Historical Theology: An Introduction to Christian Doctrine: A Companion to Wayne Grudem's Systematic Theology - Hardcover

by Gregg Allison (Author)

Historical Theology presents the key pillars of the contemporary church and the development of those doctrines as they evolved from the history of Christian thought.

Most historical theology texts follow Christian beliefs in a strict chronological manner with the classic theological loci scattered throughout various time periods, movements, and controversies--making for good history but confusing theology.

This companion to the classic bestseller Systematic Theology is unique among historical theologies. Gregg Allison sets out the history of Christian doctrine according to a topical-chronological arrangement--one theological element at a time instead of committing to a discussion of theological thought according to its historical appearance alone.

This method allows you to:

• Contemplate one tenet of Christianity at a time, along with its formulation in the early church--through the Middle Ages, Reformation, and post-Reformation era, and into the modern period.
• Become familiar with the primary source material of Christian history's most important contributors, such as Cyprian, Augustine, Aquinas, Luther, Calvin, Barth, and others.
• Understand the development of evangelical doctrine with a focus on the centrality of the gospel.
• Discern a sense of urgent need for greater doctrinal understanding in the whole church.

Historical Theology is an easy-to-read textbook for any Christian who wants to know how the church has come to believe what it believes today. Gregg Allison's clear and concise structure make this resource an ideal introduction to Christian doctrine.

Back Jacket

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.