Status
Available
Other editions
Description
What is Christianity? The main goal of this book is to answer such a question. The author considers that the best way to achieve it is to focus on a basic text, the Apostles' Creed, in which the Christian community has summarized its faith, a faith proclaimed every time they gather to recite it.
Publication
Ignatius Press (2004), Edition: Revised, 300 pages
Original publication date
1968 (German)
ISBN
1586170295 / 9781586170295
Collection
User reviews
LibraryThing member kurtabeard
Joesph Ratzinger's (Pope Benedict)Introduction to Christianity should more aptly be named a Philosopher's Introduction to Christianity. Ratzinger set's out to explain the apostles creed but spends his time focusing on 2 main sentences "I believe in God the Father," "I believe in Jesus Christ, His
The first portion of Ratzinger's book develops a meaning and basis for belief, specifically in God the Father. He discusses the option and means of faith in the modern world. The second portion focuses on the person of God the Father and modern belief in Him. The second major section focuses on the person Jesus Christ and his character as an "I" (a man) and messiah (God). There is a third major portion covering the last section of the creed, Holy Spirit and the Church.
Overall Ratzinger's book reads like many of the writings of the Early Church Fathers, heady, philosophical and full of meaning. He focuses on philosophy and logic while assuming the Bible. He is as quick to find support from Karl Marx and Charles Darwin as he is from Ignatius and Augustine. The books shows a well read scholar who isn't afraid to interact with the less approved characters of history. This willingness brings the book out of the realm of Christian only into the realm of books for everyone. The book is to deep and long for a simple introduction and to philosophical to be of interest to many but it is good for learning where faith stands within the modern context.
Show More
only Son our Lord." In fact he breaks the first sentence down into two portions I believe and God the Father.The first portion of Ratzinger's book develops a meaning and basis for belief, specifically in God the Father. He discusses the option and means of faith in the modern world. The second portion focuses on the person of God the Father and modern belief in Him. The second major section focuses on the person Jesus Christ and his character as an "I" (a man) and messiah (God). There is a third major portion covering the last section of the creed, Holy Spirit and the Church.
Overall Ratzinger's book reads like many of the writings of the Early Church Fathers, heady, philosophical and full of meaning. He focuses on philosophy and logic while assuming the Bible. He is as quick to find support from Karl Marx and Charles Darwin as he is from Ignatius and Augustine. The books shows a well read scholar who isn't afraid to interact with the less approved characters of history. This willingness brings the book out of the realm of Christian only into the realm of books for everyone. The book is to deep and long for a simple introduction and to philosophical to be of interest to many but it is good for learning where faith stands within the modern context.
Show Less
LibraryThing member CACPua
A comprehensive look at Christianity and the heart of the faith makes this truly an Introduction to Christianity. Then Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger writes clearly and with conviction an expounded biblical explanation on human belief in God as a Trinity and its development throughout history. Not only
Show More
is the book good for theological studies but also for meditation and those who would seek personal enlightenment. In here, the Cardinal presents the basic tenets of the Creeds in a purely Theo-centric perspective. The preface chapters introduced the Profession of Faith as integral and it's essential meaning to the faithful. Introduction to Christianity is a must read. Show Less
LibraryThing member hbuchana
Ratzinger does not disappoint in this well thought and deep dive into Christianity. Far from the introductions typical to draw a neophyte to the Faith, this book is directed to the serious follower to absorb (in very short bursts for me) the significant theme of belief by a pedestrian walk through
Show More
the ancient (and modern) Apostles Creed. It will be a book I will reread multiple times and recommend to all those who really want to delve deeply, not only in what they believe but why. Show Less