Ancient Future Faith: A Paradigm for Effective Christianity in a Postmodern World

Robert Webber's thought-provoking book, Ancient-Future Faith, presents a compelling vision for evangelical Christians seeking to navigate the complexities of our postmodern society. This paradigmatic volume offers valuable insights into how classical Christianity can be adapted and applied in today's relativistic world.

One of the key strengths of Ancient-Future Faith is its comprehensive approach. Webber provides informative tables and extensive bibliographies that enhance the book's educational value, making it an invaluable resource for students, professors, pastors, and laypeople alike. The substantial appendix explores the development of authority in the early church, a crucial issue for evangelicals in a society that shares many features with the Roman world of early Christians.

Webber argues that classical Christianity was not an accommodation to paganism but an alternative practice of life. He contends that evangelicalism is a product of modernity and that relinquishing allegiance to modernity will enable evangelicals to become more consistently historic. This idea is central to Ancient-Future Faith, as Webber seeks to find points of contact between classical Christianity and postmodern thought.

The book explores the implications of this paradigm in key areas such as church, worship, spirituality, evangelism, nurture, and mission. Webber demonstrates how adapting the classical tradition to our postmodern time can empower Christians to function effectively in our changing culture.

In a world marked by relativism, individualism, pluralism, and the transition from a modern to a postmodern worldview, evangelical Christians must find ways to re-present the historic faith. Ancient-Future Faith offers a compelling vision for how this can be achieved, encouraging readers to become a counter-cultural community that invites people to be shaped by the story of Israel and Jesus.

Overall, Ancient Future Faith is a timely and thought-provoking work that challenges evangelicals to rethink their approach to Christianity in light of our postmodern world. As we navigate this complex landscape, Webber's book provides a valuable roadmap for finding effective ways to re-present the historic faith.

Ancient future faith by robert webber