- Autoscroll
This web edition of Berkhof’s Systematic Theology is designed to make a dense, scholarly text more approachable. Every chapter includes tools to help you read, understand, and retain the material. Here is what you will find and how to use it.
Section Overviews
Before each section of a chapter, you will see a shaded overview box that summarizes the main argument in plain language, followed by a list of key points. These are meant to provide an easier access to the principles contained in the main section text. The main text can be wordy and overly academic. It’s fine for some people, but most would have a hard time reading, let alone comprehending the teaching. The ovrviews are meant to simplify the process, and make it easier for non-academics to crasp the concepts.
Audio Narrations
Where available, a speaker icon appears in the overview box. Tap it to hear the section overview read aloud. Audio narrations are also indicated by a small speaker icon next to the chapter title in the table of contents.
Mastery Quizzes
Each chapter ends with a multiple-choice quiz. This is a specially design Learning Quiz. If you answer a question incorrectly, it returns to the end of the queue so you can try again. The quiz is complete only when every question has been answered correctly. Once you finish, a green checkmark appears next to that chapter in the table of contents so you can track your progress at a glance.
Bookmarks
Click the small ribbon icon that appears when you hover over a paragraph to bookmark it. You can choose from eight colors and add a label. Your bookmarks are saved to your account and listed in your dashboard so you can return to important passages.
Scripture Popups
Berkhof cites Scripture constantly. Wherever you see a scripture reference link, hover over it (or tap on mobile) to see the full text of the passage in a popup without leaving the page.
Theological Term Highlighting
Key theological terms are highlighted throughout the text. Hover over a highlighted word to see a brief definition. This is especially helpful if you are encountering Reformed theological vocabulary for the first time.
Your Dashboard
Sign in to unlock all of the features above. Your dashboard tracks your reading progress, quiz scores, and bookmarks in one place. Click your username in the sidebar to open it at any time.
Reading Controls
Use the −A and A+ buttons in the upper-right corner of any chapter to adjust the font size. Your preference is remembered between visits.
Autoscroll
For hands-free reading, click the Autoscroll control in the sidebar (or at the top of the screen on mobile). Choose from three preset speeds—slow, medium, or fast—and the page will scroll continuously so you can read without touching the keyboard or mouse. Click again to stop.
All features except bookmarks, quiz tracking, and the dashboard work without an account. Creating one is free and only requires a username and password.