Written for undergraduates with little or no background in the breadth of Christianity, the text of the book reports on the diversity of Christian belief and practice, and is accompanied with student-friendly learning helps, including side-bar definitions, art, photos, study questions, essay topics, and suggestions for further exploration in short stories, novels and films.
- Publisher Fortress Press
- Format Paperback
- ISBN 9780800698195
- eBook ISBN 9781451465204
- Dimensions 7.5 x 9.25
- Pages 336
- Publication Date July 1, 2013
Endorsements
“In a culture marked by increasing levels of biblical and religious illiteracy, Gail Ramshaw offers the thoughtful student a cogent, straightforward, and engaging introduction to the study of Christianity. What is Christianity? leads students into a clear-eyed examination of what binds and separates millions of Christians across the globe. The work of a distinguished author and gifted teacher, What is Christianity? bears the imprint of many years in the classroom with skeptical and inquisitive undergraduates—a gift to the thousands of us who teach university students week in and week out.”
—Samuel Torvend
Pacific Lutheran University
“Gail Ramshaw has written a textbook that is both accessible for undergraduates and innovative in its presentation of Christianity. By using a variety of scholars to introduce each chapter with an ‘outsider’s’ view, the book will appeal to the growing segment of ‘nones’ who populate the required religion courses at many Christian-affiliated universities and colleges. At the end of each chapter is a gold mine of suggested activities, readings, and assignments that new and veteran professors will welcome.”
—Rhoda Schuler
Concordia University
"With lucid prose and with apt and arresting graphics, this text befriends the studious reader. Its organization for a comprehensive but comfortable semester, its opportunities for professorial creativity, and its erudition all together announce to the professor teaching an introductory course on Christian history—Choose me."
—Joseph Dougherty
La Salle University
Samples
Teaching Aids
Introduction: Why Study Christianity?
Chapter 1: Why is the Bible central to Christianity?
Chapter 2: What do Christians believe about God?
Chapter 3: What do Christians believe about Jesus?
Chapter 4: What do Christians believe about the Spirit and the church?
Chapter 5: Why does Christianity have so many denominations and spiritualities?
Chapter 6: How do Christians worship?
Chapter 7: How did the church develop?
Chapter 8: What are saints?
Chapter 9: What do Christians say about their relationship to the state?
Chapter 10: What do Christians say about sexual issues?
Chapter 11: What do Christians say about science?
Chapter 12: What do Christians say about religious truth?
Chapter 13: Conclusion