Classical Christian Doctrine: Introducing the Essentials of the Ancient Faith

by Ronald E. Heine

This clear and concise text helps readers grasp the doctrines of the Christian faith considered basic from the earliest days of Christianity. Ronald Heine, an internationally known expert on early Christian theology, developed this book from a course he teaches that has been refined through many years of classroom experience. Heine primarily uses the classical Christian doctrines of the Nicene Creed to guide students into the essentials of the faith.

This broadly ecumenical work will interest students of church history or theology as well as adult Christian education classes in church settings. Sidebars identify major personalities and concepts, and each chapter concludes with discussion questions and suggestions for further reading.

Genres: Theology, Church History, History, Christian, Nonfiction, Philosophy, Religion

192 pages, Paperback

First published March 15, 2013

About the author

Ronald E. Heine (PhD, University of Illinois) is professor of Bible and Christian ministry at Northwest Christian University in Eugene, Oregon. He is the author of Reading the Old Testament with the Ancient Church and several books on Origen.

Reviews

[James Bond · Rating 5 out of 5]

A helpful read in understanding the theological arguments going on in the first five centuries of the church. I found it extremely helpful due to its covering of the nicene creed and pointing out many different church father’s views. Recommended read for anyone interested in the essentials of the ancient faith.

[Matthew Bloomquist · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great introduction to the classical Christian doctrines of the early church. Great for a historical survey as well as the doctrinal distinctives between various Church Fathers. Easy read, some good primary sources, enjoyed the chapter progressions.

[Robert D. Cornwall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Offered as a primer on Classical Christian doctrine -- based in part on the Nicene Creed -- addresses basic doctrinal elements in light of scripture and the early church. For the most part looks at theologians from Justin to Augustine. I would classify the approach as moderately traditional/orthodox. It is a basic primer, so nothing that will appear new, but covers most of the bases!

Ron Heine teaches at my alma mater -- Northwest Christian University.

For a more indepth review, check my blog review: http://www.bobcornwall.com/2013/03/cl...

[Hope · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book outlines and describes the general theological views of the patristics--early Church fathers. Heine focuses on a different doctrine in each chapter, taking time to explore the doctrines of the incarnation, the Trinity, eschatology, the purpose of the Church, the redemptive work of Christ, etc. He discusses the orthodox views using quotations from leaders in the Church like Tertullian, Augustine, Origen, and others. He also touches on heresies and controversies and how they were eventually defeated.

[James Larsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent treatment of the shaping of major Christian doctrines in the "classical" or Patristic era of the church. It is a helpful read for those who are interested in what the early church thought/how they articulated significant components of the Christian faith. Doctrines covered include Scripture, Trinitarianism and Christology, the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, the church, baptism, the resurrection of the saints, and the Millennium. It is well written, and throughout provides quotes from various church fathers to illustrate the thinking of important Christian figures during the formative years of the church and early articulations of the Christian faith.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

A reasonably good single volume introduction to early Christian doctrine, using the Nicene creed as a loose framework for the chapters. It is written from a mainstream Protestant background which may explain some weakness of engagement with ecclesiology and sacramental theology. Good questions for further thought and discussion at the end of the chapters. A slightly idiosyncratic final chapter discussing the Millenium but this was written for an American Christian audience. I would recommend it alongside other similar volumes.

[Parker Ambrose · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good overview of early Christianity. The book was intended for undergraduate college students, if I remember correctly, so it is accessible yet scholarly. If you're interested in the first few centuries of Christian history, you'd be well-served by this one.

[Brenden Wentworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable, readable, and concise overview of certain key beliefs of the early church. Thorough in certain places and slim in others, this book is regardless a helpful starting place for those wanting to dip into early church doctrine before wading into deeper waters.

[Jón Loðmfjörð · Rating 5 out of 5]

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[Karen Crooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read for a Theology class. Not sure I would have read otherwise, but did give lots of information.

[Eric · Rating 3 out of 5]

In interest of full disclosure I was a student of Ronald Heine and count him as a friend. Much of the material in this book I have heard him lecture on and it was fun to find this book at the library. That being said I found this book learned and informative, written in an irenic and clear tone, and think that it is one of the clearest, though simplified, sketch of early/Classical Christian doctrine that I have read. The chapters are short, I read one a night for a couple of weeks, the key figures associated with each doctrine have brief biographies, and there are selections from primary sources to go along with each chapter. Over all it was a good read and introduction to the study of the theology that come to be orthodoxy.

[Margaret · Rating 3 out of 5]

Spent a long time occasionally reading this book and am glad I did. About the development of doctrine in the early church period...deep and interesting.

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This excellent book discusses the essentials of the early Christian faith. It is valuable for Orthodox, Catholic, and Protestant Christians. It is very clearly written.