Introduction to Christianity

Front Cover
Ignatius Press, 2004 - Religion - 300 pages
One of Cardinal Ratzinger's most important and widely read books, this volume is a revised second edition with an improved translation and an in-depth 20 page preface by the Cardinal. As he states in the preface, since this book was first published over 30 years ago, many changes and significant events have occurred in the world, and in the Church. But even so, he says he is firmly convinced that his fundamental approach in this book is still very timely and crucial for the spiritual needs of modern man. That approach puts the question of God and the question about Christ in the very center, which leads to a "narrative Christology" and demonstrates that the place for faith is in the Church.

Thus, this remarkable elucidation of the Apostle's Creed gives an excellent, modern interpretation of the foundations of Christianity. Ratzinger's profound treatment of Christianity's basic truths combines a spiritual outlook with a deep knowledge of Scripture and the history of theology.

 

Contents

PREFACE TO THE NEW EDITION
11
PREFACE TO THE 1968 EDITION
31
BELIEF IN THE WORLD OF TODAY
39
THE ECCLESIASTICAL FORM OF FAITH
82
PROLEGOMENA TO THE SUBJECT OF GOD
103
THE BIBLICAL BELIEF IN GOD
116
THE GOD OF FAITH AND THE GOD OF
137
FAITH IN GOD TODAY
151
The Creeds image of Christ
202
JESUS CHRISTTRUE GOD AND TRUE MAN
210
THE DIFFERENT PATHS TAKEN BY CHRISTOLOGY
228
CHRISTIAN STRUCTURES
243
THE DEVELOPMENT OF FAITH IN CHRIST IN
271
THE INTRINSIC UNITY OF THE LAST STATEMENTS
331
TWO MAJOR QUESTIONS POSED BY THE ARTICLES
338
GENERAL INDEX
361

BELIEF IN THE TRIUNE GOD
162
OUR LORD
193

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About the author (2004)

Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger (Pope Benedict XVI) is widely recognized as one of the most brilliant theologians and spiritual leaders of our age. As Pope he authored the best-selling Jesus of Nazareth; and prior to his pontificate, he wrote many influential books that continue to remain important for the contemporary Church, such as Introduction to Christianity and The Spirit of the Liturgy.

 

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