Long considered the “Queen of the Sciences,” systematic theology has more recently, in some circles, been relegated to a branch of historical theology, or become so divorced from exegesis of Scripture that it has become indistinguishable from philosophical theology. This introduction to the subject surveys a few corners of its complex history, and attempts to restore the way in which, at its best, systematic theology is not only an organizing and properly creative discipline, but one that is specially potent in addressing the culture around us.