Understanding Christian Doctrine is a wonderfully accessible and lively introduction to the central beliefs of Christianity. Each chapter introduces and explores a key area of doctrine - such as God, the Trinity, the Church, life after death - skillfully taking readers through the main approaches to each topic. Unlike other textbooks, however, Understanding Christian Doctrine, then goes on to encourage and show readers how to take a position on these theological issues.The book is sensitive to areas of contemporary concern, tackling questions that newcomers find particularly perplexing about the Christian worldview, and discussing topics such as religion and science, and religious pluralism. To help readers understand this rich area, the book contains timelines, vignettes of major figures, a glossary, and self-study questions.
This is a scholarly work that is very in depth and thought provoking. Each chapter could be (and probably is somewhere) a book on its own. It is well written and will provide ideas for discussion and debate.
If you would like to know more about theology, this is your book. It is both accessible and smart and surprisingly comprehensive for its size. What's different about it is that the author Markham takes a position. Most textbooks attempt to present all arguments as neutral and equally viable, but Markham lays his cards on the table.