Tokens of Trust: An Introduction to Christian Belief (Hardcover)

~ (Author), David Jones (Illustrator)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In this thematic group of reflections based on the ancient creeds of Christendom, the 104th archbishop of Canterbury once again demonstrates his stature as a scholar with a deep concern for the spiritual welfare of contemporary believers. Author of Grace and Necessity: Reflections on Art and Love, and a former professor of divinity at Cambridge University, Williams here investigates the great themes of the Apostles and Nicene Creeds, from creation to crucifixion, sin to resurrection. But while he does not evade examining the doctrines undergirding these early church confessions, his purpose is to support his central argument: when we do not know whom to trust or where to turn, we can have complete confidence in the reliability of a loving God. "At the heart of the desperate suffering there is in the world," writes Williams, "suffering we can do nothing to resolve or remove for good, there is an indestructible energy making for love." At times sober, but rarely inaccessible, the learned archbishop brings a restrained passion to these meditations that will make them more available to readers seeking pastoral guidance along with their theology. (June)
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Product Details

• Hardcover: 176 pages
• Publisher: Westminster John Knox Press (June 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0664232132
• ISBN-13: 978-0664232139
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #103,472 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

31 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A well-written look at the essentials of Christian belief from a more mystical angle, July 1, 2007

By	Helen Hancox "Auntie Helen" (Essex, England) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

This book is based on Rowan Williams' talks in Canterbury Cathedral during Holy Week 2005 and is an introduction to Christianity focusing on six major themes - trusting in God, creation, Jesus, suffering, the church and life after death. These themes are considered with reference to the Apostles' Creed and the Nicene Creed alongside reflections on historical characters such as St Augustine, Thomas Aquinas, Martin Luther and modern people and events.

The book doesn't presuppose significant knowledge about Christianity but the writing style is rather wordy and feels a little more academic than usual in books aimed for this market. It isn't the usual checklist of basic Christian beliefs but is instead a well-written and interesting approach in discussing the trustworthy and unchanging love of God and how we begin to live in the light of this knowledge.

14 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Protestant Learning for Our Times, October 17, 2007

By	G. R. Barrow (Hammond, INDIANA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Based on talks given at Canterbury Cathedral in the weeks before Easter,2005, this beautifully written primer on Christianity by Archbishop Rowan Williams, spiritual leader of the Church of England and 100,000,000 Anglicans worldwide, should be read by anyone interested in the marvellous questions presented: What does it mean to believe in God? Can God be almighty amidst so much evil and disaster? What is the purpose of the church? What does it mean to follow Christ in today's fragmented world?
Once one accepts that God is good and can be trusted, then thought, action and prayer start to make sense. The author discusses statements about belief that were forged in the first three hundred years of the church's history: the creeds. He also examines the records of the Hebrew and Christian scriptures.
This is a book to be sipped slowly, reflected upon, discussed. Archbishop Williams shows and shares with the reader what it means to put our hands into the hands of God, "into a darkness that is God's welcoming touch."
A little gem.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars a sure guide to a vibrant faith, March 4, 2008

By	Daniel B. Clendenin (www.journeywithjesus.net) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

In 1943 CS Lewis transcribed some talks he gave on the BBC radio into a book called Mere Christianity. What Lewis had in mind was to set forth not what any particular denomination believed, but the essence of faith common to nearly all Christians in all times and places. Since then other writers have made similar efforts to distill the gospel. John Stott's Basic Christianity (1961), The Heart of Christianity (2004) by Marcus Borg, and NT Wright's Simply Christian (2006) all come to mind.

The latest and one of the best efforts at explaining the basic tenets of Christian faith comes from no less than the Welshman Rowan Williams (b. 1950). After lecturing at Cambridge University, at the remarkably young age of thirty-six Williams was appointed the Lady Margaret Professor of Divinity at the University of Oxford. In 2003 he became the Archbishop of Canterbury and head of the 100 million-member Anglican church. Considered by many to be one of the most important English-speaking theologians, Williams is also a noted poet. He speaks or reads eight languages. Suffice it to say that any book by Williams is a model of intellectual rigor, cultural relevance, Biblical fidelity, and pastoral care.

This book is an expanded version of a series of talks that Williams gave at Canterbury Cathedral before Easter 2005. The text is written in an informal style and intended for a general readership. As he says in his introduction, he takes nothing for granted (eg, any knowledge of the Bible). The entire book has only twelve footnotes (although numerous references to poetry, history, film, music, etc.). To explain the basics of the faith Williams follows the Apostles' Creed and, when needed to expand and expound, the Nicene Creed. His six chapters, then, take their cue from the creed:

1. I believe in God the Father Almighty
2. Make of heaven and earth
3. And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord
4. He suffered and was buried, and the third day he rose again
5. And I believe one catholic and apostolic Church
6. I look for the resurrection of the dead

In addition, the book includes numerous illustrations by the painter David Jones, along with other photographs from around the world. Williams skillfully avoids the perennial temptation of theologians to say either too much or too little. He is as confident and bold in his faith as he is in acknowledging honest questions and profound mysteries. His method draws on his own Anglican tradition to synthesize what we learn from Scripture, church historical tradition, reason, and experience about a God who is characterized by unconditionally generous love, and who invites us to trust our lives to Him.