The Contemporary Church and the Early Church

As «evangelicals» face future challenges, many are turning back to the ancient church for inspiration. But these ancient-future approaches remain diverse and sometimes even at odds with one another. This volume demonstrates and analyzes the complexity of such contemporary church-early church engagements. Six scholars share diverse insights from the Patristic period, including lessons on evangelism and discipleship, community formation and maintenance, use of the «rule of faith,» the preaching of social ethics, responses to cultural opposition, and Christological development. The volume closes with two critical responses, from confessional Lutheran and Baptist perspectives. These collected essays will remind contemporary readers of the importance of a reflective and responsible ressourcement of Patristic wisdom.

With contributions from:

Rex D. Butler 

Francis X. Gumerlock 

Bryan M. Litfin

Brian J. Matz

W. Brian Shelton

Edward Smither

Glen L. Thompson