missions
The Good and Bad of Retrieval Theology
By Shawn Wright at The Gospel Coalition
· June 20, 2026
· 5 min read
As gospel-believing Christians, we know that God has sovereignly guided the church throughout all its history. Does this mean we’re obligated to believe everything the church has ever believed? If not, what are we to hold on to from the past? This is where retrieval theology enters the picture. Retr
Key takeaway Does this mean we’re obligated to believe everything the church has ever believed?
Why this matters
The concept of retrieval theology highlights the complexities of navigating historical Christian thought in modern times. As evangelicals seek to refine their understanding of doctrine, such as the Trinity, they may be drawn to the insights of medieval and patristic eras. However, this approach requires careful discernment, lest they inadvertently abandon core evangelical principles. The risk of uncritical retrieval theology is evident in the fact that some have converted to Roman Catholicism or Eastern Orthodoxy in their pursuit of a more historically grounded faith. A nuanced understanding of retrieval theology is essential, recognizing that while historical theology can be a valuable resource, not all ancient perspectives are equally valid. The distinction between Athanasius and Arius, for example, serves as a stark reminder that age does not necessarily equate to orthodoxy. As Christians engage with retrieval theology, they must balance humility with wise discernment, carefully evaluating which historical perspectives to adopt and which to reject.
About this story
Original reporting by The Gospel Coalition . Jesus Give surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
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Category: missions ·
Published: June 20, 2026 ·
Source: The Gospel Coalition ·
Reading time: 5 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? As gospel-believing Christians, we know that God has sovereignly guided the church throughout all its history. Does this mean we’re obligated to believe everything the church has ever believed? If not, what are we to hold on to from the past? This is where retrieval theology enters the picture. Retr
When was this published? This article was first published on June 20, 2026 by The Gospel Coalition and curated for Jesus Give readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Shawn Wright at The Gospel Coalition. To learn more about how Jesus Give selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
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