witty, making the journey through systematic theology more of a delightful exploration than a dry academic exercise.
While the book is highly recommended, readers from different theological traditions may find points of disagreement, particularly on topics like covenant theology and baptism. Additionally, those looking for a purely devotional work with direct daily applications might find Daily Doctrine to be more focused on theological instruction.
Overall, Daily Doctrine is a valuable resource for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of Christian theology. It is a testament to the idea that doctrine is not just for the seminary classroom, but for the daily life of every believer.
David Crews Ph.D. Author & Speaker 