Kenneth J. Stewart (PhD, University of Edinburgh) is professor of theological studies at Covenant College in Lookout Mountain, Georgia. His books include Ten Myths About Calvinism, Restoring the Reformation, and The Emergence of Evangelicalism. Stewart is a specialist in the history of Christianity from the Reformation to the present with special interest in the development of the evangelical Protestant tradition. He has contributed to reference works such as the Dictionary of Scottish Church History and Theology, The Blackwell Dictionary of Evangelical Biography, and the Encyclopedia of the Reformed Faith.
"If evangelicalism is to have a coherent future, it needs to
understand not only its own past but also the past of the church
catholic. In this collection of essays, Ken Stewart brings his
typical combination of insight, conviction, charity, and
catholicity to bear on evangelicalism's relationship to history.
You do not have to agree with all of his conclusions to agree with
his basic thesis—we need history—and to be challenged by the range
of interlocutors he chooses—from the ancient church fathers to
Cardinal Newman and beyond. This collection should provide
professors and pastors with much food for thought."
*Carl R. Trueman, Westminster Theological Seminary*
"If evangelicalism is to have a coherent future, it needs to
understand not only its own past but also the past of the church
catholic. In this collection of essays, Ken Stewart brings his
typical combination of insight, conviction, charity, and
catholicity to bear on evangelicalism's relationship to history.
You do not have to agree with all of his conclusions to agree with
his basic thesis—we need history—and to be challenged by the range
of interlocutors he chooses—from the ancient church fathers to
Cardinal Newman and beyond. This collection should provide
professors and pastors with much food for thought."
*Carl R. Trueman, Westminster Theological Seminary*
"This remarkable book seeks to trace the deep roots and determine
the DNA of evangelical Protestantism. Using his considerable and
profound knowledge of a vast terrain, Dr. Ken Stewart digs deep to
show that evangelicalism is firmly rooted in Scripture, the early
church, and historical Christianity. His archaeology of doctrine
and liturgy argues against the recent loss of confidence and
self-identity of evangelical Protestants who may be tempted to seek
more 'stable' pastures or to wander with historical amnesia into
cul-de-sacs. Instead, evangelical Protestants are urged to share
the confidence of their Protestant-era forebears who knew their
ancient pedigree and stood on sturdy ground. This is an important
and timely book."
*Robert M. Solomon, bishop emeritus, The Methodist Church in
Singapore*
"This remarkable book seeks to trace the deep roots and determine
the DNA of evangelical Protestantism. Using his considerable and
profound knowledge of a vast terrain, Dr. Ken Stewart digs deep to
show that evangelicalism is firmly rooted in Scripture, the early
church, and historical Christianity. His archaeology of doctrine
and liturgy argues against the recent loss of confidence and
self-identity of evangelical Protestants who may be tempted to seek
more 'stable' pastures or to wander with historical amnesia into
cul-de-sacs. Instead, evangelical Protestants are urged to share
the confidence of their Protestant-era forebears who knew their
ancient pedigree and stood on sturdy ground. This is an important
and timely book."
*Robert M. Solomon, bishop emeritus, The Methodist Church in
Singapore*
"Ken Stewart's In Search of Ancient Roots is a panoply of
well-argued, well-documented, and well-written chapters centering
on evangelicalism's engagement with its own pre-Reformation past.
He provides a compelling case not only for the deep roots of
evangelical movements throughout history but also for
evangelicalism's attention to its historical Christian roots as the
norm rather than the exception. Stewart also provides exceptional
discussions on important practical matters facing evangelicals as
they begin to engage with church history—matters like the frequency
of the Lord's Supper, the apostolicity of infant baptism, the
interpretation of Scripture, and justification by faith. In the
process, Stewart also takes on many of the exaggerated claims made
by evangelical converts to Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy
regarding the historical priority of those ancient traditions. Any
evangelical should read this book before abandoning the orthodox,
Protestant, evangelical faith for traditions that claim to be more
authentically connected to Christianity's ancient roots. In all of
these cases, Stewart's work becomes a conversation-starter rather
than a conversation-ender. He is refreshingly irenic and candid. I
enthusiastically recommend this book to anybody interested in the
Christian past and evangelical identity as well as those who need
to reflect deeply on the vital questions Stewart raises for
today."
*Michael J. Svigel, chair and professor of theological studies,
Dallas Theological Seminary, author of RetroChristianity*
"Ken Stewart's In Search of Ancient Roots is a panoply of
well-argued, well-documented, and well-written chapters centering
on evangelicalism's engagement with its own pre-Reformation past.
