The Basics of Christian Belief: Bible, Theology, and Life's Big Questions

I was looking for something that may help explain Christianity to a friend who is open to the gospel that would go through some of the scriptures explaining the nature of God, the fall and the need for a saviour and also give mention to how the bible fits in with science. This book does it perfectly.

Dr. Strahan has put together the best book I have ever read that seeks to give an introduction to Christianity. I highly recommend this book for the new Christian and/or the Believer who has been walking with The Lord but does not have enough understanding when it comes to essential doctrine, worldview, apologetics, philosophy, and other important aspects of the faith. “The Basics of Christian Belief” is written in such a way that it can be used in most Christian denominational settings. This book should also be assigned at the University level for freshman at Christian Colleges; all the way from Roman Catholic, to Baptist institutions! Because Dr. Strahan seems to be working from what is known as a “Paleo-Orthodox” background, this book can “fit-in” almost anywhere. I would also recommend this book to anyone who is not a Christian but wants an honest and full understanding of Christianity and it’s significance. Dr. Strahan is able to summarize the work of some of the best scholars in Christian academia in a way that is easy to comprehend. He writes with a humble and pure heart. Dr. Strahan also provides readers with some of the best resources for further reading; but in a world of busyness and limited time, this book essential for that layperson who is interested in going deeper into their faith but can’t commit to seminary training and becoming a scholar.My only real issue with this book is found in pages 81-82 and 162-163. Dr. Strahan is extremely charitable to the Darwinian Evolutionary model (or Theistic Evolution). Christians who believe in a young Earth and take Genesis 1-2 entirely literal are made out to look somewhat foolish. While he does a great job at showing the complexities of those texts and presenting things that all interpreters must have reasonable answers for (some of the poetic language of the text, similarities between these texts and other ancient near-Eastern creation accounts, how the ancient world thought versus how we think, etc.), I wish he would’ve remained neutral on this subject and presented the different views on this topic while being fair to each. One must keep in mind that he is targeting these portions of the book (mainly) to the person who is struggling to reconcile what they believe to be true about what science teaches and Christianity. He does not want anyone to think that it’s impossible to follow Jesus and believe in evolution as taught by Darwin. While I disagree with Theistic Evolution, I appreciate Dr. Strahan’s heart here. Nevertheless, I suggest a revision on those areas and seeking to remain true to the premise of the book (the Basics of Christian belief). On a smaller note, I wish he would’ve written with a push towards cartesian certainty in the truth of Christianity. Our faith is not possibly or most-likely true, it’s certainly and absolutely true. Of course there are tough questions to answer, but Dr. Strahan gives great answers to them.You will definitely be challenged on prior notions and misconceptions you may have had about Christianity before reading this book but you will end up with a better understanding of the faith that was delivered to the saints. I hope to see this book thrive because Dr. Strahan has provided the church with another powerful tool and for that I say “thank you brother!”

This book is far too expensive big $40 for a hard cover,, it doesn’t even make sense. I read it five times and don’t understand a single word I understand a message he wants to get out but it still makes no sense OK

Joshua Strahan received his PhD in New Testament from Fuller Theological Seminary, a Master of Divinity degree from Abilene Christianity University, and is an associate professor of biblical studies at Lipscomb University, where he teaches courses in Freshman Bible and New Testament, and has a background in campus ministry. He has conducted in-depth research on theological interpretation and the books of Luke of Acts. He is a prolific author and speaker, and has written many books, such as Awaiting the King, The Limits of a Text, and others. In his book The Basics of Christian Belief, Strahan essentially lys out the entirety of the foundation of Christianity, the Bible, theology, and biblical answers to some of life’s most difficult questions. Beginning in the Old Testament, Strahan outlines the full metanarrative of Scripture, detailing the life of Jesus, the Trinity, the New Testament church, the biblical plotline, and also digs into Christianity’s distinctiveness, challenges to the Christian system, and some challenging or even controversial questions in the world today, such as the existence of a God, morality, the purpose of humanity and the universe, and what happens when we die. This book is recommended primarily for new Christians still navigating the world of faith, as well as any who are curious about the Christian faith and any believers who seek to better understand the full foundation of their beliefs.

This book is beautifully written and brought up insights into christianity I had never thought about before. It's definitely a must read no matter where you are in your faith.

I don't like this book because it is so dumb and overpriced

An excellent book that serves as an introduction to the Christian faith. Not overtly evangelical, thoughtful and reflective, this book deals with modern problems with holding a faith remarkably well. It clearly lays out the essentials of Christianity in a very lucid style. Would recommend.