This is a taught/research hybrid program on the development of Christian doctrine for the purpose of answering the question: How did orthodox Christianity come to believe its core doctrines? The instructor will select key theological loci covered in systematic theology (the doctrines of Scripture, God, humanity and sin, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, redemption, the church, the last things, etc.) with the development of each loci being traced chronologically beginning with the early church, continuing through the medieval period, extending into the Reformation and post-Reformation era, and concluding with the modern scene. Students will engage in substantive research on a particular locus, with the aim of mastering the historic discussion on this topic. The creation of a high-quality research paper that will be submitted for possible publication in a peer reviewed theological journal is required.