[ review ]
Storyformed Pamphlets 1-3
by Mark Palmer (Brethren in Christ Church Planter, Columbus, OH)
Rising above the recent rash of commentary on the early Church comes the new Storyformed Series from Doulos Christou Press. The series is being released in the form of small pamphlets, and is "...intended to introduce lay audiences to stories of faithfulness from the history of the Church."
Messengers of the Cross: The Apostles and the Persecutions of the First Two Centuries is the first in the series, and what a wonderful and natural place to begin telling the story of the basics of our faith. Messengers of the Cross opens with a small piece on each of the 13 Apostles, focusing solely on their post-resurrection ministry and martyrdom. It then traces the history of the persecutions of the first two centuries, specifically the violence against the Christians under Nero, Domitian, Trajan, Marcus Aurelius Antoninus, and Severus. Included in these descriptions are the stories of those followers of Jesus who shared in the suffering of their Lord Jesus through martyrdom. Their testimonies are a powerful witness to the Church of today, calling us to radical discipleship and unwavering commitment to Christ and the demands of the cross.
The second in the series is a wonderful primer on early Christian baptism and repentance through the writings of Tertullian. Transformed!: Tertullian on Repentance and Baptism borrows the majority of its content from three of Tertullian's treatises: On Idolatry, On Repentance, and On Baptism. These topics will be further explored in the upcoming book by C. Christopher Smith entitled Water, Faith, and Wood: The Witness of the Early Church for Today. This pamphlet is an effective introduction to those who may not be familiar with the writings of Tertullian, and it also exposes us to the form and function of baptism in the early Church. Tertullian's message at first seems wordy, and in some places downright harsh. But he knew the Gospel message well, and he spoke it unwaveringly.
Bound to Christ: An Introduction to St. Benedict and His Rule, the third pamphlet in the Storyformed Series, offers us a brief glimpse into the life of St. Benedict and the communities that he formed in worship and service to God. The contents of Bound to Christ is comprised of excerpts paraphrased from three sources: The Rule of St. Benedict, Pope Gregory I's Life of Our Most Holy Father St. Benedict, and Schaff's History of the Christian Church Vol. III. Many may question what a monastic community formed over 1500 years ago has to offer to a church seeking to make disciples today. But Benedict's manner of forming communities of faith, and the devotion to God fostered within those communities, is a powerful model for all those seeking to be radical in their service to our Creator.
The most valuable thing about this new series is the accessibility of its content. Many of us do not have access to the primary sources that do such an elegant job of painting a picture of discipleship in the early Church. The Storyformed Series has placed in our hands this invaluable information, and we're better for it. For those seeking inspiration in their devotion to Jesus, and who desire to feel connected to the larger Story, the Storyformed Series is an invaluable resource.
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The Storyformed pamphlets are availble, starting at the low cost of $1.50 for 1 copy. Get your copy today.
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