Core Christianity: Finding Yourself in God's Story

Written by Michael Horton

Narrated by Michael Horton

What Do All Christians Believe?

For many people, words like doctrine and theology cause their eyes to glaze over, or they find them difficult to understand and struggle to see how they are relevant to daily life. But theology is far from boring; it is the study of God and should lead to awe and wonder as we better understand who God is and what he has done for us.

In Core Christianity, author, pastor, and theologian Mike Horton tackles the essential and basic beliefs that all Christians share. What is core to the Christian faith? In addition to unpacking these beliefs in a way that is easy to understand, Horton shows why they matter to our lives today.

This introduction to the basic doctrines of Christianity is a helpful guide by a respected theologian and a popular author, and it includes discussion questions for individual or group use. Core Christianity is perfect for those who are new to the faith, as well as those who have an interest in deepening in their understanding of what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Zondervan
• Release date: Apr 5, 2016
• ISBN: 9780310530466

Michael Horton

Michael Horton (PhD) is Professor of Systematic Theology and Apologetics at Westminster Seminary in California. Author of many books, including The Christian Faith: A Systematic Theology for Pilgrims on the Way, he also hosts the White Horse Inn radio program. He lives with his wife, Lisa, and four children in Escondido, California.  

Reviews for Core Christianity

[robsumrall · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

"This book is for those who are tired of being starring characters in their own life movie. You want to be written into God's unfolding drama. But where to start?" (14).Michael Horton gets a seminal truth that seems to be lost on many in the American Church today: it's not all about you. So much of church growth strategies, sermon series, and the books that line shelves at the bookstore focus on man. A survey of the theological landscape would lead one to believe that God exists to serve us, instead of the true theocentric drama that Scripture declares. Horton asks the reader to askew their fear of doctrine. "Your heart can only embrace someone you know something about. . . . our closest relationships are not with people about whom we know little. It is only as we get to know people and they prove their character, love, and care that we grow in our desire for their company. . . [T]he unexamined faith is not worth believing" (16).Ever chapter of Core Christianity revolves around Horton's 4 D's: drama, doctrine, doxology, and discipleship. Doctrine grows out of the biblical drama, or the story of God's self revelation. The drama yields doctrine. Doctrine tells us what the drama means for us. These doctrines, rooted firmly in God's drama, fill us with doxology, or praise. Doxology yields the fruit of love and good works, or discipleship. Each chapter follows the method of following the 4 D's.Horton takes a covenantal view of theological issues, walking the reader through topics like the Trinity, revelation, sin, the Lordship of Christ, the incarnation, and eschatological hope.All in all, this book is a wonderful primer. It summarizes Horton's premise laid out in his massive systematic theology, The Christian Faith. I recommend this book strongly based on the explanation of the 4 D's alone!