c. 421
Latin
The Enchiridion on Faith, Hope, and Love
Augustine of Hippo · 354–430
A short summary of Christian doctrine for a layman who asked for one, organised around the creed, the Lord's Prayer, and the command to love.
Western · Handbook
401–500
The Fifth Century
1 work
501–600
The Sixth Century
1 work
c. 523
Latin
To Peter on the Faith
De Fide ad Petrum
Fulgentius of Ruspe · c. 462–527
A compact rule of faith written for a man setting off for Jerusalem, summarising Augustine's teaching on the Trinity, the incarnation, and predestination in numbered propositions.
Western · Handbook
601–700
The Seventh Century
1 work
c. 612–615
Latin
The Sentences
Sententiae
Isidore of Seville · c. 560–636
Three books of doctrine and moral instruction assembled almost entirely from Augustine and Gregory the Great, arranged by topic.
Western · Theology
1501–1600
The Sixteenth Century
1 work
1547; second book 1571
English
The Book of Homilies
Thomas Cranmer and others
Official sermons to be read in parishes where the clergy could not preach, on scripture, salvation, faith, good works, and obedience to authority.
Anglican · Homilies
1601–1700
The Seventeenth Century
1 work
c. 1675; published 1817
English
On the Principles of the Christian Religion
Lucy Hutchinson · 1620–1681
A treatise on Christian doctrine written for her daughter, working carefully through creation, providence, the fall, and redemption in the Calvinist order.
Reformed · Catechism
1901–2000
The Twentieth Century
1 work
1973
English
Knowing God
J. I. Packer · 1926–2020
Doctrine written for ordinary readers on the conviction that knowing about God and knowing God are different things: the attributes, the wrath, the adoption of believers as sons, each turned toward worship rather than left as information.