CHRISTIAN ORTHODOXY: A Closer Look: Examining the Foundations of Christian Faith

What do Christians believe—and where did these beliefs come from?More than a history of Christianity or a Christian theology book, this work examines the Christian faith in all the textual, cultural, and philosophical dimensions. Joseph Grogan takes readers through early church history to explore how diverse Christian ideas developed into what later became orthodoxy. These differing perspectives were ultimately expressed in the books of the New Testament and later formalized in the Nicene Creed, which remain the doctrinal mainstay for churches today.Christian Orthodoxy: A Closer Look carefully examines each doctrine through the lens of orthodoxy as well as from unorthodox perspectives, opening new pathways of understanding for Christians and non-Christians alike. The book avoids dogmatic rhetoric, but instead thoughtfully assesses long-held beliefs through scriptural interpretation, taking into account historical and cultural context. It presents a refreshingly honest and balanced evaluation of Scripture and doctrine, rarely seen in contemporary Christian books.Blending scholarly rigor with reader-friendly prose, this work addresses:The Christian canon—who wrote the texts, when, and how they gained acceptanceDoctrinal development—varying beliefs about Jesus's divinity, the virgin birth, salvation, the resurrection, and the TrinityThe Nicene Creed—a uniform framework of belief established through the first two ecumenical councilsScriptural interpretation—how differing readings influenced early Christian thought and later contributed to the formation of denominationsComparisons with other world religions—shared ethical values and spiritual themes across culturesRegardless of religious background, readers will emerge with a clear, encompassing view of Christianity—its development, scriptures, doctrines, and diversity of Christian thought through the centuries.