Theology
The Substance of Our Faith Foundations for the History of Christian Doctrine Douglas A. Sweeney Doctrine is central to Christian discipleship and maturity. Unfor- tunately, 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. Professors and students in church history, Christian doctrine, and historical theology courses will value this work. A future volume by the author will narrate the actual history of doctrinal teaching around the world. “An important contribution by one of the leading voices in Amer - ican evangelicalism. Sweeney’s ‘evangelical catholic’ approach is serious, well-informed, and judicious. The book is a tour de force.” —BRADLEY NASSIF, Antiochian House of Studies “Sweeney takes up the nature of doctrinal ‘development’ as under - stood by Christians from diverse times and confessional commit - ments. His winsomely Protestant proposal for an evangelical- catholic approach—normed by Scripture but pliable, interculturally engaged, and open-ended—will foster ecumenical conversation among all those who follow the Lord Jesus.” —MATTHEW LEVERING, Mundelein Seminary “This book is vintage Sweeney—brimming with wisdom, refreshing in its passion for biblical orthodoxy, and rooted in a deep love for the church. I cannot recommend this insightful book highly enough!” —HANS MADUEME, Covenant College “A wise, measured, and beautifully written book. Sweeney illustrates history of and for the church at its best and gives his readers the background and key concepts they need to join in on the grand adventure.” —HAN-LUEN KANTZER KOMLINE, Western Theological Seminary, Holland, Michigan
OCTOBER 2023 • 208 pp. • paper • $24.99 • 9780801048463
Douglas A. Sweeney (PhD, Vanderbilt University) is dean and professor of divinity at Beeson Divinity School, Samford University. 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.
ALSO BY THE AUTHOR THE AMERICAN EVANGELICAL STORY 9780801026584 • $25.00p
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