A History of Christian Theology: A Trinitarian Approach (Bray)

Description

Theology is important. But so is the story behind the specific doctrines that have been debated, defined, and refined throughout church history. In this book, professor Gerald Bray introduces readers to the history of Christian theology, the Trinity (our doctrine of God), and the Bible (our knowledge of God).

Unlike other books on the topic, Bray’s volume is not organized primarily by time period or distinct doctrinal categories. Rather, it puts theology first and history second, following a Trinitarian pattern that begins with God the Father, moves on to God the Son, and ends with God the Holy Spirit. This unique approach offers readers a more holistic understanding of the development of theology, paralleling the order in which the church wrestled through challenging theological issues and controversies related to God, man, and salvation.

• Accessible: Aimed at non-specialists, not just the academic community
• Unique Organization: Uses a Trinitarian framework to provide a more holistic understanding of the development of theology
• Historical: Explores the Jewish background behind the development of Christian theology
• Written by Gerald Bray: An internationally renowned historian and theologian

Content

Part 1: The Israelite Legacy
Chapter 1: Christianity and Judaism
Chapter 2: A Shared Inheritance

Part 2: The Person of the Father
Chapter 3: God as Father
Chapter 4: The Father and His Children

Part 3: The Work of the Father
Chapter 5: The Reconciliation of the World
Chapter 6: Providence and Predestination
Chapter 7: The Work of the Father and the Trinity

Part 4: The Person of the Son
Chapter 8: The Challenge of the Incarnation
Chapter 9: The Son of God
Chapter 10: The Christian Theological Vocabulary
Chapter 11: The Son of Man

Part 5: The Work of the Son
Chapter 12: The Body of Christ
Chapter 13: The Death of Christ
Chapter 14: The Coming of Christ’s Kingdom

Part 6: The Person of the Holy Spirit
Chapter 15: The Forgotten Person of the Trinity?
Chapter 16: Spirit of the Father, Spirit of the Son

Part 7: The Work of the Holy Spirit
Chapter 17: The Presence of God
Chapter 18: The Inspiration of Holy Scripture
Chapter 19: The Preservation of the Church
Chapter 20: The Pathway to Heaven
Chapter 21: The Mystical Body of Christ

Part 8: One God in Three Persons
Chapter 22: The Classical Doctrine of God
Chapter 23: The Eclipse of Theology
Chapter 24: The Trinitarian Revival
Chapter 25: The Challenge of God Today

Chronological List of Persons
Chronological List of Events
General Index
Scripture Index

Endorsement

A remarkably learned, wise, and substantial study of the history of Christian doctrine. Written by an Anglican who is also an evangelical, this volume interacts with the entire scope of Christian theology in all of its major ecclesial trajectories. This book will stand the test of time—in the best tradition of Newman, Harnack, and Pelikan.”
—Timothy George, Distinguished Professor of Divinity, Beeson Divinity School, Samford University; General Editor, Reformation Commentary on Scripture

“Despite its breadth, one that covers the centuries, A History of Christian Theology also plumbs the depths of numerous doctrines throughout the church’s last two thousand years. This volume is an excellent resource for students, pastors, and scholars, and for anyone who wants to study the organic development of the church’s theology. This will prove to be an invaluable resource for generations to come.”
—J. V. Fesko, Harriet Barbour Professor of Systematic and Historical Theology, Reformed Theological Seminary, Jackson

About the Author

Gerald Bray (DLitt, University of Paris-Sorbonne) is research professor at Beeson Divinity School and director of research for the Latimer Trust. He is a prolific writer and has authored or edited numerous books, including The Doctrine of God; Biblical Interpretation; and God Is Love.