Ronald E. Heine - Classical Christian Doctrine: Introducing the Essentials of the Ancient Faith

The past several decades have seen an increased interest in returning to the ancient sources of the Christian faith. There has been an expanding interest in the academic field known as patristics, which is the study of the Christian writers of the first five centuries. There have been new commentary series that have drawn their explanations of the Scriptures from these early Christian authors. There has also been an increased interest in understanding what the early Christians believed. This book has been written to serve as a gateway into the beliefs and teachings of the early Christians. The doctrines treated in this book are those set forth in the Nicene Creed of the fourth century. I have used the creed to provide the topics discussed in the various chapters; however, the book is not a commentary on the creed. The inclusion of these topics in this important creed means that they were central topics in the early Christians understanding of their faith. Some of the chapters focus on the topics before they reached their final formulation in the creed. Others reach some years beyond the creed as understandings expressed there were fleshed out in later debates. The chapter on Scripture (ch. 2) is an exception. There is no doctrine of Scripture in the statements of faith found in the Nicene Creed. A very definite concept of Scripture, however, is presupposed and used in the creed. It is for this reason that I have included this chapter.

I have written this book to be used in undergraduate classes introducing students to the study of Christian doctrine. Short excerpts from original sources are placed in sidebars so the student can get an idea of how some of the early Christians reasoned and expressed themselves on these topics. The translations of these excerpts are my own, except where a translator or translation is indicated at the end of the excerpt. Each chapter concludes with questions for discussion and suggestions for further reading. These readings are primarily in translations from original sources. The book does not presuppose any special understanding or skills in theology. It is intended to be a primer. It might also be found useful for church groups interested in coming to grips with the roots of the Christian faith. It is offered in the service of him who said, Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me.... For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light (Matt. 11:2930 NRSV).

Ronald E. Heine
October 2011