In Historical Theology: An Introduction to the History of Christian Thought, renowned theologian Alister E. McGrath traces Christian theology from the early days of the Church Fathers to the modern era. Assuming no prior background in the subject, this reliable and accessible textbook provides the knowledge for a broad understanding of Christian theological development within the Patristic Period, the Middle Ages and Renaissance, the Reformation and Post-Reformation, and the Modern Period.

Throughout the book, reader-friendly chapters highlight the importance of historical theology within Christian theology, discuss major schools of thought and individual theologians, and explore central themes through numerous case studies, primary readings, and study questions. Each section includes a general overview of the period covered, detailed case studies, and readings from primary texts. This expanded third edition includes new and updated sections on postcolonial theology, the spread of global Christianity, and more.

Accompanied by an instructor’s website with PowerPoint slides, quizzes, and additional teaching resources, Historical Theology: An Introduction to the History of Christian Thought, Third Edition is the ideal textbook for advanced undergraduate and graduate courses in Christian history and theology.

The newly updated and expanded edition of the bestselling introduction to Historical Theology

Historical Theology: An Introduction to the History of Christian Thought traces the development of Christian theology from its earliest days to the present. Assuming no prior knowledge of the subject, this authoritative yet accessible textbook introduces the major theological movements, key ideas, and individual theologians of the Patristic Period, the Middle Ages and Renaissance, the Reformation and Post-Reformation, and the Modern Era up to the present day. Throughout the book, students explore central themes through numerous case studies, primary readings, and study questions at the end of each section.

Now in its third edition, Historical Theology including substantial new sections on theodicy, modern African Christologies, and postcolonial theology. The book retains the structure of the previous editions, covering the key development and people within all the main historical periods while introducing readers to the core themes of historical theology across the centuries. This fully updated new edition:

• Provides a general overview of each period covered, including historical background and main theological developments
• Features individual case studies and excerpts from primary texts to allow readers to examine specific themes in greater detail
• Defines the fundamental theological vocabulary necessary for engaging with other works
• Highlights the importance of the discipline of historical theology and its place in wider Christian theology
• Contains references to further readings in each chapter and full glossaries of important words, names, phrases, and theological developments
• Includes web material developed by the author to help users get the most out of using this textbook, along with sample lectures on some of its themes

Written by one of the most renowned theologians in the field, Historical Theology: An Introduction to the History of Christian Thought, Third Edition remains the perfect textbook for advanced undergraduate and graduate courses in Christian History, Christian Theology, and the Reformation.