Introducing Christianity

by Sally Bruyneel, Alan G. Padgett

Overview

This book provides a remarkably compact and readable survey of Christianity. From basic religious concepts the authors go on to explore notions of sacred time and space and the distinctive attributes of Christian worship. They consider in turn the person and story of Jesus, the role of the Bible, the history of the early church, the growth of denominations, and basics of Christian theology. Along with suggestions for further reading, a glossary and an index, each chapter includes sidebars and questions for class discussion or personal reflection. Introducing Christianity offers a basic text for religious studies courses with a diverse student body as well as courses in religious history and world religions.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781570753954
Publisher:	Orbis Books
Publication date:	07/28/2003
Pages:	160
Product dimensions:	5.40(w) x 8.24(h) x 0.49(d)

Table of Contents

	Preface	xi
1.	Introduction	1
	To Begin With: Some Basic Concepts	4
	Questions for Further Reflection	9
2.	Sacred Time, Sacred Space	10
	Sacred Time	10
	Sacred Space	17
	The Church Building: Some Key Vocabulary	18
	Christian Symbols You Should Know	19
	Questions for Further Reflection	21
3.	Christian Worship	23
	Corporate Worship	24
	The Sacraments	26
	Beyond Sunday Morning	30
	Types and Families of Christian Churches	32
	Questions for Further Reflection	34
4.	Who Is Jesus?	35
	Jesus and His People, the Jews	36
	What Christians Believe about Jesus	46
	Questions for Further Reflection	51
5.	The Bible--The Christian Book	52
	Old Testament and Hebrew Bible	52
	The Old Testament Canon	59
	The Deuterocanonical Books	62
	The New Testament	64
	The New Testament Canon	67
	Bible Translations	68
	Questions for Further Reflection	69
6.	Common Christian Roots	70
	The New Testament Period	71
	The Patristic Period	75
	The Middle Ages	82
	Toward the Modern Period	91
	Questions for Further Reflection	92
7.	Denominations and Difference	93
	The Protestants	94
	The Reformation on the European Continent	96
	The Radical Reformers	99
	Christianity in England and America	100
	The Catholic Reformation	105
	The Pentecostal and Charismatic Movements	106
	Christianity and the Challenge of Diversity	107
	New Movements in Theology	111
	Questions for Further Reflection	114
8.	Christian Life and Thought	115
	Christian Ethics	117
	Love and Christian Virtue	124
	Christian Theology	133
	Questions for Further Reflection	137
	Suggestions for Further Reading	139
	Glossary	143
	Index	155