The Substance of Our Faith - by Douglas a Sweeney (Paperback)

About the Book

A noted historian introduces essential foundations for the history of Christian doctrine, including the role of God's spirit in guiding our instruction, the authority of Scripture in clarifying what the Spirit wants from disciples, and the global composition of the church and the difference this should make in the way Christians are taught the faith.

Book Synopsis

Christianity Today 2024 Award of Merit (Academic Theology)

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.

From the Back Cover

"A lucid survey of the development of Christian doctrine"

Defining doctrine as church teaching intended for the shaping of daily faith and practice, this book addresses introductory issues in the study and application of historical doctrine while incorporating a unique global and catholic perspective.

"An important contribution by one of the leading voices in American evangelicalism. Sweeney's 'evangelical catholic' approach is serious, well-informed, and judicious. The book is a tour de force with practical consequences for the way the church's theology is to be studied and lived. Highly recommended for all who seek to acquire more of the church's mindset."
--Bradley Nassif, Antiochian House of Studies

"Sweeney takes up the nature of doctrinal 'development' as understood by Christians from diverse times and confessional commitments. 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

"Sweeney provides a lucid survey of the development of Christian doctrine. This much-needed study will be beneficial to God's people, particularly in this day and age in which doctrine has become seemingly obsolete."
--Aihe (Luke) Zheng, International Chinese Biblical Seminary in Europe

"Driven by learning and devotion put in service to good history and theology, Sweeney offers here a convincing prologue to his forthcoming global history of Christian doctrine. This is truly a book for all Christians!"
--Mickey L. Mattox, Hillsdale College

About the Author

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 20 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.