Questions of Faith: A Skeptical Affirmation of Christianity

Does God exist? What was so special about Jesus? How can one be Christian in a pluralistic society? These are among the fundamental questions addressed by leading religious and cultural commentator, Peter Berger, in this engaging exploration of faith in modern times.

The book is structured around key phrases from the Apostles Creed, which the author uses to explore the basics of Christian belief. Drawing on both the Christian theological tradition and the work of other relevant thinkers from Freud through to Simone Weil, he negotiates between traditional and modern, liberal and orthodox views.

Throughout the book, Berger takes the position of an open–minded skeptic, not bound by any traditional authority, be it church, scripture, or personal experience. At the same time he explores his own beliefs, indicating why, in the end, he does have faith.

Preface.

1. I Believe .

2. In God .

3. The Father Almighty .

4. Creator Of Heaven And Earth .

5. I Believe In Jesus Christ, His Only Son, Our Lord .

6. He Was Conceived By The Power Of The Holy Spirit And Born Of The Virgin Mary .

Excursus: On Prayer In Christ s Name.

7. He Suffered Under Pontius Pilate, Was Crucified, Died And Was Buried .

Excursus: On The Empty Tomb And Other Miracles.

8. He Descended Into Hell. On The Third Day He Rose Again. He Ascended Into Heaven, And Is Seated On The Right Hand Of The Father. He Will Come Again To Judge The Living And The Dead. .

9. I Believe In The Holy Spirit .

10. The Holy Catholic Church, The Communion Of Saints .

11. The Forgiveness Of Sins .

Excursus: On Christian Morality.

12. The Resurrection Of The Body, And The Life Everlasting .

Bibliography.

Index.

Peter Berger, well–known sociologist and lay theologian, is director of the Institute on Religion and World Affairs at Boston University. His recent publications include Many Globalizations: Cultural Diversity in the Modern World (2002), The Desecularization of the World: Resurgent Religion and World Politics (1999), The Limits of Social Cohesion (1999), and Redeeming Laughter: The Comic Dimension of the Human Experience (1997).

"This book gives us the mature reflection of a really major contributor to issues of faith in our contemporary situation. Peter Berger is a master of the art of communication who educates his readers by including them in his own inner conversation in all its honesty and with repeated flashes of clarification and illumination. Once again his is a voice that has to be attended to." David Martin, Emeritus Professor, London School of Economics <!––end––>

"[T]his is a lively work of apologetic that will be found valuable by believers and open–minded seekers alike." Church of England Newspaper