To Begin at the Beginning: An Introduction to the Christian Faith

by Martin B. Copenhaver

Overview

Christian faith, says Martin Copenhaver, is not a subject to be mastered like calculus or Shakespeare; it is a story to be told and a life to be lived. No matter how much or how little you know, To Begin at the Beginning tells the story of Christian faith and invites you to take part in it.
In this book Copenhaver covers basic themes—the Bible, church, ministry, sacraments, prayer, ethics—in a clear and inviting way. His approach creates a valuable resource for pastors, an accessible guide for seekers and new Christians, and a "refresher course" for longtime Christians who want to engage anew with what they believe.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781467446877
Publisher:	Eerdmans, William B. Publishing Company
Publication date:	01/22/2017
Sold by:	Bookwire
Format:	eBook
Pages:	247
File size:	525 KB

About the Author

 
Martin B. Copenhaver is president of Andover Newton Theological School and a United Church of Christ minister.
Martin B. Copenhaver is senior pastor of Wellesley Congregational Church in Wellesley, Massachusetts. His other books include Living Faith While Holding Doubts and To Begin at the Beginning.

Table of Contents

Preface ix

Introductions x

Part 1 The God We Worship and Serve

1 The God of Creation and Covenant 3

2 The Jesus of the Incarnation 18

3 The Jesus of the Resurrection 33

4 The Continuing Presence of the Holy Spirit 50

Part 2 The Church as the Body of Christ

5 Life Together as God's People 67

6 The Church's Book 83

7 The Church at Worship 100

8 Baptism with Water and the Spirit 114

9 Eating at Christ's Table 129

Part 3 What Is Promised, What Is Required

10 Conversing with God 145

11 Resurrection to Eternal Life 163

12 Doing Faith 179

13 Sharing the News 195

Part 4 Conclusion

14 The Invitation 213

Notes 224

Selected Bibliography 228

For Further Reading 230

Editorial Reviews

William H. Willimon
"Martin Copenhaver has a great gift for talking about deep and difficult matters in a unique, enjoyable way. His book is a wonderful introduction to the Christian faith or an invigorating way to renew faith."

Barbara Brown Taylor
"Copenhaver has done a bold thing well. Working patiently with the formidable bulk of Christian faith and thought, he has untangled its denser matters and smoothed them out."

Jonathan L. Walton
"To Begin at the Beginning provides an accessible introduction to the Christian faith that is both thoughtful and thought-provoking. Copenhaver is just the sort of advocate and apostle of the faith that Christianity needs in this hour."

From the Publisher