This essay on the history of theology is a kind of introduction to Christian dogmatic literature and a description of the stages of its development. The history of theology is thus part of the history of thought. It reflects the origin of the Christian tradition and the development of ideas associated with it. In European theology, a distinction is made between the “history of dogma,” associated with the development of teachings before the Reformation, and the “history of theology,” relating to the post-Reformation period. Such a division can hardly be substantiated. At the same time, it clearly demonstrates the inconsistency of applying the term “history of dogmas” to this field of study. Given the peculiarities of the modern division of theological disciplines, the expression “history of theology” may also seem unsuitable for this context. But, understanding by the word “theology” the interpretation of Christian doctrine both in its ancient and modern forms, one can confidently use the term “history of theology.” This essay on the history of theology is an introduction to Christian dogmatic literature and a description of the history of its development. The history of theology is thus presented as part of the history of thought. It reflects the origin of the Christian tradition and the development of ideas associated with it.

This work has already been translated into Russian previously and was released in 2001 under the title “History of Theology.” This translation, however, is completely independent and is in no way connected with the previous one. It is made from the English version of the monograph published by Concordia Publishing House. This publication is addressed primarily to theologians, students of Christian colleges and seminaries, and pastors, although it may also be of interest to a wide range of readers seriously interested in the history of theology.