Reclaiming Our Roots -- Volume 1: The Late First Century to the Eve of the Reformation

Description: Reclaiming Our Roots, the most inclusive church history textbook on the market today, pays special attention to such matters as Christianity in the southern hemisphere, Eastern Orthodoxy, the church among minority cultures in North America, and the role of women in church history. It includes not just names, dates, and events in church history, but also sophisticated theological analyses of the issues that have made history, making it useable as a text for both history of Christian thought as well as introduction to church history courses. Readers are exposed to a variety of credible, scholarly interpretations of issues, events, and major figures, and encouraged to make their own judgments based upon the evidence and with the help of suggested primary source readings. Leading questions that open doors for group discussion and individual reflection on the core issues follow each section. Endorsements: Here is a splendid introductory church history text, rich in detail and theological insight. Ellingsen writes clearly, is sensitive to context, and widens the horizons from standard texts by including Eastern Christianity, churches in Asia and Africa, women, and other traditionally marginalized groups. This is an excellent achievement Enhancing the work are probing questions along the way, to show us what continues to be at stake in the church's ongoing life and thought. A fine survey. --Donald K. McKim, Memphis Theological Seminary This is a book of inclusiveness. The text is down to earth and brings together essential findings of recent material in a fresh way for pastors and lay persons. --L. K. Allen, Presiding Elder, Christian Methodist Episcopal Church About the Contributor(s): Mark Ellingsen is Associate Professor of Church History at the Interdenominational Theological Center.…