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Course Instructor:
PROF ADRIAN DAISHLEY
Schedule:
Saturday, April 11, 2026 | 20.00 WIB / 08.00 PM
 
COURSE MATERIAL
 
GLOBAL THEOLOGY STUDIES
 
HISTORY OF CHRISTIAN THEOLOGY
 
Development of Thought from Patristic Era to the Reformation
 
 
 
Program: S1 GLOBAL THEOLOGY STUDIES
Course Title: HISTORY OF CHRISTIAN THEOLOGY

University: PDKS ROS PBX ALEXANDRINA VICTORIA II INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY
 
Prepared by:
Prof Dr HRH Princess Donna Dayu Kencana Soekarno SH BSc S.Psi LLB LLM PhD
 

 
I. COURSE DESCRIPTION
 
This course examines the development of Christian thought and doctrine from the inception of the Church until the modern era. Students will explore how core tenets of the faith were formulated, debated, and systematized across different historical epochs. The study encompasses not only the historical aspects but also the interaction between theology, philosophy, culture, and legal systems, analyzing their implications for the governance of both Church and State in contemporary times.
 

II. MAIN DISCUSSION
 
A. HISTORY OF CHRISTIAN THEOLOGY: GENERAL OVERVIEW
 
The History of Christian Theology is the record of how believers have understood, interpreted, and articulated their faith in God and His Revelation. This development is generally categorized into three major eras representing paradigm shifts in theological thinking:
 
1. The Era of Formation: The establishment of Creeds and Canons.
2. The Era of Synthesis: The integration of Faith and Reason.
3. The Era of Transformation: The return to primary sources (Sola Scriptura).
 
 
 
B. PATRISTIC THEOLOGY (1st Century – 8th Century AD)
 
Definition:
Patristic Theology refers to the theological writings and teachings developed by the Church Fathers during the early centuries of Christianity.
 
Key Characteristics:
 
- Objective: To defend the orthodox faith against heresies and to provide a rational explanation of the faith to the Greco-Roman world (Apologetics).
- Focus: The formulation of the Doctrine of the Trinity and Christology (the Person and Nature of Jesus Christ).
- Major Figures:- Augustine of Hippo: Developed profound teachings on the Trinity, Divine Grace, and the City of God. His thought dominated Western theology for centuries.
- Origen & Athanasius: Instrumental in defending the divinity of Christ and His equality with the Father.
 
Essential Point: During this era, theology was primarily apologetic (defensive) and constructive (foundational).
 
 
 
C. SCHOLASTIC THEOLOGY (9th Century – 15th Century AD)
 
Definition:
Scholasticism is a method of critical thought dominant in medieval universities that sought to reconcile faith and reason, specifically harmonizing Christian doctrine with classical philosophy.
 
Key Characteristics:
 
- Motto: “Fides Quaerens Intellectum” (Faith seeking understanding).
- Method: Employs rigorous logic, dialectic, and systematic debate to explain the mysteries of faith.
- Major Figures:- Thomas Aquinas: The greatest exponent of Scholasticism, author of Summa Theologica. He successfully synthesized Aristotelian philosophy with Christian theology.
- Anselm of Canterbury: Pioneer of ontological arguments and rational inquiry into faith.
 
Essential Point: Reason was fully utilized to explore faith, though faith was always considered superior to reason.
 
 
 
D. REFORMATION THEOLOGY (16th Century AD)
 
Definition:
A movement of ecclesiastical renewal that rejected the absolute authority of the Church tradition and the Pope, emphasizing instead the Scriptures as the sole and supreme authority.
 
The Foundational Principles (The Five Solas):
 
1. Sola Scriptura: Scripture Alone (The only infallible authority).
2. Sola Fide: Faith Alone (Salvation is received through faith, not works).
3. Sola Gratia: Grace Alone (Salvation is entirely God’s initiative).
4. Solus Christus: Christ Alone (The only mediator and savior).
5. Soli Deo Gloria: Glory to God Alone (All things are for His glory).
 
Major Figures:
 
- Martin Luther: Champion of Justification by Faith.
- John Calvin: Developer of systematic theology (Institutes of the Christian Religion).
 
Essential Point: A paradigm shift occurred where authority moved from institutional tradition back directly to the Biblical text.
 
 
 
III. LEGAL ANALYSIS AND LEGAL BASIS
 
In the study of Global Theology, theological understanding cannot be separated from legal aspects (Canon Law and Moral Law). Below is a detailed legal analysis of the material presented:
 
1. Concept of Authority and Source of Law
 
- During the Patristic & Scholastic Eras:
Ecclesiastical Law (Jus Canonicum) and Sacred Tradition held an authority equal to, or sometimes above, individual interpretation. The legal basis rested upon the Magisterium (Teaching Authority of the Church) and Ecumenical Councils.Analysis: This system adheres to a hierarchical legal structure where institutional decisions are legally and dogmatically binding.
- During the Reformation Era:
A fundamental change in legal paradigm occurred. The only Lex Suprema (Supreme Law) became the Word of God (Scriptura Sacra). Tradition is only valid if it aligns with Scripture.Analysis: This mirrors the concept of Judicial Review, where lower regulations (traditions) must submit to the Supreme Constitution (The Bible).
 
