"Classic Christianity" is a term often used by theologians, scholars, and writers to define the foundational or historical beliefs and practices of the Christian faith. However, the phrase itself is subject to various interpretations depending on the context, tradition, or focus of the writer. Below are several distinctions current authors use to explain "classic Christianity," highlighting different theological perspectives, historical emphases, and conceptual frameworks.

1. Historical Continuity: Ancient Creeds and Councils

One common distinction current authors make when discussing "classic Christianity" is the focus on historical continuity, particularly through the creeds and councils of the early church. Classic Christianity, in this sense, refers to the beliefs that have been universally accepted since the earliest days of the church. These beliefs are often summarized in documents like the Nicene Creed, which defines the orthodox Christian belief in the Trinity, the divinity of Christ, and the resurrection.

Authors such as J.I. Packer in his book "Knowing God" describe classic Christianity as anchored in historical orthodoxy, tracing its roots through the teachings of the early Church Fathers, such as Augustine, Athanasius, and Gregory of Nyssa. Packer emphasizes that these foundational teachings have been passed down through generations and must be distinguished from modern innovations or theological liberalism that deviates from these core tenets.

Theologians in this camp highlight the work of early councils like Nicaea (325 AD) and Chalcedon (451 AD) that clarified critical doctrines about the nature of Christ and the Trinity. By maintaining allegiance to these creeds, they argue that contemporary Christians are remaining faithful to classic Christianity, avoiding modern distortions or reinterpretations of these core beliefs.

2. Doctrinal Core: The Essentials of Christian Orthodoxy

Many authors highlight the doctrinal core of classic Christianity as an essential part of its definition. This perspective holds that certain core doctrines have remained consistent across time, traditions, and cultures, and these represent the heart of classic Christianity. These essential doctrines usually include:

• The belief in the Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
• The divinity and humanity of Christ
• The authority of Scripture as God's revealed word
• Salvation through faith in Jesus Christ
• The resurrection of Christ and the future resurrection of believers

For example, C.S. Lewis in his seminal work "Mere Christianity" focuses on the "mere" or foundational beliefs of Christianity that cut across denominational lines. Lewis refers to classic Christianity as the "common ground" or "essential beliefs" held by all Christians throughout history. He carefully avoids secondary issues that divide Christian denominations (such as the mode of baptism or church polity), instead emphasizing the shared faith in Christ's atoning death, the Trinity, and the resurrection.

Similarly, Alister McGrath, in his work "The Christian Theology Reader," defines classic Christianity as the consensus faith passed down through historical church traditions. He identifies key doctrinal essentials shared across the major branches of Christianity (Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, and Protestantism), arguing that despite various theological and ecclesiastical differences, the core doctrines of the Christian faith have remained consistent and are non-negotiable.

3. Scripture as Foundation: The Primacy of the Bible

Another important distinction current authors make is the role of Scripture in defining classic Christianity. Writers who adopt a more Protestant perspective often emphasize that classic Christianity is rooted in the primacy of the Bible as the ultimate authority for Christian belief and practice. In this framework, classic Christianity is seen as the original teachings of Jesus and the apostles as found in the New Testament, with an emphasis on sola scriptura (Scripture alone) as the guiding principle for faith.

For instance, John MacArthur, in his numerous writings, including "The Gospel According to Jesus," highlights the centrality of the Bible as the authoritative word of God. MacArthur critiques modern interpretations that deviate from the biblical text and calls for a return to the classic Christianity grounded in the clear teaching of Scripture. He argues that any doctrine or tradition not rooted in the Bible should be discarded, and classic Christianity is defined by its fidelity to the apostolic gospel as revealed in Scripture.

This perspective contrasts with those who might place greater emphasis on church tradition or ecclesiastical authority, as seen in Catholic or Orthodox expressions of Christianity. In Protestant circles, however, the distinction of classic Christianity is often framed around the notion that the Bible contains all that is necessary for salvation and godly living.

4. Moral and Ethical Continuity: Classic Christian Morality

Current authors also make distinctions between classic Christianity and contemporary forms of Christianity in terms of moral and ethical teachings. Authors such as Carl R. Trueman, in his book "The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self," suggest that classic Christianity is marked by a set of moral teachings that stand in stark contrast to contemporary cultural trends. Trueman critiques what he sees as the modern emphasis on individual autonomy and self-expression, arguing that classic Christianity upholds a transcendent moral order grounded in Scripture and tradition.

In this view, classic Christianity adheres to traditional Christian teachings on issues such as marriage, sexuality, and the sanctity of life, distinguishing itself from more progressive or liberal forms of Christianity that adapt these teachings to fit contemporary societal norms. For example, classic Christianity affirms traditional views of marriage between one man and one woman, the sanctity of life from conception, and the importance of moral virtues such as humility, chastity, and self-sacrifice.

