The Faith of the Christian Church: An Introduction to TheologyTyron Inbody has taught the basics of Christian theology for more than twenty-five years. Having seen over the years what issues and questions his students bring to class, he now offers this engaging, accessible introduction to all the major beliefs of the Christian faith. Meant especially but not exclusively for readers new to theology, Inbody's Faith of the Christian Church covers twelve traditional areas of Christian teaching: theology, revelation, faith, God, creation, suffering and evil, humankind, Jesus Christ, salvation, church, sacraments, and the end times. Inbody also dives into provocative topics not usually treated in introductory texts -- creationism, the devil, miracles, the virgin birth, and more. The book's broad-ranging perspective, which intentionally defies labels, commends it to individuals and small groups from many church traditions. Quote boxes and illustrations drawn from popular culture make the text visually interesting and enjoyable to read. Inbody does not hide his own stance on issues but presents a full range of interpretations and openly points readers to other possibilities they can pursue. The Faith of the Christian Church offers just enough questions to provoke reflection and just enough answers to encourage readers to form their own grasp on the Christian faith. |
Contents
Thinking about Faith | 1 |
II Why Complicate Things? Some Preliminary Questions about Theology | 4 |
The Task of Theology | 10 |
IV The Limits of Theology | 19 |
V Modes of Thinking Theologically | 23 |
Resources for Thinking about Faith | 27 |
II The Primacy of Scripture | 28 |
III Shaped by Tradition and Traditioning | 34 |
Developments within the Classical Tradition | 170 |
Shame and Han | 178 |
V Redeemed Humanity | 181 |
Faith in Jesus Christ | 185 |
II The Birth and Death of Jesus | 191 |
III The Resurrection of Jesus | 196 |
IV Jesus the Christ | 201 |
V Jesus Christ Liberator | 206 |
IV Reasoning Faith | 39 |
V Confirmed by Experience | 45 |
Revelation and Faith | 52 |
II General Revelation | 56 |
III Special Revelation | 60 |
IV Elemental Faith and Saving Faith | 64 |
V The Faith of the Church | 71 |
Faith in God | 77 |
II God in the Bible | 83 |
III The Theistic Concept of God | 88 |
IV Dialectical Theism | 92 |
V The Triune God | 98 |
Faith and the Natural World | 106 |
Creatio ex Nihilo | 110 |
III Six Days or Forever? Creation and Evolution | 116 |
Creatio Continua | 120 |
V Miracle and Prayer | 126 |
The Threat to Faith | 134 |
A Theistic Explanation of Suffering and Evil | 139 |
III The Devil the Demons and the Demonic | 143 |
IV Why Doesnt God Do Something? Creation Tragic Structure and the Will of God | 149 |
God and Human Suffering | 153 |
The Lack of Faith | 160 |
II Sin and Original Sin | 165 |
Saving Faith | 212 |
Interpreting the Atonement | 219 |
The Christian Idea of Salvation | 222 |
Justification | 228 |
Sanctification | 233 |
The Community of Faith | 240 |
7 1 Cor 413 The Identity of the Church | 245 |
The Marks of the Church | 252 |
18 The Mission of the Church | 256 |
11 The Ministry of the Church | 260 |
Initiating and Maintaining Faith | 269 |
II Christian Sacraments | 274 |
Baptism | 279 |
Eucharist | 286 |
V FAQs | 290 |
The Fulfillment of Faith | 297 |
II What Is the Goal of History? | 301 |
Do We Survive Our Death? | 305 |
IV What Are Gods Ultimate Purposes? | 310 |
V Is Jesus the Only Way to God? | 315 |
Glossary | 322 |
Index | 357 |
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