The Torch of the Testimony

by John W. Kennedy

The 2,000 year history of those Christians - and churches - that have stood outside the Protestant-Catholic tradition. This book was originally published in India in 1964 and is little known in the western world. Beginning in the first century John Kennedy traces the history of Christian groups who remained outside formalized religion down through the ages. A stirring, passionate and sometimes heart-rending story of suffering to the centrality of Christ within the Body of Christ.

John W. Kennedy is from Great Britain, but has lived in India since 1952 ministering among indigenous and apostolic Christian groups.

Genres: History, Christian, Church History

266 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1983

Reviews

[Leah Chappell · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this book originally published in the 1960's, author John Kennedy maintains that since the time of Christ there have always been those who choose to follow Him in simple obedience, not under the dictates of man, and not influenced by a "church" that became nothing more than a human organization (Catholic or Protestant). He follows the thread from the beginning of Christianity up to the 19th century, detailing the histories of various groups that were largely ignored by history, sometimes called heretical, often given outlandish labels, but themselves claiming no name other than "Christians" or "believers". They all had these things in common: They refused to call anyone Lord but Christ, they maintained spiritual life (not just dead works or rote teachings), and they upheld the authority of the Scriptures. In contrast to that, and to provide context, he also gives a little history of "the Church," the human religious organizations that sometimes strayed so far from the teachings of Christ that they became almost unrecognizable as Christian (if they had not been called Christian in name).

While the author's style is sometimes a little difficult to read, the sincerity of his message and his excitement about the subject shine through. He treats the subject chronologically, focusing here and there on exemplary individuals or events. By the end of the book, when he talks about more recent history, he's mostly focused on Europe and largely on English-speaking people. While the events covered in this part of the book are no less interesting, it does leave the reader wondering what happened to the rest of the world!

Personally, I found very fascinating his explanation of how the early church of the New Testament gradually morphed into the Roman Catholic monstrosity. One of the main points he makes are that people begin to go wrong when they accept as doctrine things not explicitly stated in Scripture, so it's interesting that he seems to subscribe to a few such views himself: for example, he implies that new believers ought to be subjected to a "trial period" to see if they produce spiritual fruits before they are baptized; he also states his belief that the gifts of prophecy and apostleship are no longer functional. Fortunately, he doesn't dwell on these things. Overall, this book is a very exciting and illuminating portrait of God's (sometimes unrecognized) work, in simple believers, with simple faith, throughout the centuries.

[Ren · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you hear the term 'church history', what comes to mind? Is it the rise and fall of popes? The forming of denominations? The annals of an institution?

Kennedy tells the story of the spiritual church, the bride of Christ, which has stood outside of institutional Christianity down through the ages. He argues that as a group of followers of Christ becomes more intent on setting down rules and structure rather than depending on life through the Spirit of God in the body of believers, it eventually degenerates into dead religion. But the Spirit, which cannot be contained by an institution of man, burns anew in men and women who again and again have removed themselves from the religious system of their day to be separated unto Christ, to follow Him according to the Word of God. This is the fascinating story of the true Bride of Christ.

“When the Lordship of Christ ceases to be the sole impetus of the church, and self-sufficient man takes over, there are bound to be changes in the spiritual pattern which suggest themselves in the name of efficiency, for the spiritual pattern just does not work when man, and not God, is in control. Human expediency, however, has never proved a good hand-maid to spiritual progress.” - p. 50

[Jon Mills · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great history of the church, but not the track most people are taught. Very encouraging.

[Ike Unger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written and gives a great look into the different movements and people who have advanced the cause of Christ. I loved how well each is summarized, you gain a great perspective without all of the extra details.

[Jason Nather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strongly recommend!