A Short Course in Christian Doctrine

This publication sets out to offer an introduction to Christian doctrine, emphasizing that 'doctrine' refers primarily to a dynamic teaching process, rather than to a set of propositions about belief. The chief model for this process is the divine life itself, both in its inner Trinitarian movement and in its sacramental and historical self-expression in creation, incarnation and tradition. Drawing on Protestant, Catholic and Orthodox sources, as well as being in dialogue with such modern philosophers as Habermas and Heidegger, this Short Course also involves extensive discussions of homiletics, spirituality, the relationship between Christianity and culture, and perspectives for Christian approaches to ethical and political challeneges. George Pattison is Lady Margaret Professor of Divinity at the University of Oxford.