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RetroChristianity: Reclaiming the Forgotten Faith
Evangelicalism is in trouble. Surveying the modern evangelical landscape, professor Michael Svigel asks, “Why does evangelicalism appear to be spinning out of control, losing appeal to younger generations, dwindling in numbers, or selling out to pop culture to muster a crowd?” He seeks to answer this question by looking to the past—to a Retro Christianity.
Calling for a return to evangelicalism’s historical and theological roots, Svigel begins by addressing some of present-day evangelicalism’s problems and explores what can be done to help churches regain a healthy perspective on doctrine. He then gives practical examples of what establishing a biblical, historical, and theologically sound foundation will mean for Christians as they think through aspects of church life and worship.
As the numbers of those confused or disenchanted with evangelicalism continue to grow, Svigel’s book meets a timely need and will benefit many readers with his balanced argument for preserving the evangelical faith.
Calling for a return to evangelicalism’s historical and theological roots, Svigel begins by addressing some of present-day evangelicalism’s problems and explores what can be done to help churches regain a healthy perspective on doctrine. He then gives practical examples of what establishing a biblical, historical, and theologically sound foundation will mean for Christians as they think through aspects of church life and worship.
As the numbers of those confused or disenchanted with evangelicalism continue to grow, Svigel’s book meets a timely need and will benefit many readers with his balanced argument for preserving the evangelical faith.
322 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2012
50 people are currently reading
177 people want to read
About the author
Michael J. Svigel
21 books18 followersMichael J. Svigel, Ph.D. is a patristic scholar, professor, and writer living in Dallas, Texas. His books and articles range from text-critical studies to juvenile fiction. He enjoys books, film, Bob Dylan, coffee, travel, and spending time with family and friends.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
April 3, 2023
A book that gives fair criticism about where evangelicalism is today without exaggerating its shortcomings, seeking a firmer foundation for the church and challenging our “preference-driven” approach. Encouraged by its positive outlook on where the church is and can head, not by being new or impressive but being faithful to scripture and history while appreciating developments over time. A real winner.
November 5, 2012
What would the apostles think of my local church? Or that other church down the street? Or that church with the famous pastor who writes lots of books? Answering that question may not be as tough as you think. Of course we have much of the apostle’s writings, but it also turns out that people who knew the apostles wrote some things as well. No, it’s not inspired scripture, but it’s still something.
RetroChristianity has examined all kinds of historical writings about the church and organized it with the purpose of answering the question “How can the church make sure it’s still within the boundaries of what the apostles taught in the New Testament?” The book is a great resource as sort of a layman’s guide to church history. It has lots of charts and I love charts. But it’s not just a book for history lovers (which I’m actually not). It’s a book for people who love the church and want to help it find its way back. It’s a dense book. If you’re looking for one anecdotal story after another, this book is not it. But I read that book earlier this year and it was actually quite frustrating. RetroChristianity doesn’t only criticize, it offers actual solutions. A lot of them can be applied immediately by any Christian (not just church leaders), because they have to do with our own expectations of what church should be about and the role it should have in our own lives.
It’s a great book. Anyone who loves the body of Christ and would like to see it accomplishing Christ’s work in the world would benefit from reading it.
RetroChristianity has examined all kinds of historical writings about the church and organized it with the purpose of answering the question “How can the church make sure it’s still within the boundaries of what the apostles taught in the New Testament?” The book is a great resource as sort of a layman’s guide to church history. It has lots of charts and I love charts. But it’s not just a book for history lovers (which I’m actually not). It’s a book for people who love the church and want to help it find its way back. It’s a dense book. If you’re looking for one anecdotal story after another, this book is not it. But I read that book earlier this year and it was actually quite frustrating. RetroChristianity doesn’t only criticize, it offers actual solutions. A lot of them can be applied immediately by any Christian (not just church leaders), because they have to do with our own expectations of what church should be about and the role it should have in our own lives.
It’s a great book. Anyone who loves the body of Christ and would like to see it accomplishing Christ’s work in the world would benefit from reading it.
January 13, 2025
I've been a student in a few of Dr. Svigel's classes, so obviously this book of his has been sitting on my TBR pile for a while.
