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Book Summary
Reclaiming Our Roots by Mark Ellingsen is an inclusive introduction to church history that surveys two millennia of Christian tradition with attention to often-overlooked voices. Ideal for students and lay readers, it balances academic rigor with accessibility, offering a fresh perspective on how the church's story can inform contemporary faith and practice.
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About Reclaiming Our Roots: An Inclusive Introduction to Church History
Mark Ellingsen's Reclaiming Our Roots provides a comprehensive and inclusive overview of Christian history from the apostolic era to the modern day. Rather than focusing solely on Western European developments, Ellingsen incorporates global and marginalized perspectives, including Eastern Orthodoxy, African Christianity, and women's contributions. The book is structured thematically and chronologically, making it suitable for classroom use or individual study. Ellingsen emphasizes how historical understanding can enrich contemporary faith, encouraging readers to 'reclaim' their roots in a way that fosters unity and appreciation for the church's diverse heritage. Each chapter includes discussion questions and suggestions for further reading, enhancing its utility as a learning tool.
Who should read Reclaiming Our Roots: An Inclusive Introduction to Church History?
This book is ideal for undergraduate and seminary students in church history courses, as well as laypeople seeking a readable yet substantive introduction to Christian history. Pastors and church leaders will find it valuable for adult education classes and sermon preparation. Readers interested in ecumenical dialogue and global Christianity will appreciate its inclusive approach. It also suits anyone wanting to understand how historical developments shape today's church.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Inclusive approach covering global and marginalized Christian traditions
- ✓ Accessible writing style suitable for students and lay readers
- ✓ Includes discussion questions and further reading for educational use
- ✓ Balances chronological narrative with thematic insights
- ✓ Emphasizes relevance of history for contemporary faith
Cons
- ✗ Some may find the thematic organization less straightforward than pure chronology
- ✗ Could benefit from more detailed treatment of certain periods
- ✗ Limited coverage of recent decades compared to earlier eras
- ✗ May not satisfy readers seeking deep theological analysis
- ✗ Lacks extensive primary source excerpts
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Frequently asked questions
Is this book suitable for self-study?
Yes, the book includes discussion questions and further reading suggestions, making it well-suited for individual study or small group use.
Does it cover non-Western Christianity?
Yes, Ellingsen intentionally includes global perspectives, such as Eastern Orthodoxy, African Christianity, and Asian church history.
What is the theological stance of the author?
Ellingsen writes from an ecumenical Protestant perspective, aiming to be inclusive and fair to various traditions.
Is this a textbook or a popular history?
It serves as an introductory textbook for college or seminary courses but is accessible enough for general readers.
Does the book include maps or illustrations?
The book may include some maps and illustrations, but they are not a primary feature; the focus is on the narrative.
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