Historical Theology: 2 Volume Set

by William Cunningham

These two volumes are derived from Dr. Cunningham's lectures to his Church History class at New College, Edinburgh between 1847-1861. Cunningham's living faith, devout submission to God, clarity of thought, and reverence for the authority of the Bible make him well-positioned to comment on the relationship between the church and its theology. The history of the Church is a history of God's interaction with his people; Cunningham tells that story through the history of its theology, chronicling the theological tension between law and grace, sin and forgiveness, and Christ's first coming and his second. Volume one covers the biblical view of the church, the church councils and the apostolic fathers, the development of the church's central doctrines--such as the incarnation and the Trinity--as well as the rise of scholasticism, the Reformation, and the Council of Trent. Volume two documents the development of the doctrines of justification and the atonement and the Arminian and the Socinian controversies. He also devotes lengthy discussions to Presbyterianism, Congregationalism, and the Free Church of Scotland.

Genres: Theology, Church History, History, Christian, Reference

1408 pages, Hardcover

First published December 1, 1882

About the author

Rev Prof William Cunningham DD was a Scottish theologian.

Reviews

[Chris Comis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very thorough presentation by Cunningham. It's always amazing to see what the early church dealt with and compare that with where we are at now. They debated when it was appropriate to celebrate Easter, and the Ordinance of Salutation. Things we often take for granted, or are completely oblivious to.

Cunningham also seceded from the Church of Scotland. So some of his views on Church-State relations tends to be a bit skewed, in my opinion.

[Michaelpatrick Keena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Solidly Biblically, historically, and Reformed. Even covering the issue of infant baptism the author first presents an honest view of credo-baptism and its scriptural and logical conclusions when arguing for the contrary Reformed view. As a Baptist, I can honestly say that even where we disagree William Cunningham has my deepest respect and admiration. Again, solid as the Rock it is based upon.

[Logan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A monumental work on theology and the various disputes that have gone throughout the years. It is quite the overview and I really liked it. However, Cunningham is careful in his wording almost to a fault, his sentences will often run on for half a page as he interjects numerous side comments about what he doesn't mean while he is saying what he does mean. There also isn't a lot of Scripture (though after all this isn't so much a systematic theology). Nevertheless, an excellent resource.

[Gary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Orthodox and learned, if a bit wordy. There are a few places where Cunningham doesn't fully recognise the breadth of the reformed tradition, but it doesn't take away from the great benefit to be got from a straight reading of this two-volume set.

Really liked it.

[Douglas Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent. Finished Volume 1 in March, and Volume 2 in February, both of 1992.