Instead of introducing students to Christian theology through its doctrines, this text introduces it through discussion of church practices and of the experience of everyday Christian life. By taking a practical approach it encourages students to see that the goal of inquiring after God should be spiritual growth as well as intellectual understanding, enabling them to integrate their faith with their thinking.The classic and contemporary texts brought together here introduce students to Christian life and thought across the centuries, opening up a dialogue between past and present. These discussions will acquaint readers with Christian claims about God, Jesus Christ, scripture, human nature, sin and salvation in everyday life as well as in communal ecclesial practice. The points of entry examined are study, science, work, affliction, repentance and forgiveness, prayer, love of neighbor, scripture, meditation, preaching, the Christian sacrament of the altar, Christian art, and reflective discernment.

Ellen T. Charry is Margaret W. Harmon Associate Professor of Systematic Theology at Princeton Theological Seminary. Previously, she served on the faculty of Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University, Dallas. Her most recent book is By the Renewing of Your Minds: The Pastoral Function of Christian Doctrine (1997).