What is Historical Theology?
Historical Theology is an important theological discipline that demonstrates the development of doctrines throughout Church history. Specifically, Historical Theology works with other theological disciplines such as Systematic Theology, Biblical Theology, and Church History. Historical Theology is a theological and historical discipline that involves “documenting doctrinal development of Christians through the ages and how they have transferred their tradition to the next generation.”[1] It is a discipline of the upmost importance. The question must be asked however if Historical Theology has any benefit for the local Church. The answer to this question is a strong yes, and it is to these benefits that we will now turn our attention for a brief moment.
1. The first primary benefit of Historical Theology is increased clarity or understanding of specific doctrines. Apart from understanding the various developments of theology in the Church’s history, it can be difficult to understand exactly why or how the Church came to hold certain doctrines as orthodox or heterodox. Historical Theology answers the question, “how did we get here?”, as well as the question, “why do we not believe doctrine ‘x’”. Historical Theology benefits the theologian, the believer, and the Church by making clear orthodox belief and the importance of why orthodox belief is distinct from other doctrines that may cross the line into heretical territory.
2. Historical Theology guards the theologian, the believer, and the Church from making old mistakes de novo. This flows from the first reason, as Historical Theology distinguishes orthodoxy from heterodoxy, thus enabling the Church to be on guard against certain errors that seem to rear their ugly heads again and again. Historical Theology in these first two points, play both the role of coach and goalie, by understanding the game and keeping the opposition from scoring.
3. Third, Historical Theology is a benefit because it serves as a historical encouragement and reminder that the Church of Christ Jesus is invincible. Jesus told His disciples “I will build my Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (ESV, Matthew 16:18). Historical Theology, specifically in its relationship to Church History is a resounding testimony and evidence to the weight and enduring truth of Christ’s claim. He is building His Church, nothing will prevail against it, it is the Church victorious. This ought to not only encourage the Church but steel up its members with confidence and lead to celebration over the fact that even thousands of years later Christ is still building His Church. Historical Theology reminds the Church that Christ is working still. This is reason to celebrate!
4. Next, Historical Theology sharpens the shepherds of the Church, which in turn promotes the growth of the Church, should the shepherd be faithful to the Good Shepherd (ESV, John 10:11). The pastor is tasked with feeding the sheep out of love and devotion to Christ (ESV, John 21:15-19). This is best done when the pastor has realized His calling to be a pastor-theologian for the Church.[2] However, it must be remembered that Historical Theology is essential to the task of doing theology. Therefore, to be a pastor-theologian is to do Historical Theology. To put it more eloquently, to be a pastor-theologian is to also be “the Lord’s remembrancer.”[3] Historical Theology is the blade that sharpens the pastor’s theology, which in turn allows him to better feed the sheep entrusted to him.
5. Finally, Historical Theology benefits the Church by equipping the Church’s members to better obey and fulfill its mission to make disciples of all nations (ESV, Matthew 28:16-20). The task of making disciples is the mission of the Church, which involves both the conversion of the lost and the development of the Saints by teaching them the words of Christ (ESV, Matthew 28:20). Historical Theology is a tool that again sharpens the blade but this time of discipleship and it is a tool that is used in the hands of those very same disciples to equip others to carry on the Great Commission.[4] Historical Theology benefits the discipleship of the Church’s members.
[1] Jason G. Duesing and Nathan A. Finn eds., Historical Theology for the Church, (Nashville: Broadman and Holman, 2021), 4. [2] Kevin J Vanhoozer and Owen Strachan, The Pastor as Public Theologian: Reclaiming a Lost Vision, (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2020), 1-3. [3] Jason G. Duesing and Nathan A. Finn eds., Historical Theology for the Church, (Nashville: Broadman and Holman, 2021), 1-2. [4] Ibid, 14.