2. Biblical Legal Basis
 
All theological developments are grounded in the hermeneutical interpretation of the following Scriptural foundations:
 
- Matthew 16:18: "...and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it."
Used as the legal basis for the existence, continuity, and institutional authority of the Church.
- Ephesians 2:8-9: "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast."
The primary legal text for Reformation Theology regarding the doctrine of salvation.
- 1 Peter 3:15: "...but in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have..."
The legal and moral foundation for Patristic Theology to engage in apologetics and rational defense.
- Colossians 2:8: "See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy..."
A critical basis used to evaluate the excessive integration of theology and secular philosophy during the Scholastic period.
 
3. Constitutional and Ecclesiastical Law Aspects
 
The evolution of theology significantly influenced the relationship between Church and State.
 
- Patristic & Scholastic: Tended toward integration or symbiosis (Theory of the Two Swords).
- Reformation: Distinguished more clearly between the spiritual realm and the secular realm while maintaining mutual respect (Doctrine of the Two Kingdoms).
 
 
 
IV. CONCLUSION
 
The historical journey of Christian Theology—from Patristics, through Scholasticism, to the Reformation—demonstrates that the Christian faith is a living, dynamic reality that remains anchored in eternal truth.
 
1. Patristic Theology provided the foundation and clear doctrinal identity.
2. Scholastic Theology provided the structure, logic, and intellectual depth.
3. Reformation Theology provided correction, purification, and the restoration of authority to its original source.
 
From a legal perspective, this development teaches the critical importance of understanding the hierarchy of truth. Whether in an ecclesiastical or global academic context, theology must always be tested against consistent principles that are accountable both rationally and revelationally.
 
 
"Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have."

Here is the continuation of the material, structured as TO BE CONTINUED... with the next chapters and topics to be discussed.
 
 
 
... TO BE CONTINUED
 
 
 
NEXT SESSION: ADVANCED TOPICS
 
V. MODERN THEOLOGY & CONTEMPORARY THOUGHT
 
Transition from Post-Reformation to 21st Century Perspective
 
A. ENLIGHTENMENT AND LIBERAL THEOLOGY
 
- Historical Context: The rise of reason and scientific thinking in the 18th-19th century.
- Key Concepts:- Deism and the concept of a "Watchmaker God".
- Historical-Critical Method in Biblical Exegesis.
- Subjectivity of Religious Experience (Friedrich Schleiermacher).
 
B. FUNDAMENTALISM AND EVANGELICAL THEOLOGY
 
- Response to Liberalism: The return to Biblical Inerrancy.
- The Fundamentals: Defending the core doctrines against modernism.
- Impact: Shaping modern global Christianity and missions movement.
 
C. 20TH CENTURY PARADIGMS
 
- Dialectical Theology: (Karl Barth) – The total otherness of God.
- Process Theology: God is in process of becoming.
- Liberation & Contextual Theology: Theology addressing social justice, poverty, and cultural adaptation (Indigenization/Contextualization).
 
 
 
VI. THEOLOGY AND INTERNATIONAL LAW
 
Interdisciplinary Studies: Religion, Human Rights, and State Governance
 
A. THEOLOGY OF LAW
 
- The Concept of Lex Naturalis (Natural Law) vs. Lex Positiva (Positive Law).
- Divine Law as the foundation of Human Law.
- Comparison between Sharia, Canon Law, and Secular Law.
 
B. FREEDOM OF RELIGION AND BELIEF (FORB)
 
- Biblical basis for Religious Liberty.
- International Standards: UDHR Article 18 & ICCPR.
- The Role of Theology in Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding.
 
C. CHURCH AND STATE RELATIONS
 
- Models of Relationship:1. Separationism
2. Cooperation
3. Erastianism (State over Church)
4. Theocracy
 
 
 
VII. GLOBAL THEOLOGY AND ECUMENISM
 
A. ECUMENICAL MOVEMENT
 
- History: From Edinburgh 1910 to World Council of Churches (WCC).
- The Goal: Visible Unity of the Church.
 
B. THEOLOGY OF RELIGIONS
 
- Exclusivism: Only one truth path.
- Inclusivism: Truth exists elsewhere but fulfilled in Christ.
- Pluralism: Multiple paths to the same ultimate reality.
 
C. INTERFAITH DIALOGUE
 
- Principles and Methods of Dialogue.
- Theological Ethics in relation to Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Secularism.
 
 
 

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