Assignment: Doctrine Development Research Paper for THEO 362 Historical Theology

As module leaders for THEO 362, this research paper is the primary summative assignment, requiring students to trace the historical development of a major Christian doctrine across key periods of church history. The task emphasizes critical engagement with primary sources, evaluation of theological shifts, and assessment of contemporary relevance. It builds skills in historical theology essential for doctrinal understanding. Assign it mid-semester after surveying patristic and medieval eras to allow time for in-depth research. In moderation, prioritize accurate historical sequencing, fair representation of theological positions, nuanced analysis of influences and controversies, and strict Turabian adherence.

Assignment Overview

Write a Research Paper examining the historical development of one major Christian doctrine from the patristic period through the modern era. Analyze key figures, councils, controversies, and formulations, then evaluate the doctrine’s trajectory and implications for evangelical theology today.

Assignment Instructions

1. Select one doctrine from approved options: Trinity, Christology (person of Christ), atonement, Scripture/inspiration, justification, or ecclesiology (or propose an alternative for approval).
2. Structure the paper with an introduction stating the thesis and historical scope, body sections organized chronologically (patristic, medieval, Reformation, modern), a synthesis evaluating continuity/change and influences, and a conclusion addressing relevance for contemporary theology.
3. Incorporate at least two primary sources (e.g., creeds, fathers, reformers) and five secondary scholarly sources, including standard historical theology texts.
4. Use current Turabian format with footnotes for citations and a bibliography. Demonstrate critical analysis, avoiding anachronism and confessional bias where possible.
5. Submit as a single document via the course platform by the due date. The paper must reflect original research and theological insight.

The paper must be 2,500–3,000 words, excluding title page, footnotes, and bibliography. Significant deviations incur penalties.

Marking Rubric

Apply this rubric for consistent, rigorous grading. Total: 100 points.

• • Introduction and Thesis (15 points): Clear doctrine selection, historical overview, and focused thesis. Excellent: 14–15; Good: 11–13; Fair: 8–10; Poor: Below 8.
  • Historical Development Analysis (35 points): Accurate, detailed tracing across periods with primary source engagement. Excellent: 32–35; Good: 25–31; Fair: 18–24; Poor: Below 18.
  • Critical Evaluation and Synthesis (30 points): Insightful assessment of controversies, shifts, and theological implications. Excellent: 27–30; Good: 21–26; Fair: 15–20; Poor: Below 15.
  • Contemporary Relevance (10 points): Thoughtful application to modern evangelical context. Excellent: 9–10; Good: 7–8; Fair: 5–6; Poor: Below 5.
  • Source Use, Citation, Poor: Below 5.

• Writing, Structure, and Formatting (10 points): Coherent organization, professional prose, and precise Turabian style. Excellent: 9–10; Good: 7–8; Fair: 5–6; Poor: Below 5.

The doctrine of the Trinity emerged in response to early Christological debates, achieving creedal formulation at Nicaea (325) and Constantinople (381) against Arian subordinationism. Medieval scholastics like Aquinas refined trinitarian language using philosophical categories, emphasizing relational distinctions. Reformation thinkers recovered patristic emphases while rejecting speculative excesses. Modern developments faced challenges from Enlightenment rationalism and liberalism, yet evangelical retrievals affirm classical orthodoxy. This trajectory reveals both continuity in core commitments and adaptation to cultural pressures. The doctrine remains vital for worship and soteriology today. As Olson observes, historical theology discloses how the church has wrestled with revelation amid diverse contexts, guarding against novelty while allowing legitimate development (Olson, R. E., 1999. The Story of Christian Theology: Twenty Centuries of Tradition and Reform).

References

Olson, R. E., 1999. The story of Christian theology: Twenty centuries of tradition and reform. InterVarsity Press. DOI: 10.2307/j.ctt1cg4n0q.

McGrath, A. E., 2013. Historical theology: An introduction to the history of Christian thought. 2nd edn. Wiley-Blackwell. Available at: https://www.wiley.com/en-us/Historical+Theology%3A+An+Introduction+to+the+History+of+Christian+Thought%2C+2nd+Edition-p-9780470672860.

Placher, W. C. ed., 2018. Essentials of Christian theology. Westminster John Knox Press. Available at: https://www.wjkbooks.com/Products/0664223950/essentials-of-christian-theology.aspx.

Letham, R., 2019. The holy trinity: In Scripture, history, theology, and worship. P&R Publishing. Available at: https://www.prpbooks.com/book/the-holy-trinity-revised-and-expanded.