Knowing Svigel's specialization in Patristics and Historical Christianity, I expected this book to be a survey of historical Christian doctrine and practice. However, having met the man, I should have instead expected an omnibus critique of evangelicalism today, as well as a thorough and historically-guided proposal for how the Evangelical movement should proceed into the 21st century if it intends to survive.
The author masterfully weaves 3 major themes throughout the book:
First, he lays out a scathing critique of much of the evangelical scene. There are no pulled punches, and Dr. Svigel's great love for the evangelical tradition is what really shines through. I will not detail all of the critiques here, you can read the book for yourself.
Second, he sets forth and defends his proposed methodology for approaching a solution, which he has delightfully coined as "RetroChristianity". Dr. Svigel wants to see Evangelicalism "return to its Catholic and Apostolic roots". Svigel sees in evangelicalism today a clear departure from the faith and practice of the historical church, and the solution is to reintroduce ("RetroFit") ancient practice into a contemporary setting.
Third, the author works through several target areas that were emphasized by the historical church, or are lessons learns from church history, but are areas that evangelicalism has either consciously destroyed or unconsciously neglected. In either case, Dr. Svigel is thorough in his examination: treating areas like Orthodoxy, Heterodoxy, Ecclesiology, Personal vs Communal Spirituality, Prayer, Hermeneutics, Reformed Soteriology, Modern views on Sanctification, Baptism, Communion, Sacraments, and many more that I am probably forgetting.
My only critique is that, in this final endeavor to present an ecumenical way forward for evangelical churches and individuals, sometimes Svigel's own personal "doctrinal distinctives" leaks into his proposals, which those of non-evangelical traditions will no doubt take exception to.
In conclusion, Dr. Svigel has masterfully diagnosed the plethora of problems facing Evangelicalism, and should the movement wish to continue, they would be much behooved to heed his warnings and adopt his approach of a more historically-informed faith and practice.
Knowing Svigel's specialization in Patristics and Historical Christianity, I expected this book to be a survey of historical Christian doctrine and practice. However, having met the man, I should have instead expected an omnibus critique of evangelicalism today, as well as a thorough and historically-guided proposal for how the Evangelical movement should proceed into the 21st century if it intends to survive.
The author masterfully weaves 3 major themes throughout the book:
First, he lays out a scathing critique of much of the evangelical scene. There are no pulled punches, and Dr. Svigel's great love for the evangelical tradition is what really shines through. I will not detail all of the critiques here, you can read the book for yourself.
Second, he sets forth and defends his proposed methodology for approaching a solution, which he has delightfully coined as "RetroChristianity". Dr. Svigel wants to see Evangelicalism "return to its Catholic and Apostolic roots". Svigel sees in evangelicalism today a clear departure from the faith and practice of the historical church, and the solution is to reintroduce ("RetroFit") ancient practice into a contemporary setting.
Third, the author works through several target areas that were emphasized by the historical church, or are lessons learns from church history, but are areas that evangelicalism has either consciously destroyed or unconsciously neglected. In either case, Dr. Svigel is thorough in his examination: treating areas like Orthodoxy, Heterodoxy, Ecclesiology, Personal vs Communal Spirituality, Prayer, Hermeneutics, Reformed Soteriology, Modern views on Sanctification, Baptism, Communion, Sacraments, and many more that I am probably forgetting.
My only critique is that, in this final endeavor to present an ecumenical way forward for evangelical churches and individuals, sometimes Svigel's own personal "doctrinal distinctives" leaks into his proposals, which those of non-evangelical traditions will no doubt take exception to.
In conclusion, Dr. Svigel has masterfully diagnosed the plethora of problems facing Evangelicalism, and should the movement wish to continue, they would be much behooved to heed his warnings and adopt his approach of a more historically-informed faith and practice.
July 12, 2024
This book delivered pretty much exactly what I was desiring to learn about. It was a broad introduction to church history for me that was accessible and applicable. It’s so easy for me to forget that this religion has been going on for a couple thousand years. I surely didn’t think modern day evangelicals had it all figured out perfectly, but this book helped me see both the flaws and strengths of it. I’m a big fan of Mr Svigels thought process with Retro Christianity. It has most definitely challenged me to pay more attention to what has remained vs what has changed in the last 1900 years of following Jesus.
