This brief but thorough treatment of the history of the doctrines of Christianity starts out by showing what the structure of belief was that started with Jesus teachings and how that affected the teachings and spread of the Gospel from Jesus through the Apostles to the early catholic church. The next topic dealt with is the rise of one of the greatest heresies in the church, Gnosticism. Harnack is able to observe and lay out how the spread of the doctrines of the early church were able to create a breeding ground for the gnostic heresies and goes over the details of some of those heresies. This treatment of the early church is a valuable tool to any true scholar!

This classic by Harnack was an epoch-making historical work that set the standard for any history of doctrinal development. Harnack locates the origins and traces the development of the authoritative Christian doctrinal system from its beginnings down to the Reformation, with a brief survey of later developments through 1870.

Adolf von Harnack's 'History of Dogma, Volume 1' is a groundbreaking work that delves into the development of Christian doctrine during the early centuries of the church. Von Harnack's writing is marked by its meticulous research and scholarly analysis, making it an essential read for anyone interested in the history of Christianity. The book provides a comprehensive overview of the different theological debates, controversies, and creeds that shaped the theological landscape of the period, offering valuable insights into the evolution of Christian thought. Von Harnack's clear and concise writing style makes this complex subject matter accessible to readers of all levels of expertise. This volume serves as a foundational text for the study of early Christian theology and serves as a valuable resource for scholars and students alike. Adolf von Harnack, a distinguished theologian and church historian, was known for his extensive research on the history of Christianity. His deep knowledge and expertise in the subject matter are evident throughout the book, providing readers with a thorough and enlightening exploration of the development of Christian doctrine.