Zondervan Handbook of Christian Beliefs

By Alister E. McGrath

Two thousand years after the crucifixion of Jesus, Christianity has a greater number of followers than any other religion in the world. What are its essential beliefs? Where did they come from? How are they understood by different denominations? How do they affect the way we live?Zondervan Handbook of Christian Beliefs is a brand-new work written by an international team of expert contributors with the needs and interests of a new generation of readers in mind. Here is an authoritative, comprehensive, and easy to understand survey of Christian beliefs--their origins, their development, and their significance for us today.After an initial historical overview, the book is divided into six major chapters. Spanning the full breadth of Christian teaching and doctrine, the chapters explore in detail the following topics:1. Faith2. God3. Jesus4. Salvation5. The Church6. Christian HopeOther features of this book include: - Expert information written in highly accessible language- Over sixty mini-articles contain more detailed information on subjects ranging from the nativity in Christian art to postmodernity, from the origins of the creeds to Christianity and social justice, from human sexuality to the problem of pain- Nearly 100 full-color illustrations shed additional light on the extensive range of topics- An anthology of excerpts from key Christian thinkers through the agesDefinitive in its scope, the Zondervan Handbook of Christian Beliefs is a sweeping manifesto of the Christian faith that will deepen the knowledge and understanding of every reader.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0310262739
• ISBN13: 9780310262732
• Release Date: February 2006
• Publisher: Zondervan Academic
• Length: 352 Pages
• Weight: 2.20 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.9" x 9.6"
• Age Range: 18 years and up

Customer Reviews

New believer

I bought this book for my husband for Christmas. It took him some time to get into it but once he did, he has really enjoyed it and has learned a lot! It gives lots of information for a new believer to understand the Bible and Christianity.

Tremendous overview for new/young Christians

This book is excellent, given the purpose it was written. It covers the broadest categories of Christian doctrine giving historical examples and development. What is noteworthy also is the fact that the topics are compared and contrasted to contemporary trends and thinking. For a younger audience, the many pictures give the reader a "real world" vantage point to further bring the text to a point of comprehension. I will be using this book as the text for a senior theology class I teach in a Christian high school.

a very good reference for both pastors and laypersons

I would like to send this review in response to the first reviewer that he did not comment on the book at all but mis-judged the editors by their standard, common and acceptable use of the word 'christian' for both Catholic and Protestants. This book really covered a wide range of topics from a broad evangelical view. It is useful to me as a pastor to introduce the faith and doctrine to my congregations.