Introduction to Christianity (Communio Books) - Explore Christian Faith & Theology for Beginners | Perfect for Bible Study & Spiritual Growth

Some years ago, John Roach, archbishop of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, explained to his priests, "You fellows should understand that Cardinal Ratzinger and Pope John Paul II are two of the most brilliant theologians living in the world today. Either could argue rings around a lowly archbishop."The author Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger will be remembered by a grateful Church as the first pope in many centuries to retire. Some might remember him as the Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, a thankless job, under Pope John Paul II. But neither memory does justice to the theologian who wrote Introduction to Christianity.The book opens the Apostles Creed, explaining its liturgical, scriptural and philosophical roots, and emphasizes the importance of each of these resources. A religion that celebrates the mysterious doctrine of Incarnation must revere history and philosophy. It cannot suppose the Word of God disdains human contact; rather the Word appears in world history as an empowering guide, leading humanity toward its rightful destiny.The Creed, born of Jesus' own words (Matt 28:19), is a symbol which links the contemporary Christian to the ancient Church, by way of liturgical recitation, prayer and study. As symbol it also binds the Christian to the God who has revealed himself as Trinity. It assures us there is no other god, nor is there any other authority in heaven or earth to rival the One God. Declaring "I believe" the Christian takes her place in the community of faith.Introduction to Christianity certifies my own conviction that "un-churched Christian" is an oxymoron. No one can know Christ without belonging to his Church. It should be obvious to any thinking person that, without the Church, the memory of Jesus would have been lost centuries ago. The Spirit will not let that happen; it draws men and women to the living Communion in every generation. They have only to forgive the Church for its sins, and to accept forgiveness for their own sins, to discover its irresistible charm. As Jesus said, "When I am lifted up I will draw all things to myself." (John 12:32)This book, of course, is only one of several superb books by the author. I heartily recommend two other works, The Spirit of the Liturgy and his three volume work Jesus of Nazareth, written during his years as the pope.My only regret is that I did not read Introduction to Christianity thirty years ago.