Substance of Our Faith: Foundations for the History of Christian Doctrine

by Douglas A Sweeney

Doctrine is central to Christian discipleship and maturity. Unfortunately, it is often sidelined in churches' teaching ministry as irrelevant or impractical. Countering this, leading church historian Douglas Sweeney defines doctrine as church teaching intended for the shaping of daily faith and practice.

The Substance of Our Faith addresses introductory issues in the study and application of historical doctrine, incorporating a unique global and catholic perspective. It addresses the Spirit's role in the rise of doctrine in the early church, the authority of Scripture and tradition in the development of doctrine, the challenges of doing global historical theology, the nature and purpose of doctrine, and implications for teaching the faith today. Specifically, Sweeney advocates that those who teach the Christian faith in all churches do so in communion with the saints who have come before.

A future volume by the author will narrate the actual history of doctrinal teaching around the world.

208 pages, Paperback

Published October 24, 2023

Reviews

[Matt Pitts · Rating 4 out of 5]

An encouraging contemporary introduction to historical theology that looks to the past but also seeks to learn from the present. I especially enjoyed the sections on the history of the idea of the development of doctrine and why historical theology matters. The final chapter provides a helpful overview of various approaches to theology (constructive, retrieval, ressourcement, and free church approaches). Definitely looking forward to his forthcoming history of Christian doctrine that this volume lays the groundwork for.

[Jenny-Flore Boston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweeney just wants everyone to know the history behind Church doctrine (especially if you are protestant)!!!