Modeled after the bestselling Systematic Theology by Wayne Grudem, Historical Theology gives students of theology the opportunity to study the rich development of Christian doctrine according to a topical-chronological arrangement, setting out the history of theology one element at a time. This approach allows readers to concentrate on a specific tenet of faith and its formulation beginning with the early church, through the Middle Ages, during the Reformation and post-Reformation era, and into the modern period.

The text includes a generous mix of primary source material as well, citing the words of Cyprian, Augustine, Aquinas, Luther, Calvin, Barth, and others. Allison references the most accessible editions of these notable theologians' works so that readers can continue their study of historical theology through Christian history's most important contributors.