ChristianityIn this broad, comprehensive introduction to the religion of Christianity, Dr. Ekstrand takes the student on an exciting journey of divine truth. Written in a clear, conversational manner, he explores the truths of Scripture, the teachings of Jesus Christ, the message of the apostles, and the testimony of 2000 years of Church history. As such, this book presents the essence of orthodox Christianity as represented by both Catholic and Protestant traditions. The breadth of the material provided gives the student information that is useful for both personal reflection and group discussion. This textbook gives contemporary understanding to the dynamics of Christianity by examining it from four perspectives ¿ science, philosophy, theology, and history. Its key features include: - A working definition of religion and a description of the four types of religion - An examination of the scientific evidence that confirms the existence of God - A presentation of the philosophical arguments that affirm the existence of God - A review of the most significant theological teachings of orthodox Christianity -A survey of the history and growth of the Christian community worldwide By dealing frankly and honestly with the highs and lows of the Christian faith as it spread across the globe, the student will come to a greater understanding of Jesus Christ, and those who have followed Him over the centuries. Those who take the journey through this book will discover it be a fascinating inspirational experience. AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY OF Dr. Donald W. Ekstrand DR. DONALD W. EKSTRAND is adjunct professor of Christian studies at Grand Canyon University, and religious studies in the Maricopa Community College District in Arizona. Dr. Ekstrand holds degrees in business, education, theology and divinity ¿ he received his undergraduate education at Arizona State University, his training for ministry at Talbot School of Theology, and his doctoral education at Western Seminary. He has served in teaching and executive administration positions for more than 30 years. Don and his wife, Barbara, have two grown daughters and live in Phoenix, Arizona. |
Contents
Chapter Page | 1 |
THE WORLD OF RELIGION | 7 |
RELIGION AND THE COSMOS | 17 |
THE ORIGIN OF THE UNIVERSE | 37 |
THE EVIDENCE OF SCIENCE | 59 |
THE EXISTENCE OF | 77 |
THE INCREDIBLE HUMAN BODY | 95 |
The Brain | 105 |
THE TRIUNE GODHEAD | 167 |
CHRISTIAN BELIEFS AND PRACTICES | 189 |
SACRED SCRIPTURES AND ANCIENT WRITINGS | 211 |
The Heavens | 228 |
First through Fifteenth Centuries | 233 |
THE LATER YEARS OF CHURCH HISTORY | 255 |
EPILOGUE | 281 |
BIBLIOGRAPHY | 287 |
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Acts ancient animals apostles became belief system believe Bible biblical blood body brain Bridgeman Art Library C. S. Lewis cells century Chittick Christian faith Church claims Corduan Corinthians cosmos covenant created creation culture death Deuteronomy divine doctrine earth Empire Ephesians eternal Etinger evidence evolution evolutionary evolutionists existence Exodus flood fossil Galatians Geisler & Brooks Geisler & Holden Gellman Genesis Gitt God’s Grand Rapids Greek Halverson heart heaven Hebrews Holy Spirit human Isaiah Islam Israel Jeremiah Jerusalem Jesus Jesus Christ Jewish Jews John Jonathan Z Judah Judaism kingdom Kings live Luke Luther macroevolution Matthew Messiah million monotheism moral nature Old Testament orthodox pantheism person Peter Pope prophets Protestant Psalm reality referred Reformation religion religious result resurrection Revelation Rome salvation says scientific scientists Scriptures secular sins supernatural teaches Temple theory things Thomas Nelson Publishers transcendent truth ultimate understand universe Weaver word worldview worship