Christian Orthodoxy: a Closer Look

What do Christians believe—and where did these beliefs come from?Joseph Grogan invites readers to journey with him back to the beginnings of Christianity, where it emerged from a diversity of early Christian thought. From differing ideas about Jesus, an orthodoxy gradually developed, ultimately expressed in the books of the New Testament and 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, rare in contemporary Christian books.Blending scholarly rigor with reader-friendly prose, this work examines: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 permeated early Christian thought and later contributed to the formation of denominationsComparisons with other world religions—shared ethical values and spiritual themes across culturesWhether you are a lifelong believer, a thoughtful skeptic, or simply curious about the foundations of Christianity, this book offers a profoundly deeper understanding of the faith—one that may very well transform your perception of Christian belief.