This book presents a view of Christianity and Christian thinking that draws on some key thinkers from Plato to Wittgenstein and represents a thoughtful 'common sense' theology offered as an alternative to the anti-intellectualism of many contemporary Christians and to the distortions of Christianity provided by some of the most vocal critics. Seeking to make accessible some traditional Christian thinking and practices that are rooted in the desire to make the most of life, Felderhof highlights the additional Platonic corollary that unless we have learned to live well, we shall not properly understand, thus presuming the mutual interdependence of theory and practice. Felderhof portrays how Christian theology is to do with making sense of what Christians do and how generally we are best advised to live. This is an invaluable introduction to key themes for students and a wide range of readers.

Dr. Marius C. Felderhof is a senior lecturer in the School of Philosophy, Theology and Religion of the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom. He has taught Christian theology to undergraduates over many years and has always been keen to bring the subject down to earth. He has an interest in education and been influential in the development of a new religious education syllabus for the schools of the religiously diverse City of Birmingham. This syllabus incorporates a website (www.birmingham-asc.org.uk) and a series of films that are used to bring religious faith to life, highlighting varying religious contributions to the ideals and visions of the good life. He has written many articles for academic journals and recently edited a book with P. Thompson and D. Torevell entitled Inspiring Faith in Schools, Studies in Religious Education

Introduction:; Part I Clarifying What Christians Do; Chapter 1 Eternal Life; Chapter 2 Worship; Chapter 3 Prayer; Chapter 4 Sacraments; Chapter 5 Human Beings; Chapter 6 Living Well; Chapter 7 Sin; Chapter 8 Forgiveness; Chapter 9 Church; Chapter 10 Relating to Different Faiths; Part II Clarifying to What Christians are Committed; Chapter 11 Believing in the Spirit; Chapter 12 The Work of Christ; Chapter 13 The Person of Christ; Chapter 14 On Speaking about the God; Chapter 15 Revelation; Chapter 16 Scripture and Tradition; Chapter 17 Rhetoric and Hermeneutics; Chapter 18 Defining Theology;