In Search of Ancient Roots: The Christian Past And The Evangelical Identity Crisis - Softcover

Stewart, Kenneth J

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1783596074 ISBN 13: 9781783596072

Publisher: Apollos, 2017

Synopsis

<p>Some evangelical churches appear to be uninterested in their historical roots, and so can be liturgically and doctrinally unstable. Perceiving this disconnection between their Protestant faith and ancient Christianity, a number of evangelicals have abandoned Protestantism for traditions that seem to be clearly rooted in the early church.<br><br>Ken Stewart argues that the evangelical tradition’s track record of interaction with Christian antiquity is far healthier than is often assumed. He surveys five centuries of Protestant engagement with the ancient church, showing that Christians belonging to the evangelical churches of the Reformation consistently see their faith as connected to early Christianity. Stewart explores areas of positive engagement, including the Lord’s Supper and biblical interpretation, as well as areas that raise concerns, such as monasticism.<br><br>In Search of Ancient Roots shows that Christian antiquity is the heritage of all orthodox Christians, and that evangelicals have the resources in their history to claim their place at the ecumenical table.<br><br>‘A must-read for every person struggling with the question, "What does evangelicalism have to do with history?"’<br> Leonardo De Chirico, Director of Reformanda Initiative</p>

About this title

About the Author

Kenneth J. Stewart is Professor of Theological Studies at Covenant College, Lookout Mountain, Georgia, USA. His books include Ten Myths About Calvinism, Restoring the Reformation and The Emergence of Evangelicalism, and he is a contributor to various reference works.

From the Back Cover

Some evangelical churches appear to be uninterested in their historical roots, and so can be liturgically and doctrinally unstable. Perceiving this disconnection between their Protestant faith and ancient Christianity, a number of evangelicals have abandoned Protestantism for traditions that seem to be clearly rooted in the early church.

Ken Stewart argues that the evangelical tradition's track record of interaction with Christian antiquity is far healthier than is often assumed. He surveys five centuries of Protestant engagement with the ancient church, showing that Christians belonging to the evangelical churches of the Reformation consistently see their faith as connected to early Christianity. Stewart explores areas of positive engagement, including the Lord's Supper and biblical interpretation, as well as areas that raise concerns, such as monasticism.

In Search of Ancient Roots shows that Christian antiquity is the heritage of all orthodox Christians, and that evangelicals have the resources in their history to claim their place at the ecumenical table.

'A must-read for every person struggling with the question, "What does evangelicalism have to do with history?"'
Leonardo De Chirico, Director of Reformanda Initiative

Edition details

• Publisher: Apollos
• Publication date: 2017
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1783596074
• ISBN 13: 9781783596072
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 300