A noted historian introduces essential foundations for the history of Christian doctrine, including the role of God's spirit in guiding our instruction, the authority of Scripture in clarifying what the Spirit wants from disciples, and the global composition of the church and the difference this should make in the way Christians are taught the faith.

1. Jesus' Promise of the Spirit
Kerygma, Rules of Faith, Canons of Scripture, and the Spirit
Interpreting the Word by the Spirit with the Church
Listening to the Spirit in an Era of Improvement
The Spirit-Bound
Body of Christ as "Pillar" and "Bulwark" of Christian Teaching
2. From Every Tribe and Language
Modern Missions, Western Power, and the Rise of "the Global South"
But the Church Has Always Been Global
The Promise and the Peril of Postcolonial Christian Teaching
Teaching the Christian Faith across Both Time and Space
3. Doctrine as Church Teaching for the Shaping of Faith and Practice
What Is Christian Doctrine?
How Is Doctrine Devised?
Should Doctrine Ever Be Revised? How So? And by Whom?
Why Does Any of This Matter?
4. Teaching in, with, and under the Christian Church
"Constructive Theology" and Its Liberating Pedagogy
"Retrieval Theology" and Its Classical Instruction
Ressourcement Revisited
"Free Church Theologies" in Search of Deeper Roots
Late-Modern Work on the Concept of Tradition
Thinking in, with, and under the Christian Church
Conclusion
Index

"A lucid survey of the development of Christian doctrine"

Defining doctrine as church teaching intended for the shaping of daily faith and practice, this book addresses introductory issues in the study and application of historical doctrine while incorporating a unique global and catholic perspective.

"An important contribution by one of the leading voices in American evangelicalism. Sweeney's 'evangelical catholic' approach is serious, well-informed, and judicious. The book is a tour de force with practical consequences for the way the church's theology is to be studied and lived. Highly recommended for all who seek to acquire more of the church's mindset."
--Bradley Nassif, Antiochian House of Studies

"Sweeney takes up the nature of doctrinal 'development' as understood by Christians from diverse times and confessional commitments. His winsomely Protestant proposal for an evangelical-catholic approach--normed by Scripture but pliable, interculturally engaged, and open-ended--will foster ecumenical conversation among all those who follow the Lord Jesus."
--Matthew Levering, Mundelein Seminary

"This book is vintage Sweeney--brimming with wisdom, refreshing in its passion for biblical orthodoxy, and rooted in a deep love for the church. I cannot recommend this insightful book highly enough!"
--Hans Madueme, Covenant College

"A wise, measured, and beautifully written book. Sweeney illustrates history of and for the church at its best and gives his readers the background and key concepts they need to join in on the grand adventure."
--Han-luen Kantzer Komline, Western Theological Seminary, Holland, Michigan

"Sweeney provides a lucid survey of the development of Christian doctrine. This much-needed study will be beneficial to God's people, particularly in this day and age in which doctrine has become seemingly obsolete."
--Aihe (Luke) Zheng, International Chinese Biblical Seminary in Europe

"Driven by learning and devotion put in service to good history and theology, Sweeney offers here a convincing prologue to his forthcoming global history of Christian doctrine. This is truly a book for all Christians!"
--Mickey L. Mattox, Hillsdale College