Russell Moore, in his book "The Courage to Stand," also emphasizes this ethical dimension of classic Christianity. He argues that the church must remain faithful to its moral teachings, even when those teachings conflict with the prevailing cultural ethos. For Moore, classic Christianity is not only about doctrinal fidelity but also about living a life of moral and ethical integrity, as defined by Scripture and the historic Christian tradition.

5. Catholic and Orthodox Perspectives: Tradition and Apostolic Succession

Catholic and Eastern Orthodox authors tend to define classic Christianity in terms of continuity with the apostolic tradition and the importance of the church's sacramental life. For these authors, classic Christianity is not solely defined by doctrinal statements or biblical interpretation but also by the living tradition of the church, which includes the sacraments, liturgy, and apostolic succession.

For instance, Pope Benedict XVI, in his writings such as "The Spirit of the Liturgy," emphasizes the importance of the liturgy and the sacraments in preserving the essence of classic Christianity. He argues that classic Christianity is not merely a set of beliefs but a way of life centered around the Eucharist and the sacramental life of the church. According to Benedict, the church's liturgical practices embody the continuity of faith that has been handed down from the apostles.

Similarly, Alexander Schmemann, an Eastern Orthodox theologian, in his work "For the Life of the World," highlights the sacramental nature of classic Christianity. Schmemann argues that the Eucharist is the heart of the church's life and that classic Christianity is inseparable from the sacramental and liturgical traditions of the church. For Schmemann and other Orthodox theologians, the continuity of apostolic tradition and the church's sacramental life are essential to understanding classic Christianity.

6. Evangelical Revivalism: Personal Faith and Conversion

In some circles, particularly within the evangelical tradition, classic Christianity is also understood as a personal faith that emphasizes the need for individual conversion and a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Authors like Billy Graham, in his numerous sermons and writings, emphasize the classic Christian message of salvation through faith in Christ alone and the necessity of being "born again."

In this evangelical perspective, classic Christianity is often contrasted with nominal or cultural Christianity, where individuals may identify as Christian but have not experienced a personal transformation through faith in Christ. Graham and other evangelical authors highlight the importance of personal repentance, faith, and discipleship as central elements of classic Christianity.

This perspective also emphasizes the evangelistic mandate of Christianity, seeing the proclamation of the gospel and the call to conversion as central to the Christian mission. Classic Christianity, in this sense, is defined by its adherence to the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) and the importance of spreading the gospel to all nations.

7. Ecumenical and Global Perspectives: Classic Christianity Across Cultures

Some contemporary authors emphasize that classic Christianity must be understood as a global and ecumenical faith that transcends cultural and national boundaries. Philip Jenkins, in his works like "The Next Christendom," highlights the shift in the center of global Christianity from the West to the Global South (Africa, Asia, and Latin America). Jenkins argues that while the core beliefs of classic Christianity remain the same, the expression of those beliefs may differ across cultures.

This global perspective on classic Christianity emphasizes the need to appreciate how the Christian faith has been received and practiced in various cultural contexts. While the foundational doctrines remain consistent, the ways in which Christianity is lived out and expressed can vary widely. Jenkins and other scholars of global Christianity argue that classic Christianity is not tied to any one culture or civilization but is a universal faith that adapts to different cultural settings while maintaining its doctrinal core.

8. Apologetic Approach: Defending the Faith

Finally, some authors approach classic Christianity from an apologetic standpoint, defending the rationality and truth of the Christian faith against modern skepticism. Timothy Keller, in his book "The Reason for God," argues that classic Christianity provides answers to the deepest questions of life, such as the existence of God, the problem of evil, and the meaning of life. Keller defends the classic Christian doctrines of creation, the fall, redemption, and restoration, presenting them as intellectually credible and existentially satisfying.

In this apologetic framework, classic Christianity is contrasted with secularism, atheism, and other worldviews that challenge the truth claims of Christianity. Authors in this vein emphasize the need to present the timeless truths of the Christian faith in a way that addresses the intellectual and moral challenges of the contemporary world.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the term "classic Christianity" is explained by current authors through a variety of distinctions that reflect theological, historical, and cultural perspectives. Some focus on doctrinal continuity and the importance of creeds, while others emphasize the primacy of Scripture, the ethical teachings of the church, or the sacramental life of the Christian tradition. Evangelical authors highlight personal faith and conversion, while ecumenical and global authors emphasize the universality of the Christian faith across cultures. Apologetic writers defend the intellectual credibility of classic Christianity in the face of modern challenges. Despite these varied emphases, the common thread is the belief that classic Christianity represents the core, historic faith that has been passed down through the centuries and remains relevant today.