Rediscovering the Church Fathers: Who They Were and How They Shaped the Church
Digital Logos Edition
While the church today looks quite different than it did two thousand years ago, Christians share the same faith with the church fathers. Although separated by time and culture, we have much to learn from their lives and teaching.
This book is an organized and convenient introduction to how to read the church fathers from AD 100 to 500. Michael Haykin surveys the lives and teachings of seven of the Fathers, looking at their role in such issues as baptism, martyrdom, and the relationship between church and state. Ignatius, Cyprian, Basil of Caesarea, and Ambrose and others were foundational in the growth and purity of early Christianity, and their impact continues to shape the church today.
Evangelical readers interested in the historical roots of Christianity will find this to be a helpful introductory volume.
- Designed to be an introduction into reading the church fathers
- Suverys the lives of seven key Fathers
- Explores the impact of the Fathers on Christianity today
Haykin has given us a user-friendly introduction to the early centuries of the Christian church. He illustrates the key elements of the church’s teaching by referring to the lives and teachings of major figures of the time, most of whom are little known to nonspecialists. Ordinary people need to know about these things, and this book is a great place to begin
Gerald Bray, Research Professor of Divinity, Beeson Divinity School; author, Biblical Interpretation: Past and Present
This gem of a study sparkles with polished clarity. Michael Haykin has skillfully unearthed buried treasures among early church leaders. As an experienced guide, he has drawn from his own personal journey and decades of scholarly research. He presents valuable Patristic insights into apologetic engagement, missional work, spiritual formation, use of Scripture, theological discourse, communal worship, personal piety, and approaches to suffering and martyrdom. From the apostolic fathers to the apostle to Ireland, Haykin’s investigations masterfully apply classical wisdom to contemporary concerns.
Paul Hartog, Associate Professor, Faith Baptist Theological Seminary
In this introduction, Michael Haykin, an eminent evangelical scholar, opens the door to the riches of early Christianity for evangelicals in a splendidly concise handbook of sorts. Evangelicals, who are experiencing a renaissance of interest in the Fathers, need look no further than this volume for an introduction to many of the most significant figures in Christian history. Readers will be left wanting to learn even more. Evangelicals are indebted to Haykin for this well-written volume.
Steven A. McKinion, Professor of Theology and Patristics, Southeastern Seminary, Wake Forest, North Carolina
- Title: Rediscovering the Church Fathers: Who They Were and How They Shaped the Church
- Author: Michael A. G. Haykin
- Publisher: Crossway
- Print Publication Date: 2011
- Logos Release Date: 2023
- Pages: 176
- Era: era:contemporary
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
- Subjects: Church history › Primitive and early church, ca. 30-600; Fathers of the church
- ISBNs: 9781433523571, 9781433510434, 9781433510441, 9781433510458, 1433523574, 143351043X, 1433510448, 1433510456
- Resource ID: LLS:9781433523571
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2024-03-06T20:44:30Z
Michael A. G. Haykin (PhD, University of Toronto), born in England of Irish and Kurdish parents, Dr. Haykin is currently Professor of Church History and Biblical Spirituality. He has authored The Spirit of God: The Exegesis of 1 and 2 Corinthians in the Pneumatomachian Controversy of the Fourth Century (E. J. Brill, 1994); One Heart and One Soul: John Sutcliff of Olney, His Friends, and His Times (Evangelical Press, 1994); Kiffin, Knollys and Keach: Rediscovering Our English Baptist Heritage (Reformation Today Trust, 1996); At the Pure Fountain of Thy Word: Andrew Fuller as an Apologist (Paternoster Press, 2004); Jonathan Edwards: The Holy Spirit in Revival (Evangelical Press, 2005); The God Who Draws Near: An Introduction to Biblical Spirituality (Evangelical Press, 2007). Dr. Haykin and his wife Alison, and their two children, Victoria and Nigel, live in Dundas, Ontario.