He provides a compelling case not only for the deep roots of
evangelical movements throughout history but also for
evangelicalism's attention to its historical Christian roots as the
norm rather than the exception. Stewart also provides exceptional
discussions on important practical matters facing evangelicals as
they begin to engage with church history—matters like the frequency
of the Lord's Supper, the apostolicity of infant baptism, the
interpretation of Scripture, and justification by faith. In the
process, Stewart also takes on many of the exaggerated claims made
by evangelical converts to Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy
regarding the historical priority of those ancient traditions. Any
evangelical should read this book before abandoning the orthodox,
Protestant, evangelical faith for traditions that claim to be more
authentically connected to Christianity's ancient roots. In all of
these cases, Stewart's work becomes a conversation-starter rather
than a conversation-ender. He is refreshingly irenic and candid. I
enthusiastically recommend this book to anybody interested in the
Christian past and evangelical identity as well as those who need
to reflect deeply on the vital questions Stewart raises for
today."
*Michael J. Svigel, chair and professor of theological studies,
Dallas Theological Seminary, author of RetroChristianity*
"'To be deep in history,' said John Henry Newman, 'is to cease to
be a Protestant.' But Ken Stewart begs to differ. In this learned
and eminently readable volume, Stewart conducts a constructive
assessment of the evangelical identity crisis currently facing the
church. His informative and evocative reflection upon the ecclesial
drama argues persuasively that instead of a wilting cousin of the
'Great Tradition,' evangelical movements are poised to flourish by
extending their roots into the soil of pre-Reformation
Christianity—that is, providing they do so with integrity. In
Search of Ancient Roots provides such insight, enabling readers to
give a clear answer for their evangelical hope."
*Chris Castaldo, senior pastor, New Covenant Church, Naperville,
Illinois, author of Talking with Catholics About the Gospel*
"'To be deep in history,' said John Henry Newman, 'is to cease to
be a Protestant.' But Ken Stewart begs to differ. In this learned
and eminently readable volume, Stewart conducts a constructive
assessment of the evangelical identity crisis currently facing the
church. His informative and evocative reflection upon the ecclesial
drama argues persuasively that instead of a wilting cousin of the
'Great Tradition,' evangelical movements are poised to flourish by
extending their roots into the soil of pre-Reformation
Christianity—that is, providing they do so with integrity. In
Search of Ancient Roots provides such insight, enabling readers to
give a clear answer for their evangelical hope."
*Chris Castaldo, senior pastor, New Covenant Church, Naperville,
Illinois, author of Talking with Catholics About the Gospel*
"Present-day evangelicalism has a strange relationship with
history. On the one extreme, there are those who endorse a 'gap
theory' whereby their experience of the Christian life has little
if anything to do with any sense of historical continuity. On the
other extreme, recent fascinations with romantic and selective
appropriations of 'tradition' show how easy it is to uncritically
embrace beliefs and practices that are idiosyncratic with regards
to Scripture. What is at stake is the historical nature of
evangelicalism as such. As a learned historian and acute
theologian, Kenneth Stewart helps the reader come to terms with the
diachronic dimension of evangelicalism that runs through church
history, taking different shades and colors but ultimately
responding to the same principles of biblical faithfulness and
spiritual involvement. This book is a vigorous and rigorous
rebuttal to John Henry Newman, according to whom 'to be deep in
history is to cease to be Protestant.' Stewart is convinced that to
be deep in history one does not need to turn to Rome (becoming
Roman Catholic) or to Antioch (becoming Orthodox). His case is
convincing. A must-read for every person struggling with the
question, 'What does evangelicalism have to do with history?'"
*Leonardo De Chirico, pastor, Breccia di Roma, lecturer in
historical theology, Istituto di Formazione Evangelica e
Documentazione, Padova, Italy, director of Refomanda
Initiative*
"Present-day evangelicalism has a strange relationship with
history. On the one extreme, there are those who endorse a 'gap
theory' whereby their experience of the Christian life has little
if anything to do with any sense of historical continuity. On the
other extreme, recent fascinations with romantic and selective
appropriations of 'tradition' show how easy it is to uncritically
embrace beliefs and practices that are idiosyncratic with regards
to Scripture. What is at stake is the historical nature of
evangelicalism as such. As a learned historian and acute
theologian, Kenneth Stewart helps the reader come to terms with the
diachronic dimension of evangelicalism that runs through church
history, taking different shades and colors but ultimately
responding to the same principles of biblical faithfulness and
spiritual involvement. This book is a vigorous and rigorous
rebuttal to John Henry Newman, according to whom 'to be deep in
history is to cease to be Protestant.' Stewart is convinced that to
be deep in history one does not need to turn to Rome (becoming
Roman Catholic) or to Antioch (becoming Orthodox). His case is
convincing. A must-read for every person struggling with the
question, 'What does evangelicalism have to do with history?'"
*Leonardo De Chirico, pastor, Breccia di Roma, lecturer in
historical theology, Istituto di Formazione Evangelica e
Documentazione, Padova, Italy, director of Refomanda
Initiative*
"This book shakes us free from naive and romantic notions that
Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy are the best expressions of
early Christianity. For evangelicals attracted by that fantasy, it
is an urgent wake-up call to examine the full facts and rediscover
the deep historic roots and spiritual riches of their own
tradition."