April 28, 2016
Written by one of my professors from seminary, it's hard to say anything bad about a book when you respect the author. I think what made me find this book a little monotonous to get through was because I had heard most of the arguments before by Svigel and other professors. Svigel does a great job of wanting to be influenced and appreciative of church history without being beholden to it. There is a balance of having roots in the historical journey of the church and also realizing that the church is going to progress in certain areas as she moves forward. One of the struggles I had with Svigel was his insistence on being part of a local church. I think he is right, but emotionally it is hard when you constantly struggle with going to church. I think there needs to be an equal relationship between the congregant and the church (or church leadership). The congregant seeks to serve and obey authority (to a certain point) and the church (leadership) counsels, instructs, and suffers with the congregant. It seems more often than not, that the relationship is off balance in one way or the other.
September 29, 2023
"If the Church Fathers or the Reformers Showed Up at Your Church, Would They Worship ... or Run?" This quote graces the back cover of RetroChristianity: Reclaiming the Forgotten Faith by Michael J. Svigel.
Change is reality, and can either be positive, negative, or neutral. Sviegel did an excellent job of recognizing a church that has lost its way and reconnecting it to the historical church. He warns us to avoid the extremes of trying to relive the past we no longer can or extreme progressivism. He also is responsible for the great quote at the beginning of this review.
He gives some good suggestions on strengthening the church. One includes that when one evaluates their spiritual gifts they note where they're lacking as well as where they're strong. He recommends an altar pulpit centered church, with a solid emphasis on the sacrament of communion as well as Biblical preaching, and that the church has an elder based leadership.
You've heard my thoughts - I also would like to do something I never do, and that's share another view on the book. This is from a person I highly respect: Dr. Mark Bailey, President and Senior Professor of Biblical Exposition at Dallas Theological Seminary (2000-2020) and graduate and former professor/academic dean at Southwestern Conservative Baptist Bible College (now known as Arizona Christian University), where I had the privilege of sitting under his teaching for several classes. He stated:
“Rarely does one find a book so rich in content communicated so well. RetroChristianity is anything but retrenchment. Instead, Michael Svigel advances an agenda to move the church forward without losing the moorings of sound theology grounded in a history of biblical conviction. His words say it best: ‘It’s not rewinding to a more favorable era, but reclaiming the forgotten faith for the future.’ This is a most worthy read!”
Enough said? I highly recommend this book.
Change is reality, and can either be positive, negative, or neutral. Sviegel did an excellent job of recognizing a church that has lost its way and reconnecting it to the historical church. He warns us to avoid the extremes of trying to relive the past we no longer can or extreme progressivism. He also is responsible for the great quote at the beginning of this review.
He gives some good suggestions on strengthening the church. One includes that when one evaluates their spiritual gifts they note where they're lacking as well as where they're strong. He recommends an altar pulpit centered church, with a solid emphasis on the sacrament of communion as well as Biblical preaching, and that the church has an elder based leadership.
You've heard my thoughts - I also would like to do something I never do, and that's share another view on the book. This is from a person I highly respect: Dr. Mark Bailey, President and Senior Professor of Biblical Exposition at Dallas Theological Seminary (2000-2020) and graduate and former professor/academic dean at Southwestern Conservative Baptist Bible College (now known as Arizona Christian University), where I had the privilege of sitting under his teaching for several classes. He stated:
“Rarely does one find a book so rich in content communicated so well. RetroChristianity is anything but retrenchment. Instead, Michael Svigel advances an agenda to move the church forward without losing the moorings of sound theology grounded in a history of biblical conviction. His words say it best: ‘It’s not rewinding to a more favorable era, but reclaiming the forgotten faith for the future.’ This is a most worthy read!”
Enough said? I highly recommend this book.
July 24, 2020
Excellent book on how recovering the ancient faith is the solution to evangelicalism’s mid-life crisis. Doctrine, identity, and practice all figures in.
Svigel is a Baptist, and a patristics scholar. Because of this his perspective on the reformation is unduly shapes by the Anabaptists at some points and he would benefit from a more Puritanical perspective on worship. These are the only points that keep it from being 5-star. Great book.
