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

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.

Publisher: Baker
Type: Paperback
ISBN: 9780801048463

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Douglas A. Sweeney (PhD, Vanderbilt University) is dean and professor of divinity at Beeson Divinity School, Samford University, in Birmingham, Alabama. He is the author or editor of more than twenty books on the history of Christian doctrine, early modern Protestant history, American church history, Christology, and global evangelicalism and is a highly respected Jonathan Edwards scholar.

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"This book is vintage Sweeney--brimming with wisdom, refreshing in its passion for biblical orthodoxy, and rooted in a deep love for the church. Sweeney has much to teach us from key thinkers and episodes in the church across time and space. But most of all, he will restore your faith in the glorious future of Christ's bride. I cannot recommend this insightful book highly enough!" Hans Madueme, associate professor of theological studies, Covenant College