*Andrew Atherstone, Latimer Research Fellow, Wycliffe Hall,
University of Oxford*
"This book shakes us free from naive and romantic notions that
Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy are the best expressions of
early Christianity. For evangelicals attracted by that fantasy, it
is an urgent wake-up call to examine the full facts and rediscover
the deep historic roots and spiritual riches of their own
tradition."
*Andrew Atherstone, Latimer Research Fellow, Wycliffe Hall,
University of Oxford*
"In Search of Ancient Roots is a unique and important book for
evangelicals and those critical of them. It counters the common
charge that contemporary evangelicalism is a novelty, suffering
from a lack of tradition and historical awareness, and it presents
constructive proposals for strengthening the movement in ways
consistent with Scripture."
*Gregg R. Allison, Christianity Today, October 20, 2017*
"In Search of Ancient Roots is a unique and important book for
evangelicals and those critical of them. It counters the common
charge that contemporary evangelicalism is a novelty, suffering
from a lack of tradition and historical awareness, and it presents
constructive proposals for strengthening the movement in ways
consistent with Scripture."
*Gregg R. Allison, Christianity Today, October 20, 2017*
"There’s much to enjoy here, like renewing a conversation with a
friend who knows us well, reminding us of long-forgotten
truths."
*Matthew Forrest Lowe, Faith Today, January-February 2018*
"There’s much to enjoy here, like renewing a conversation with a
friend who knows us well, reminding us of long-forgotten
truths."
*Matthew Forrest Lowe, Faith Today, January-February 2018*
"In Search of Ancient Roots is beautifully written, well
researched, and easily read. It is incisive in its analysis, but
irenic in its critique. Its investigation of why some younger
evangelicals are turning to Catholicism and Orthodoxy is surely a
call to evangelical pastors and leaders of parachurch ministries to
pause in their activism. In effect, this book challenges readers to
take a prayer-breather which will create space and make time to
reflect on whether a laissez-faire ecclesiology, an obsession with
cultural relevance, a proneness to divide, an addiction to faddism,
may be asphyxiating some sections of the body of Christ in our
generation."
*Fergus Macdonald, Scottish Bulletin of Evangelical Theology,
Spring 2018*
"In Search of Ancient Roots is beautifully written, well
researched, and easily read. It is incisive in its analysis, but
irenic in its critique. Its investigation of why some younger
evangelicals are turning to Catholicism and Orthodoxy is surely a
call to evangelical pastors and leaders of parachurch ministries to
pause in their activism. In effect, this book challenges readers to
take a prayer-breather which will create space and make time to
reflect on whether a laissez-faire ecclesiology, an obsession with
cultural relevance, a proneness to divide, an addiction to faddism,
may be asphyxiating some sections of the body of Christ in our
generation."
*Fergus Macdonald, Scottish Bulletin of Evangelical Theology,
Spring 2018*
"In Search of Ancient Roots is theological retrieval aimed at the
lay level. Beyond its value for Protestants contemplating
conversion to Rome, there are lessons here for all Protestants in
their faithful witness."
*John R. Muether, Reformed Faith and Practice, Spring 2018*
"In Search of Ancient Roots is theological retrieval aimed at the
lay level. Beyond its value for Protestants contemplating
conversion to Rome, there are lessons here for all Protestants in
their faithful witness."
*John R. Muether, Reformed Faith and Practice, Spring 2018*
"Indeed the whole book, while scholarly and intellectually
responsible in its content, has a pastoral commitment. It could
helpfully be used in a church small group discussion with questions
provided at the end of each chapter which bring what could be an
ivory tower academic discussion to the level of a living room
discussion. We are grateful to Ken Stewart for this timely book. He
makes 'we Canadians' proud."
*A. Donald MacLeod, Haddington House Journal, 2018*
"Indeed the whole book, while scholarly and intellectually
responsible in its content, has a pastoral commitment. It could
helpfully be used in a church small group discussion with questions
provided at the end of each chapter which bring what could be an
ivory tower academic discussion to the level of a living room
discussion. We are grateful to Ken Stewart for this timely book. He
makes 'we Canadians' proud."
*A. Donald MacLeod, Haddington House Journal, 2018*
"In Search of Ancient Roots asks much-needed questions and provides
much-needed pushback on a dilemma that is overdue for
attention."
*Joseph T. Cochran, Presbyterion: Covenant Seminary Review, 44/2
(Fall 2018)*
"In Search of Ancient Roots asks much-needed questions and provides
much-needed pushback on a dilemma that is overdue for
attention."
*Joseph T. Cochran, Presbyterion: Covenant Seminary Review, 44/2
(Fall 2018)*
"In Search of Ancient Roots offers insightful advice on how
evangelicals could overcome the historical amnesia that
characterizes many of them in modern times."
*Daniel Eguiluz, Calvin Theological Journal, 53.2*
"In Search of Ancient Roots offers insightful advice on how
evangelicals could overcome the historical amnesia that
characterizes many of them in modern times."
*Daniel Eguiluz, Calvin Theological Journal, 53.2*
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