Christianity Today: An Introduction

by George D. Chryssides

Overview

A series of case studies illustrate the contemporary issues facing Christianity in contemporary society. This new introduction aims to present Christianity through the lens of contemporary issues. Illustrated throughout with examples and case studies taken from lived religion, each chapter looks at Christianity in a modern context, and modern issues relevant to the religion. After an initial chapter providing an overview of the faith, its history and basic theological tenets, George Chryssides moves through key contemporary themes: sources of authority in Christianity, science and Christianity, fundamentalism, mission and ecumenism, ethics, and women and Christianity. This title concludes with a final section looking at the future for Christianity in the face of secularism, secularisation and materialism, and its relative growth and decline worldwide. These useful guides aim to introduce religions through the lens of contemporary issues, illustrated throughout with examples and case studies taken from lived religion. The perfect companion for the student of religion, each guide interprets the teachings of the religion in question in a modern context and applies them to modern day scenarios.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781847065421
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	08/01/2010
Series:	Religion Today
Pages:	192
Product dimensions:	5.40(w) x 8.40(h) x 0.60(d)

About the Author

George D. Chryssides is a Visiting Research Fellow at York St John University, UK, and was formerly Head of Religious Studies at the University of Wolverhampton, UK.

Table of Contents

Preface
1. The Basics
2. Sources of authority
3. Science and Christianity
4. Modern biblical interpretation
5. Mission and ecumenism
6. Ethics
7. Women
8. Life and death
9. The future
Bibliography
Index

Editorial Reviews

Offers a comprehensive overview of the main tenets of the Christian faith... An excellent primer.” —Church of England Newspaper

“Christianity Today can be recommended as a brief introduction: excellent on history and biblical scholarship, and good on questions about the relationship between Christianity and science.” —www.thinkingfaith.org

“The breadth of knowledge and research is impressive. Despite its title, the book communicates the diversity of Christianity's history, as well as its contemporary circumstances, and in a non-judgmental manner...The sections on creationism and intelligent design provide fascinating detail and the following chapter on 'Modern Biblical Interpretation' an excellent introduction to that topic...it should leave the reader with a much better overview and sense of Christianity, and springboard for further investigations. I would recommend it not only for undergraduates, but also for the general reader.” —Rebecca Catto, Lancaster University, Modern Believing

“Christianity Today serves its purpose of providing an overview of the religion, the significance of some of its creeds, sacraments, and ethical concerns in an easy to read fashion. This book best suits persons in search of Christianity's background, beyond mere assertions from religious services or propaganda.” —Religious Studies Review

From the Publisher