Historical Theology: An Introduction to Christian Doctrine (Gregg Allison)

Historical Theology

An Introduction to Christian Doctrine

Most historical theology texts follow Christian beliefs chronologically, discussing notable doctrinal developments for all areas of theology according to their historical appearance. And while this may be good history, it can make for confusing theology, with the classic theological loci scattered throughout various time periods, movements, and controversies.

In Historical Theology, Gregg Allison offers students the opportunity to study the historical development of theology according to a topical-chronological arrangement, setting out the history of Christian doctrine one theological element at a time.

Such an approach allows readers to concentrate on one tenet of Christianity and its formulation in the early church, through the Middle Ages, Reformation, and post-Reformation era, and into the modern period. The text includes a generous mix of primary source material as well, citing the words of Cyprian, Augustine, Aquinas, Luther, Calvin, Barth, and others.

Allison references the most accessible editions of these notable theologians’ work so that readers can continue their study of historical theology through Christian history’s most important contributors. Historical Theology is a superb resource for those familiar with Wayne Grudem’s Systematic Theology or interested in understanding the development of Christian theology.

Seven Major Doctrinal Categories:

Historical Theology treats seven major doctrinal areas along with Grudem including:

• • The Doctrine of the Word of God
  • Doctrine God
  • Of Humanity
  • Christ & The Holy Spirit
  • Doctrine of the Application of Redemption
  • The Church
  • Eschatology, or the Future

• It is easy to see that the treatment of these doctrines in this format easily makes them accessible, understandable, and eminently applicable to the Christian life, and the church. The emphasis is on specific tenets of Christianity and its formulation in the early church, through the Middle Ages, Reformation, and post-Reformation era, and into the modern period.

• The text includes a generous mix of primary source material as well, citing the works of the following theologians and many others:

• • • Cyprian
    • Augustine
    • Aquinas
    • Luther
    • Calvin
    • Barth
    • and others

Allison references the most accessible editions of these notable theologians’ work so that readers can continue their study of historical theology through Christian history’s most important contributors. Historical Theology is a superb resource for those familiar with Wayne Grudem’s Systematic Theology or interested in understanding the development of Christian theology.