"...is a branch of theological studies that investigates the socio-historical and cultural mechanisms that give rise to theological ideas, systems andstatements." Wikipedia does pretty good on this one. As might be obvious with the word 'historical', this is about analyzing history to find how theological ideas got started, developed over time and which groups were and are connected to them.
The purpose for the theologian who uses historical theology is to take what ideas he thinks he sees in Scripture and pour them through the filter of historical theology to see if they have been thought of before, what are others' thoughts about the same ideas. It shows who believed what and why?
If there is a weakness to historical theology it is this: it may show who believed an idea and why they believed it, but it does not really make an evaluation of 'were they right?". It is not so much about assessing truth as it is being descriptive in the who, why and what throughout the history of the church.
It's value is limited because there are many ideas that are held historically but on the flip side those same ideas can be opposed by others. It is descriptive not analytical although it can help analyze a theological idea's value to the church over time.
I use this in a limited fashion. I will be completely honest that I do not find useful other than to get inspiration or see what others in the history have thought about things. The reason is, just because a whole group of people believe something about God does not make them right. Truth cannot be assessed using historical theology.
Next: Philosophical Theology
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