Historical Theology


Course Description

Most historical theology studies follow Christian beliefs chronologically, discussing notable doctrinal developments for all areas of theology according to their historical appearance. While this may be good history, it can make for confusing theology, with the classic theological doctrines scattered throughout various time periods, movements, and controversies.


In the Historical Theology course, Gregg Allison presents the historical development of theology by a topical-chronological arrangement, setting out the history one doctrine at a time. this approach allows students to concentrate on one tenet of Christianity and its formulation in the early church through the Middle Ages, Reformation, and post-Reformation era, and finally into the modern period.


Historical Theology is a superb course for both formal students and self-learners, providing a thorough introduction to the development of Christian doctrine.

By completing this course, you'll gain:

  • familiarity with the key theologians and most significant doctrinal discussions in church history
  • a broader understanding of the core areas of Christian theology and how they developed over time
  • insight into theological disagreements that have separated the church into branches and denominations
  • confidence in your growing knowledge through unit assessments and personalized review sessions that include award-winning memory building tools

Section Title

Gregg Allison

Ph.D., Trinity Evangelical Divinity School


Gregg Allison is Professor of Christian Theology at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky where he teaches systematic theology. Previously he served on Cru staff at the University of Notre Dame and overseas in Italy and the Italian-speaking region of Switzerland. He is a pastor of Sojourn Community Church, and is the theological strategist for Sojourn Network, a church planting network of about thirty churches. He is the author of Historical Theology: An Introduction to Christian Doctrine, Sojourners and Strangers: the Doctrine of the Church, and Roman Catholic Theology and Practice: An Evangelical Assessment.

Course Outline

1.   Introduction to Historical Theology

2.  Canon and Inspiration

3.  Authority and Inerrancy

4.  Clarity, Sufficiency, and Interpretation of Scripture

5.  God

6.  Creation, Providence, Angels, Satan, and Demons

7.  Creation, the Nature of Humanity, and Sin

8.  The Person of Christ, Atonement, and the Resurrection

9.  MIDTERM EXAM


10.  The Holy Spirit

12.  Election, Reprobation, and Regeneration

13.  Justification, Sanctification, and Perseverance

14.  The Church

15.  Church Ordinances and Worship

16.  Christ's Return and the Millennium

17.  Final Judgment, Eternal Punishment, and the New Heavens and       Earth\

18.  FINAL EXAM

Course Textbook

This course is based on the book Historical Theology: An Introduction to Christian Doctrine by Gregg Allison. While taking this course, you will have online access to most of this book's contents. However, if you want offline access or want this book in you personal library as a long-term reference, you may purchase it by clicking on the button to the right which will link you to amazon.ca.

Course Details

Historical Theology

by Gregg Allison


15 Units, Self-paced

6.5 Hours of Video

12 Months of Access to All Online Content

3 Credits toward a Certificate, Diploma or Degree

Support by a Clearwater College Professor


Cost: $510 CAN