The Christian Faith
An Introduction to Christian Doctrine
1. Edition September 2001
212 Pages, Hardcover
Wiley & Sons Ltd
This book offers a comprehensive and lively look at the Christian
faith by internationally-respected theologian, Colin Gunton.
Distilling a lifetime's experience of teaching and thought, this is
a book for those who wish to understand the meaning and relevance
of the fundamental beliefs of Christianity.
The order of the book follows the central themes of the Nicene
Creed, the manifesto of the Christian faith. Beginning with
consideration of creation and providence, it moves on to the person
and work of Christ, and then to the human appropriation of belief
and eschatology. A concluding chapter brings together, in a
treatment of the Trinity, a discussion of the divine attributes and
the doctrine of God that has been revealed in the process of the
book's argument.
No other book offers such a comprehensive, systematic and
accessible overview of the Christian faith. It will prove
invaluable to students of introductory theology, as well as anyone
interested in the fundamental claims of Christianity.
Part I: Foundations: 'Maker of Heaven and Earth':.
1. Establishing: The Doctrine of Creation.
2. Providence.
3. Man and Woman.
Part II: 'His only Son, Our Lord':.
4. 'Suffered under Pontius Pilate': A Theology of Salvation.
5. The Identity of Jesus Christ.
6. 'And was Made Man': The Incarnation and Humanity of Christ.
Part III: The Perfecting Cause: 'And in the Holy Spirit':.
7. Christian Community and Human Society.
8. The Shape of the Christian Life.
9. The Last Enemy.
Conclusion:.
10. The Triune God of Christian Confession.
General Index.
Index of Biblical References.
"Here is a dogmatics in outline from a contemporary master of the discipline. Trinitarian in shape, biblical in its vision of the Christian gospel, catholic in scope, this is a lively, engaging and provocative exposition of Christian teaching which will delight learners and teachers alike.' John Webster, University of Oxford
"The Christian Faith is not only a catechetical resource, ideal for the classroom, but it is also his "dogmatics in outline", a tentative plan for his long awaited magnum opus. I commend this book to every teacher, and every student." Reviews in Religion and Theology
"This is a deeply impressive summation of prolonged work in doctrinal (systematic) theology." Times Literary Supplement
"Colin Gunton...here summarizes a lifetime of theological reflection in an introductory survey of Christian beliefs...The virtues are significant: a command of the history of theology that enables Gunton to draw as needed on the insights of the early church, the Reformers, and Barth in particular; writing that is always clear and often elegant; and common sense that avoids fads and extremes." The IRT Bulletin
"...provides a systematic and accessible overview" Journal of Contemporary Religion
"Laypersons, students, pastors, and theologians alike will find this volume an expansive, insightful, and inspiring guide to the deep themes of Christian faith, remarkably integrated into a coherent and winsome theological vision." The Princeton Seminary Bulletin
"Gunton pulls together an elegant and powerful systematic account of the Christian faith which is dominated at both a macro and micro level by the Trinity and a rich feast it is too." Richard Briggs, St John's College, Durham