Includes bibliographical references and index.

Introduction : Calhoun as historical theologian / George A. Lindbeck -- Revelation, religion, theology, and dogma -- Jesus and the faith of the primitive church -- Johannine theology -- Apostolic fathers and second-century apologists -- Heresies : irregular versions of the gospel -- The formation of the Apostles' Creed -- Irenaeus of Lyons -- Tertullian of Carthage -- Alexandrine theology : Clement and Origen -- Efforts to define the Christian doctrine of God -- Theology in the Nicene Age -- Appendix : notes on terminology -- Defenders of Nicaea and the Niceno-Constantinopolitan Creed -- Christological controversies before and after Chalcedon -- Doctrinal closure in the east -- Appendix : Pseudo-Dionysius and the rise of mysticism -- Augustine of Hippo -- The end of the era : Orange, Leo, and Gregory the Great.