Early Interaction Between Scripture, Rule of Faith, and Evolving Christian Doctrine and Tradition: A Response to Alister McGrath’s The Nature of Christian Doctrine

Abstract

This response to Alister McGrath’s The Nature of Christian Doctrine examines the interplay between Scripture, the Rule of Faith, and evolving Christian doctrine and tradition. Focusing on McGrath’s critique of Lindbeck’s presentation of doctrinal modalities, the article explores how doctrinal formation involves primarily synchronic (canonical), but also diachronic (historical), approaches to scriptural interpretation. Special attention is given to the second- and early-third-century Rule of Faith as a doctrinal summary, as well as its scriptural grounding and its role in securing orthodoxy. The author suggests that this early, stable Rule of Faith both complements and challenges McGrath’s model of doctrine and its development, thus highlighting the unchangeability of the Christian message.