Early Creedal Formulations and Theological Discourse

by Mark A Moore

Overview

Theology is a grand conversation, comprised of a myriad of voices and viewpoints. A great temptation exists within theology today, however, which could signal the loss of a unique Christian identity. The creedal formulations of the early church were never meant to serve as shackles constricting further theological exploration. They were, and still are, relevant guides in assessing the crowded conversation of theology. Early creedal formulations identified and articulated primary affirmations of the biblical narrative not to put an end to the conversation but rather to focus the conversation on the unique Christian identity of God as presented in Scripture. This book examines the function of early creedal formulations as essential identity markers in theological discourse with the goal of constructing an approach to the various subcategories of systematic theology that mirrors the creedal process. This approach, termed here as "Essential Identity Markers" (or simply EIM), seeks to identify and articulate the essential identity markers of a given theological subcategory, in order to define the proper parameters for theological discourse while still allowing such discourse to develop and expand within the articulated identity markers. The EIM model constructed and proposed in this book offers an approach to theology that mirrors the creedal process and seeks to guide modern theological conversations as the community of faith continues to explore the space framed by these markers.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780578803777
Publisher:	Global Center for Religious Research
Publication date:	11/18/2020
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	152
File size:	829 KB

About the Author

Mark Moore is an assistant professor of theology at William Jessup University. He holds a PhD in theology and apologetics and focuses his research on theological methodology, creedal theology, and theology in relation to popular culture. He is the cohost of the podcast, Jessup Think, as well as an author and speaker.

Table of Contents

Introduction    1

• The Need for the Study    3
• Research Focus    4
• Scope and Limitations    4
• Defining Key Terms    5
• A Brief Overview of Literature    6

1   A Historical Overview of Creedal Development (From New Testament Creedal Formulations

     to the Nicene Creed)    15

• New Testament Creedal Statements    17
• Apostles' Creed    24
• The Nicene Creed    32
• Conclusion    37

2  Case Study 1 - Trinity and Christology in the Creeds    39

• Historical Development
• (Apostolic Period to Constantinople)    40
• Summary of the Biblical Foundation of the Doctrines    55
• Brief Survey of Seven Theological Voices
• (Fifth Century - Present)    59
• Implications for Teaching the Doctrines Today    67

3   Case Study 2 - Creation in the Creeds    69

• Historical Development
• (Apostolic Period to Constantinople)    70
• Summary of the Biblical Foundation of the Doctrine    79
• Brief Survey of Seven Theological Voices
• (Fifth Century - Present)    82
• Implications for Teaching the Doctrine Today    90

4  Case Study 3 - Atonement in the Creeds    93

• Historical Development
• (Apostolic Period to Constantinople)    94
• Summary of the Biblical Foundation of the Doctrine    103
• Brief Survey of Seven Theological Voices
• (Fifth Century - Present)    105
• Implications for Teaching the Doctrine Today    113

5   Implications for Teaching Theology Using the EIM Model    116

• EIM Model as Mirror of the Creedal Process    117
• Implications for Teaching Theology via the EIM Model    119
• Objections to Creedal Theology and the EIM Model    127
• Concluding Remarks    128

Bibliography    130