Svigel is a Baptist, and a patristics scholar. Because of this his perspective on the reformation is unduly shapes by the Anabaptists at some points and he would benefit from a more Puritanical perspective on worship. These are the only points that keep it from being 5-star. Great book.
August 6, 2019
Best book I've read this year. If you can read this book you would do yourself a huge favor in understanding church not only biblically but historically as well. This book balances many views well and then strikes the middle tension towards what is important and essential in a church. Please read this book, it will change your perspective for sure.
-Mark
-Mark
September 19, 2023
Good challenging book to modern evangelicalism. I was surprised by a few areas in which I was challenged. I'd put it in the hands of people disillusioned with low church chaos
Also Svigel has a habit of portmanteau-ing words and creating slogans/turns of phrase. I'm not saying this is good or bad, just that it happens A LOT.
Also Svigel has a habit of portmanteau-ing words and creating slogans/turns of phrase. I'm not saying this is good or bad, just that it happens A LOT.
April 2, 2020
This book is pure gold. Ecclesiology from a biblical and historical perspective. A must read for church leaders and all of us who love the local church.
November 19, 2021
3.5 stars. Helpful, thought-provoking, challenging.
November 15, 2022
Only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because I wish it had gone into a lot more detail! Otherwise, loved it.
December 15, 2012
I am unavoidably biased in favor of Svigel’s book. But even if I weren’t, I can see the need of the book in the broader Christian culture. Even in my own cultural context, the average Christian’s ability to understand where they fit in the scope of church history and how they are to relate to the church global and local is usually lost. Svigel’s book does a superb job at explaining the importance of the past without idolizing it, and deftly brings the historical core into the present to apply and appropriate. His writing style is conversational and clear and the numerous charts and infographs and worth the price of the book alone (seriously, they are pretty dope). I gave this book a read-thru so I could offer this review, but honestly its a book that I’m either going to put to use in a reading group this summer, or in the classroom this fall, or better yet, both.
Either way, it’s not a book that’s going to sit on my shelf and collect dust. No, it’s a book I’ll go back and at least re-read from time to time.
Read the whole review on my blog
Either way, it’s not a book that’s going to sit on my shelf and collect dust. No, it’s a book I’ll go back and at least re-read from time to time.
Read the whole review on my blog
April 7, 2014
Tired of worship wars mentality? Ever think that the church need to go back to the time when there was no fighting and everything was good? You know, those Biblical times? Striving to get more commitment out of your members? Well, this book will rock your ministry while challenging you and giving you relief from pressure put on by false and unbiblical expectations.
In a culture where "Church growth" and "Christian leadership" courses have more input from books found at the business section of your local Barnes & Noble instead of 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus, this book is greatly needed. Dr. Svigel challenges the reader to view church history as well as theology and compare it to the beliefs determined to be the 'norm' today. Reading this book will make you think differently about Sunday School, about worship and about your faith. It is a challenge greatly beneficial but not for those looking for a quick fix.
In a culture where "Church growth" and "Christian leadership" courses have more input from books found at the business section of your local Barnes & Noble instead of 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus, this book is greatly needed. Dr. Svigel challenges the reader to view church history as well as theology and compare it to the beliefs determined to be the 'norm' today. Reading this book will make you think differently about Sunday School, about worship and about your faith. It is a challenge greatly beneficial but not for those looking for a quick fix.
August 10, 2014
Great book that helps to uncover the paradigm (lens) through which we view our present setting to the Orthodox, Apostolic and catholic(universal) church! What defines Orthodoxy? When do we fall away from the Orthodox faith? How do we balance cultural, traditional views of church practices with the apostolic practices? This and many more questions answered quite well.
April 30, 2015
I liked this. It's very, very helpful for anyone wanting to learn about church history and how it might apply to a modern context. Written in a conversational tone, it's easily accessible, but full of good theology, research, and thinking.
June 20, 2019
Innovative in its presentation, this book seeks to understand the modern church in light of scripture. Historical theology leaving the reader with a great framework by which to understand and practice sound church ecclesiology.
August 7, 2012
Probably my favorite book this year so far...
November 8, 2014
Strong and somewhat radical views of the church and church life.
September 1, 2014
Challenging look at the current Evangelical church, with some concrete suggestions for improvement.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews