THE BOISI CENTER PAPERS ON RELIGION IN THE UNITED STATES
An Introduction to Christian Theology Thoughtful, constructive interreligious dialogue depends not only upon the openness of the dialogue partners to diverse perspectives, but also upon a reliable foundation of correct information about the various beliefs being discussed. For those who desire a basic understanding of the tenets of Christian faith, this paper offers a brief history of Christianity and summarizes the central Christian beliefs in God, Jesus Christ, the Trinity, the Bible and authority, sin and reconciliation, sacraments, spiritual practices, and ethical living.
INTRODUCTION This paper provides a primer on the basics of
remain in the background of how Christianity is
Christian theology as it is understood in the
perceived and practiced in the United States;
American context. It explains the major beliefs or
frequently, these details may not even be familiar
doctrines that are generally accepted by all
to American Christians themselves. Nevertheless,
Christians while also highlighting the theological
some knowledge of these particulars is essential
diversity of the Christian churches. In other words,
to
although all Christians adhere to the doctrines
Christianity.
ground
an
accurate
understanding
of
discussed here, various groups of Christians often interpret
these
doctrines
differently.
These
This
paper
thus
provides
an
important
disagreements usually have historical roots; thus,
complement to the other papers in the Boisi
Christianity’s
is
Center series. In particular, since religious beliefs
inseparable from its doctrinal development. For
and religious practices always inform one another,
this reason, the paper gives an overview of
reading this paper together with the paper on
Christianity’s
before
Religious Practice in the United States is
moving into a discussion of the major Christian
recommended. The paper begins with a brief
beliefs.
historical outline of the beginnings and major
historical
historical
development
development
divisions of Christianity. It then summarizes the As would be the case with any religious tradition,
Christian beliefs in God, Jesus Christ, the Trinity,
the complexity of Christian theology and history
the Bible and authority, sin and reconciliation,
cannot be explained fully in a brief paper. Many
sacraments, spiritual practices, and ethical living.
nuances of Christian theology and history tend to