by: Hans Schwarz

• Format

  E-Book

  ISBN

  9781441245878

  Pub. Date

  Sep 2014

  SRP

  $22.00

  Buy

About

This reader-friendly primer offers a concise yet thorough overview of the Christian faith. Hans Schwarz, one of the major Lutheran theologians of the last half-century, covers the Christian faith from creation to the final fulfillment of life. He gives his account of the major points of Christian doctrine, always moving from the biblical text to the unfolding of the faith through the centuries to contemporary significance. This brief systematic theology will appeal to professors, students, pastors, and educated lay readers who want a quick but profound and biblically grounded overview of the Christian faith.

Contents

Introduction: Luther's Central Insights
Part 1: Presuppositions for the Faith
1. Theology
2. Revelation
3. Scripture
Part 2: God the Creator
4. God
5. Creation
6. Humanity
7. Sin
Part 3: Christ the Redeemer
8. Jesus of Nazareth
9. Jesus as the Christ
Part 4: The Holy Spirit as God's Efficacious Power
10. The Holy Spirit
11. The Church
12. The Means of Grace
13. The Christian Hope
Index

Endorsements

"Without any reduction of the scholarly acumen of his earlier writings, Hans Schwarz sets out a clear and accessible account of the Christian faith that will surely be of benefit to a wide audience. Drawing especially from the riches of his own Lutheran tradition, Schwarz penetrates to the heart of the gospel and offers an engaging account of what Christian faith is all about. I commend it highly."

Murray Rae, University of Otago, New Zealand

"With skills honed by decades of teaching and writing theology, Hans Schwarz combines admirable clarity with deep learning in this fine summary of Christian doctrine. Deeply evangelical and always in conversation with Luther, Schwarz is careful to include relevant reflections on Scripture, science, and philosophy in each chapter. This up-to-date invitation to begin the wonderful task of thinking God should be helpful to students, teachers, and pastors alike."

Alan G. Padgett, professor of systematic theology and coordinator for Methodist studies, Luther Seminary

"The Christian Faith is a coherent handbook of systematic theology grounded in the biblical narrative and guided by the Reformational insights of Martin Luther. It is ecumenical in scope and evangelical in orientation. Schwarz attends to the historical dimensions of Christian doctrine, engaging other contemporary theologians and entering into apologetic conversation with scientific and philosophical disciplines. The book is reflective of Schwarz's rich global experience and his wide-ranging theological interests. It will serve as a helpful primer for beginning students of theology and will be a welcome companion for pastors and missionaries seeking to articulate the trinitarian faith with clarity in the midst of the spiritual and intellectual challenges of the twenty-first century."

John T. Pless, assistant professor of pastoral ministry and missions/Director of Field Education, Concordia Theological Seminary

"Often the goals of 'faithfulness' and 'relevance' are pitted against each other. But Schwarz's The Christian Faith is faithful to classic Protestant teaching and demonstrates esteem for modern science and contemporary culture. Schwarz builds on decades of reflection and offers a presentation of creedal faith that is approachable, wise, and lively. This book will help a new generation of university and seminary students, engaged pastors, and laity dig deeper into faith."

Mark Mattes, Grand View University

Reviews

"Schwarz offers a lucid and compelling introduction to Christian theology and belief. As a Lutheran theologian, he relies on many of the theological insights of Martin Luther; nevertheless, this book draws on and examines a wide variety of Christian theologies. . . . Though the book was written by a distinguished academic theologian, it is readable and accessible for many different levels of readers. The author writes from a definite Christian position, but makes his own case. In doing so, Schwarz invites readers to begin the task of thinking about the nature of God and the implications of that nature for human beings in the world. The prose is simultaneously engaging and serious and always articulate. . . . Recommended. Lower-division undergraduates and above; general readers."

M. A. Granquist,

Choice

"In order 'to critically construe the content of our faith,' Schwarz offers this accessible, clear, and concise catechism. Grounded in Scripture and buttressed with the teachings of theologians throughout Christian history, this book is also radically contemporary. . . . Ecumenical in scope and evangelical in tone, this new book explains the history and value of the theological ideas expressed in the creeds. Schwarz, although clearly indebted to Luther and Lutheranism, discusses the central tenets of Christian faith quoting broadly from Eastern and Western sources . . . This book provides a method for deepening understanding among all who profess the Nicene Creed. Specifically he isolates key points of faith, analyzes many individual debates between denominations, and gives advice on moving forward. . . . This book will be interesting and useful to Lutheran and non-Lutheran Christians, to both students and practitioners of theology. Moreover, the book is suited to any reader who is interested in the theological ideas articulated in the creed. As such the book is historical, philosophical, theological, and ultimately evangelical."

Jennifer Hockenbery Dragseth,

Lutheran Quarterly

"Schwarz manages to tell a very complex story of classical Western Christianity, including historical details, figures, and anecdotes, in a short, readable, accessible volume. This is an important achievement and a great service to beginning theology students and to others trying to get handle on the historical flow of Western Christian thought."

Amy Marga,

Interpretation