A mammoth and important rendering of the Christian faith, by one of the most prominent living Roman Catholic theologians. KÅng (Univ. of TÅbingen, Germany; On Being a Christian, 1976, etc.) surveys Christianity from its origins to the present in a highly readable account that illuminates without being didactic. In an age of confusion about spirituality and the meaning of Christianity, he writes, ``I have not given up hope that it will still be possible to live out Christian faith credibly in the third millennium.'' To redefine Christianity for the future, KÅng looks back; beginning with the ``question of essence,'' he explores attempts by theologians and philosophers to define the core of the religion. For some, like Marx and Feuerbach, all religion (Christianity included) is merely a human projection of psychological needs for something greater than themselves. Others, like Harnack in the early 20th century, sought to discover an ethic rooted in the supposedly pristine teachings of Jesus. Following this review, KÅng discusses the central doctrines of Christianity that are affirmed across denominations (monotheism, the centrality of Jesus as messiah, the workings of the Holy Spirit). The bulk of the volume is devoted to a kaleidoscopic review of the history of the faith from earliest origins to the present. The author views Christian history as a series of paradigm shifts (such as the shift from medieval allegorical scriptural exegesis to Luther's linguistic and grammatical exegesis); these models allow him to discuss differences among various denominations while keeping an eye on what they also share. KÅng does not skirt thorny issues, including papal infallibility, the changing role of women, and the encounter with other faiths. Despite its length, the book doesn't conclude the author's task. This volume is envisioned as part of a trilogy, also covering Judaism (Judaism, 1991) and Islam (forthcoming). Impressive work that could become essential reading for students and interested laypersons alike.
Pub Date: July 1, 1995
ISBN: 0-8264-0819-2
Page Count: 932
Publisher: Continuum
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 1995
BOOK REVIEW
Worthwhile reference stuffed with facts and illustrations.
A compendium of charts, time lines, lists and illustrations to accompany study of the Bible.
This visually appealing resource provides a wide array of illustrative and textually concise references, beginning with three sets of charts covering the Bible as a whole, the Old Testament and the New Testament. These charts cover such topics as biblical weights and measures, feasts and holidays and the 12 disciples. Most of the charts use a variety of illustrative techniques to convey lessons and provide visual interest. A worthwhile example is “How We Got the Bible,” which provides a time line of translation history, comparisons of canons among faiths and portraits of important figures in biblical translation, such as Jerome and John Wycliffe. The book then presents a section of maps, followed by diagrams to conceptualize such structures as Noah’s Ark and Solomon’s Temple. Finally, a section on Christianity, cults and other religions describes key aspects of history and doctrine for certain Christian sects and other faith traditions. Overall, the authors take a traditionalist, conservative approach. For instance, they list Moses as the author of the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Hebrew Bible) without making mention of claims to the contrary. When comparing various Christian sects and world religions, the emphasis is on doctrine and orthodox theology. Some chapters, however, may not completely align with the needs of Catholic and Orthodox churches. But the authors’ leanings are muted enough and do not detract from the work’s usefulness. As a resource, it’s well organized, inviting and visually stimulating. Even the most seasoned reader will learn something while browsing.
Worthwhile reference stuffed with facts and illustrations.Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2005
ISBN: 978-1-5963-6022-8
Page Count: -
Publisher: N/A
Review Posted Online: May 23, 2010
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
This a book of earlier, philosophical essays concerned with the essential "absurdity" of life and the concept that- to overcome the strong tendency to suicide in every thoughtful man-one must accept life on its own terms with its values of revolt, liberty and passion. A dreary thesis- derived from and distorting the beliefs of the founders of existentialism, Jaspers, Heldegger and Kierkegaard, etc., the point of view seems peculiarly outmoded. It is based on the experience of war and the resistance, liberally laced with Andre Gide's excessive intellectualism. The younger existentialists such as Sartre and Camus, with their gift for the terse novel or intense drama, seem to have omitted from their philosophy all the deep religiosity which permeates the work of the great existentialist thinkers. This contributes to a basic lack of vitality in themselves, in these essays, and ten years after the war Camus seems unaware that the life force has healed old wounds... Largely for avant garde aesthetes and his special coterie.
Pub Date: Sept. 26, 1955
ISBN: 0679733736
Page Count: 228
Publisher: Knopf
Review Posted Online: Sept. 19, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 1955
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Follow
Popular in this Genre
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
