Description
Book SynopsisWithout presupposing prior knowledge this accessibly written introduction to Christianity covers the entire history of the religion from its Old Testament foundations up to the present, including the significant individuals, events, doctrines, and rituals of the faith. Sinclair surveys the major historical forms of Christianity (Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, Protestantism) and the contemporary issues that divide Christians today (e.g., homosexuality). The book also tackles such difficult topics as the origin and relevance of biblical prophecy, the historicity and significance of the miracles of Jesus (and the resurrection), combining evolution and biblical faith, and producing an intellectually coherent explanation of the Trinity and the Incarnation. Throughout the book, Sinclair carefully explains what he himself believes as a contemporary critical Christian and why, and provides readers with enough information to form their own independent opinions. He also acknowledges the dark side of Christian historythe crusades, anti-Semitism, the wars between Catholics and Protestants, the forced imposition of Christianity on native peopleseven as he celebrates the spiritual depth and dazzling cultural achievements of the largest religion in the world.
Trade ReviewTo me the overwhelming, indeed stunning, achievement of this work is the way it consistently makes Christian faith and practice in context over time simple without being simplistic, shallow, or conventional. Often contending ideas, which in their day generated emotional heat and volumes of literature, are all given their due, respectually but succinctly and non-technically. One who knows the territory can appreciate the achievement and still learn something. The 'beginner' for whom the work is intended can read and learn much without needing back up texts, glossaries, or other supplemental material. It's all there in an amazingly accessible way. -- Roderick B. Dugliss, dean of the School for Deacons
Scott Sinclair's An Introduction to Christianity for a New Millennium is a fair-minded, gracious, and most readable work, written from the perspective of a 'moderately liberal' Episcopalian. Sinclair offers a clearly articulated and noble attempt to make faith credible in an age of skepticism and consumerism. Individuals of diverse perspectives and backgrounds have much to learn from the book's lucid and thoughtful engagement with Christ and culture. -- James R. Peters, University of the South
This is an admirably concise analysis of Christian beliefs from the mind of a fine biblical scholar and the heart of a committed Christian. Sinclair fuses the eye of history with the eye of faith to produce a richly informative and edifying account of the legacy of the great Nazarene. -- Philip Novak, Dominican University of California
Table of ContentsChapter 1: Creation in Genesis 1-2 and Subsequent Christian Thought Chapter 2: The Fall, Noah, and the Understanding of "Sin" in the Christian Tradition Chapter 3: The Patriarchs and the Nature of Faith in the Christian Tradition Chapter 4: The Exodus and the Understanding of God in the Christian Tradition Chapter 5: A Sketch of the History of Israel under the Judges and Kings; God as Visible in History Chapter 6: Biblical Prophecy Chapter 7: Biblical Wisdom, Especially, the Book of Job and the Problem of Whether God is Just Chapter 8: A Sketch of the History of Israel from the Exile Until the Time of Jesus; Life After Death in the Christian Tradition Chapter 9: A Sketch of Jesus's Life and Personality Chapter 10: The Birth of Jesus and the Doctrine of the Incarnation Chapter 11: The Baptism of Jesus and Baptism in Subsequent Church History Chapter 12: The Teaching of Jesus Chapter 13: The Miracles of Jesus and Their Significance Chapter 14: The Eucharist in the Life of Jesus and Subsequently Chapter 15: The Death of Jesus and the Doctrine of the Atonement Chapter 16: The Historical Problem of Whether Jesus Rose from the Dead Chapter 17: The Significance of the Resurrection for the Early Church Chapter 18: The Early Church and the Taking of the Gospel to the Gentiles Chapter 19: The Problem of Who Was Jesus and How Can We Know; John's Gospel Chapter 20: The Patristic Era Chapter 21: Monasticism Chapter 22: Three Major Types of Christianity Chapter 23: The Challenge of Modernity Chapter 24: Finding the Feminine in the Christian Tradition Chapter 25 Chapter 25: Post-European Christianity
