Defenders of the Faith - Standing for truth when attacks come

This title, released in association with Essential Christian, will accompany a set of seminars for Spring Harvest 2018 under the overall theme of 'Only the Brave'. The church has been under attack from its inception, but certain struggles seemed to threaten its very existence. In this inspiring book, Dr Matthew Knell celebrates some of these key figures who have kept the church alive in the midst of great adversity, exploring three major periods of persecution from the early church to the present day. This fascinating journey begins with Irenaeus of Lyon, who battled courageously against the theological threat of Gnosticism, followed by Basil of Caesarea, who defended the church from attacks on its spirituality. The book concludes with the modern Chinese church, many members of which have been attacked and even martyred for their faith. Using the examples of these defenders and many others, Dr Knell inspires readers to stand firm in the face of adversity as the global church continues to experience persecution.Table of ContentCONTENTSAcknowledgments 8Introduction 10Chapter 1Defence against Cultural Attack:Irenaeus of Lyon 16Chapter 2Defence against Theological Attack:Basil of Caesarea 46Chapter 3aDefence against Political Attack:The Church in China 77Chapter 3bThe Church in China:Considerations from Within the Context 99Conclusion 122Epilogue 132Further Reading 156Picture Acknowledgments 158Review Quote“With a keen eye for detail, a passion for truth, and a desire to probe into the valuable lessons we can learn from the past, Matthew Knell has given the church a wonderful resource in Defenders of the Faith. He pushes us to ask tough questions and to reflect deeply on what it means to be committed to living faithfully for Christ today as we stand in the shadows of those who have gone before us. There is more to this book than history, however. As all good historians do, Matthew challenges our assumptions of today by teaching us to think deeply about yesterday. If we will heed its lessons and follow its trajectory, Defenders of the Faith will help us to remain faithful while helping us avoid the pitfalls of the past that present themselves today in new guises, but with the same dangers as they have always held.”Biographical NoteDr Matthew Knell is the lecturer in historical theology and church history at the London School of Theology, writing and teaching on the history of Christian thought from the Church Fathers to the modern day with a special focus on the medieval period. Prior to this he was a missionary for six years in Belarus and Austria, and also worked as an intercultural consultant.An inspiring exploration of key historical and contemporary figures who have defended the Christian faith.The church has been under attack from its inception, but certain struggles seemed to threaten its very existence. In this inspiring book, Dr Matthew Knell celebrates some of these key figures who have kept the church alive in the midst of great adversity, exploring three major periods of persecution from the early church to the present day. This fascinating journey begins with Irenaeus of Lyon, who battled courageously against the theological threat of Gnosticism, followed by Basil of Caesarea, who defended the church from attacks on its spirituality. The book concludes with the modern Chinese church, many members of which have been attacked and even martyred for their faith. Using the examples of these defenders and many others, Dr Knell inspires readers to stand firm in the face of adversity as the global church continues to experience persecution.