Historical Theology

The study of the history of theology throws light on both truth and error. It helps us to recognise old heresies when we meet them in modern dress, and introduces us to the classical elucidations of truth which overthrow them for all time. William Cunningham’s 2-volume Historical Theology, derived from his lectures given at New College in Edinburgh from 1847–1861, tells the story of the church through the history of its theology. From a decidedly biblical/Reformed perspective he chronicles the theological tension between law and grace, between sin and forgiveness, and between 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. In volume two, Cunningham documents the development of the doctrine of justification, the doctrine of the atonement, the Arminian controversy, and the Socinian controversy. He also devotes lengthy discussions to Presbyterianism, Congregationalism, and the Free Church of Scotland.

História