History of Christian Doctrine

Over against postmodern suspicion of history, it is through the loving connection with the Church of all times and places that God provides us today with a theological identity in Christ through the Holy Spirit. This course critically engages the history of the doctrine of the Church as it has taken shape both in the thoughts of individual theologians and through the Creeds, confessions, and decisions of councils and synods. We will consider both how doctrine was shaped in its historical contexts and how it came to be historically effective in turn. The course not only presents an overview of the history of Christian doctrine but also examines some of the most seminal theological writings that have shaped the Church throughout her history. As a result of taking this course, the student will be better equipped to live out an orthodox, historically grounded faith in creative engagement with both our churches and cultural contexts.