Christian Faith - Paperback

by Hans Schwarz (Preface by)

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.

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"A clear and accessible account of the Christian faith"

"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, 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. The book will serve as a helpful primer for beginning students of theology, and it 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, 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 so 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

Author Biography

Hans Schwarz (DrTheol, Erlangen University), the author or editor of more than fifty books, is professor emeritus of systematic theology and contemporary theological issues at the University of Regensburg in Regensburg, Germany. He previously taught at Trinity Lutheran Seminary in Ohio.