Evangelicals and Tradition - the formative influence of the early church

Evangelicals and Tradition is the first in a new series of monographs on the church fathers entitled Evangelical Ressourcement: Ancient Sources for the Church's Future. This volume lays the groundwork for the series by examining the concept of tradition--its definition, origin, and components. Williams addresses the issue of tradition and authority in the early church and discusses the relationship between tradition and the Protestant "traditions" of sola scriptura and sola fide. Finally, he examines numerous examples of how tradition was used in the early church, including confessions of faith, catecheses, rules of faith, commentaries, homilies, theological hymnody, and theological works.

Publisher: Baker
Type: Paperback
ISBN: 9780801027130

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D. H. Williams, professor of patristics and historical theology at the Department of Religion, Baylor University. Ph.D. 1991 University of Toronto; Th.M. 1985 Princeton Theological Seminary. Williams specializes in early Christian literature and theology, ancient Roman religions, the history of doctrine; the fourth century Trinitarian controversies and ancient Christianity in China.

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"Williams has brought a new sense of engagement to the ancient task of relating Scripture, tradition, and spiritual experience. Evangelicals need to be reminded that there is a truly catholic tradition that goes back to the apostles that belongs to them as much as it does to other Christians. This book roots us in the living faith of every age and should be welcomed by everyone who wants to grow in the knowledge and love of Christ." Gerald Bray, Anglican professor of divinity, Beeson Divinity School, Samford University