Essential Truths of the Christian Faith

Short, concise chapters on the most foundational tenets of Christianity. Important takeaways for newbies to Christian theology.

This book is concise thorough and extremely educational in nature. Meant for new christians and beginners in theological study in its layout but contentwise is fit for all christians. Its a wonderful joining of historical christian understanding and scriptural references into one book. Its about 100 some doctrinal areas. Sproul puts in the back of the book resources for continued reading in theological pursuits on beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels. Well worth the time and money!

R. C. Sproul's 'Essential Truths' is just that: essential. For anyone new to the Christian faith, or for anyone seeking answers to what Christians believe, this book will be a welcome read. Sproul tackles all of the major tenets of Christianity from "Who is God" to "What is Heaven like?" What does baptism mean? What is sanctification? Should I obey the government? The book contains 102 chapters, none of which runs more than three or four pages. The bite-sized chunks are perfect for personal daily reading or for group study. Each chapter also contains Scriptural references dealing with the topic covered. 'Essential Truths' will not answer all your questions, but it is a good place to start for the new Christian, the skeptic, or anyone in between. My only complaint: Sproul gives a list of books for further reading at the back of the book, but doesn't break them down by category. All in all, however, Sproul has given readers a great introduction to the basics of the Christian faith.

"Essential Truths of the Christian Faith" lives up to its title. As a quick overview of Christian doctrine (from a Reformed Theology perspective) there is no book like it that I have come across. And having once been the book buyer for a Christian bookstore, I've seen a truckload or two of books.I have always liked R. C. Sproul's works. His "The Holiness of God" is the finest overview of that topic available. Sproul brings the same dedication to "ETotCF", providing the reader with core theological points and the Scriptures to back them. As a quick reference it shines. For anyone starting in the faith or seeking a more broad grounding in doctrine, this is as good a place to start as any.The very fact that so much is being covered in so few pages means that there is an automatic issue of depth. No topic is covered in its full theological glory. Entire volumes have been written on topics like faith and sin, so one cannot come to this work expecting mind-bending treatises or total analysis. Most of the hundred and two topics are only given two to three pages at most. This makes the "Essential" in the title true: only the essence exists here. But again, for what it seeks to accomplish, this book hits the bullseye.If you are not familiar with Reformed Theology, it differs slightly from other schools of theological thought, but not in any way as to be questionable. Personally, I find Reformed thought to be the most solid of all the differing viewpoints. But as such, there will be some differences in the issues of grace, eschatology, methodologies of sanctification and justification, and ecclesiology. Charismatics/Pentacostals, for example, will find him at once sympathetic and antagonistic to many cherished doctrines. One must remember, though, as with all books on doctrinal issues, the truth lies somewhere in the middle. And more often than not, Sproul will be waiting for you at the middle ground.One of those rare books that shoul occupy space in every Christian's bookshelves, I go back to it again and again. And when it comes down to it, what more could you want?

I read this book several years ago when it first came out, and it still sits on my shelf today because it is a wonderful one-stop reference for a great deal of theology. Written from the Reformed perspective, it feels more like reading short magazine articles than reading a seminary textbook, and this feature will probably double the average reader's chances of actually finishing it. I did wish the author would have spoken more about his view of sanctification, which was not one of the doctrines listed. Other than that, it was a thoroughly enjoyable read.