Shirley C. Guthrie Jr.

Christian Doctrine has introduced thousands of laity, students, and theologians to the tenets of the Christian faith. This edition reflects changes in the church and society since the publication of the first edition and takes into account new works in Reformed theology, gender references in the Bible, racism, pluralism, ecological developments, and liberation theologies.

This classic work by Shirley Guthrie probes the important question: how can Christians maintain their identity in a pluralistic society without becoming exclusive, intolerant, and irrelevant? Now, in this new edition, three distinguished theologians reflect on Guthrie's original question while commenting on and enlarging other key themes in Guthrie's work, including the Trinity and the church, world spirituality, and God's freedom. Together, these new essays add even more depth to Guthrie's profound reflections on how the Christian community can be an open, inclusive, and relevant community without losing its own authenticity.

Why is it that people who read the same Bible and talk about the same Christ, even when they belong to the same church, have trouble getting along with each other and committing themselves to a common witness in the world? In this highly original book, Shirley Guthrie looks at these questions and provides a framework that will help Christians better understand their own beliefs, learn from each other, and be more open to working for greater union in addressing serious issues.