A contemporary introduction painting an attractive, winsome picture of the essentials of what it means to become a Christian, organized around a series of eight pairs of statements contrasting human needs with God’s provision.
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From the Back Cover
A fresh overview of Christianity--in language and presentation that GenX and GenY readers will enjoy and respond to
Each new generation has to discover the meaning of the gospel within their own culture. Essential Christianity provides a contemporary, winsome introduction to the basics of what it means to be a Christian--in an "unchurchy" language and style that is aimed toward readers who have curiosity about the basics of Christianity and enjoy receiving information by reading. It is an evangelistic book for seekers and interested skeptics, and assumes no previous Christian understanding.
Essential Christianity is written to be more informative than apologetic. Instead of building a linear line of arguments for Christianity, the author, James Berkley, presents a clear, concise, appealing description of what Christianity is and extends a welcoming invitation to become a Christian. God is the one who has the ability to "close the deal" in people’s lives. It is not intended to contend against other beliefs (because non-Christians see that as mean-spirited), but rather to present the essence of Christianity with interest and vitality.
Features include:
* The plan of salvation presented through eight paired statements of human need compared to God’s nature
* Comparable to C. S. Lewis’s Mere Christianity and John R. W. Stott’s Basic Christianity, but targeted to be warmly relational with contemporary language
* Includes side-bar quotes from noted authors
* Chapters conclude with "Thinking it over" questions for group and individual use
Each new generation has to discover the meaning of the gospel within their own culture. Essential Christianity provides a contemporary, winsome introduction to the basics of what it means to be a Christian--in an "unchurchy" language and style that is aimed toward readers who have curiosity about the basics of Christianity and enjoy receiving information by reading. It is an evangelistic book for seekers and interested skeptics, and assumes no previous Christian understanding.
Essential Christianity is written to be more informative than apologetic. Instead of building a linear line of arguments for Christianity, the author, James Berkley, presents a clear, concise, appealing description of what Christianity is and extends a welcoming invitation to become a Christian. God is the one who has the ability to "close the deal" in people’s lives. It is not intended to contend against other beliefs (because non-Christians see that as mean-spirited), but rather to present the essence of Christianity with interest and vitality.
Features include:
* The plan of salvation presented through eight paired statements of human need compared to God’s nature
* Comparable to C. S. Lewis’s Mere Christianity and John R. W. Stott’s Basic Christianity, but targeted to be warmly relational with contemporary language
* Includes side-bar quotes from noted authors
* Chapters conclude with "Thinking it over" questions for group and individual use
About the Author
James D. Berkley (University of Washington and Fuller Theological Seminary) has served as an editor for magazines published by Christianity Today and is the author of numerous magazine articles and seven books. Dr. Berkley and his family reside in Bellevue, Washington, where he serves First Presbyterian Church.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Finally, an accessible book for the interested seeker,
By A Customer
This review is from: Essential Christianity (Paperback)
There has long been a need for a readable and user-friendly explanation of faith for the non-Christian who wants to know more. What C.S. Lewis did for his generation with "Mere Christianity" and John Stott did for another with "Basic Christianity", Berkley has now done for ours. He has put forth the case for faith in Christ engagingly and faithfully. This will become a great help to those who want answers and to those who want to "give a reason for the hope that they have."
5.0 out of 5 stars
Essential Christianity is a great book,
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This review is from: Essential Christianity (Paperback)
I really enjoyed reading this book. It gives a very down-to-earth description of the basics of Christianity. It is written in a light hearted way, and it's obvious the author knows his topic well. I highly recommend believers and non-believers to purchase this book
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Inside This Book
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First Sentence:
Fall of my sophomore year in college-I still can't recall it without aching a little. Read the first page Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ, God the Father, King David, Son of God New!
Concordance | Text Stats Browse Sample Pages:
Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
Fall of my sophomore year in college-I still can't recall it without aching a little. Read the first page Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ, God the Father, King David, Son of God New!
Concordance | Text Stats Browse Sample Pages:
Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
Citations (learn more)
This book cites 26
books:
See all 26 books this book cites
- Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis on 4 pages
- Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis on 4 pages
- Basic Christianity by John Stott on page 54, Back Matter (1), and Back Matter (2)
- The Case for Christ: A Journalist's Personal Investigation of the Evidence for Jesus by Lee Strobel on page 5, and page 57
- The Roman Empire: Second Edition by Colin Wells on page 49
See all 26 books this book cites
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