Exploring Christian Heritage, Second Edition: A Reader in History and Theology

by Rady Roldán-Figueroa; C. Douglas Weaver

Publisher:

Baylor University Press

, 2017

Overview

Exploring Christian Heritage provides students and teachers with a rich and substantial introduction to the texts that have shaped the Christian faith. Including works by Augustine, Aquinas, Martin Luther, John Wesley, John Calvin, and Karl Barth, among others, this collection also highlights essential movements—from the second to the twenty-first centuries—often glossed over in primary source readers. From Pentecostalism and Baptists to feminism and religious liberty movements, Exploring Christian Heritage succinctly joins together the most influential voices of Christian history and theology with those that have been forgotten and sometimes ignored.

Now in its second edition, voices ancient and modern have been added to deepen and widen the story of Christianity in varied forms. Exploring Christian Heritage, second edition also contains additional classroom resources, including new textual introductions and over ninety new quizzes.

Contents

Top Highlights

“Justin Martyr (ca. 100–165) was a Roman philosopher who converted to Christianity. He is known as one of early Christianity’s most prominent apologists who defended the faith against pagan criticisms. Rather than attempting to separate from Greek culture, Justin attempted to make Christianity and elements of Greek culture compatible. He argued that Christianity was the ultimate true philosophy. Justin, whose best known works include his First/Second Apology (ca. 147–161) and the later Dialogue with Trypho, is known for his emphasis on Jesus Christ as the Logos. He was martyred under the Roman Emperor Aurelius.” (Pages 5–6)

“Arius (250–336) was a schismatic priest from Alexandria whose teaching on the creaturely character of the Son of God was deemed heretical by the Council of Nicaea in 325. Initially he was excommunicated by Peter, Bishop of Alexandria, only to be later reconciled to the church and made a presbyter in 313. Arius’ teachings, known as Arianism, claimed that the Son of God was not eternal but was created by God the Father, making the Son distinct from, and subordinate to, the Father. The Council of Nicaea (325) affirmed the full divinity of Jesus Christ. The selection below is from Arius’ correspondence with a prominent bishop who sympathized with his views of God.” (Page 32)

“Ignatius, Bishop of Antioch (ca. 35–107), is known as one of the ‘Apostolic Fathers’ of the second century. His extant writings include seven letters written on his journey from Antioch to Rome while under arrest for his Christian faith. The letters reveal Ignatius’ warnings against docetism (the belief that Christ only appeared to have human flesh) and affirmations of the importance of the eucharist as Christ’s body and blood and the centrality of the bishop (monarchical episcopate) for the unity of the faith. Ignatius’ letters also reveal his intense desire to be a martyr—an ultimate witness to the faith—and later Christians affirm that he was martyred.” (Page 1)

Product Details

• Title: Exploring Christian Heritage: A Reader in History and Theology
• Authors: Rady Roldán-Figueroa, C. Douglas Weaver
• Edition: Second Edition
• Publisher: Baylor University Press
• Print Publication Date: 2017
• Logos Release Date: 2020
• Pages: 452
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Reader Edition
• Subjects: Church history › Sources; Theology › History--Sources
• ISBNs: 9781481306980, 9781481306997, 9781602584150, 1481306987, 1481306995, 160258415X
• Resource ID: LLS:WS_EBC48A939C464547AB5383C82D7AC517
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2022-09-30T04:26:48Z