Understanding Christian Doctrine

Understanding Christian Doctrine is a wonderfully accessible and lively introduction to the central beliefs of Christianity. Each chapter introduces and explores a key area of doctrine such as God, the Trinity, the Church, life after death skilfully taking readers through the main approaches to each topic. Unlike other textbooks, however, Understanding Christian Doctrine then goes on to encourage and show readers how to take a position on these theological issues.

The book is sensitive to areas of contemporary concern, tackling questions that newcomers find particularly perplexing about the Christian worldview, and discussing topics such as religion and science, and religious pluralism. To help readers understand this rich area, the book contains vignettes of major figures, glossaries, and self–study questions.

Introduction.

1. Finding a way in.

2. The Theistic Claim.

3. The Nature of God.

4. The Trinity.

5. The reality of evil and suffering.

6. Creation and the significance of humanity.

7. God Incarnate.

8. Dying to sin, living to redemption.

9. The Holy Spirit and the Church.

10. Sacraments and the life of virtue.

11. Religious Diversity: what is God up to?.

12. Hope beyond the Grave.

13. The End of the Age.

Appendix: Timeline and Vignettes.

Glossary.

Index

Ian S. Markham is the Dean and President of Virginia Theological Seminary. He is also a Visiting Professor at Leeds Metropolitan University. Awards include the Robertson Fellow 2006, Teape Lecturer in India 2004, Claggett Fellow attached to Washington National Cathedral in 2000, and Frank Woods Fellow at Trinity College, Melbourne in 1997. He is the author and editor of twelve books, including A World Religions Reader, 2nd edition (Blackwell, 2000) and Do Morals Matter (Blackwell, 2006).

"A book which can be commended for a number of reasons. It is an invitation for the reader to engage and discuss the questions of theology, almost a pilgrimage to examine options and learn how to evaluate them." ( Expository Times, February 2009)

"Markham offers undergraduate students and interested laypeople an accessible and informative introduction to Christian theology .[The book] successfully alerts readers both to the major thinkers and to the issues involved." (Theological Book Review, 2008)