Straight Talk: Clear Answers about Today's Christianity

by Jerry Pattengale

No Synopsis Available.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1931283273
• ISBN13: 9781931283274
• Release Date: May 2008
• Publisher: Triangle Publishing Co
• Length: 252 Pages

Customer Reviews

Straight Talk for You

For those individuals who could be classified as "seekers" (i.e., those seeking to learn about Christianity), this book serves as a first look at the basics of Christian beliefs. However, Str8 T@lk also serves as a "refresher course" for any Christian who desires to once again get in touch with his or her primary beliefs about Christianity. Designed to appeal to today's college students, as witnessed by the unusual title, this publication addresses issues of interest to a wider audience, as these same issues can present points of conflict, question, and discussion faced by any Christian individually, or as a member of a community of believers. Pattengale begins with the most basic of Christian doctrines, addressing the Trinity, different Christian denominations, the Nicene Creed and Apostles' Creed, and variations in Christian faith traditions. Specific chapters focus on key concepts of Christianity: salvation, sanctification, morality and purity, vocation, evangelism, and discipleship, guiding the reader from personal to global applications of these key concepts. Pattengale brings his classic historian's perspective of using primary sources as a foundation for Str8 T@lk. He bases the book on Christ's teachings as his primary source of material, using these central teachings as the basis for each chapter. Opening the chapters with a scriptural passage lays the groundwork for the information to follow, serving to focus the reader on the teachings of Christ which will be addressed in the text. Frequent scripture passages continue to underlie and amplify the information presented in the section titled Understand the Need, the core material of each chapter. (All New Testament passages are taken from the New International Version.) In addition, the author opens each chapter with artistic black and white illustrations, which provide an added dimension to the information in the chapter. These art works serve to stimulate thought and reflection through their visual appeal, engaging one's natural sense of curiosity. The layout format and page arrangements grab and maintain reader interest. Personal vignettes represent one of the most interesting features of the book; these vignettes describe experiences from Pattengale's life, as well as insights from other authors. Predictability combined with surprise enhances readability, and provides variety to maintain the reader's interest. Str8 T@lk is recommended for use with students in a variety of settings, including religion classes at the high school and college levels, bible study groups, and youth groups. The book would be especially effective as a springboard for discussions about issues with which young adults grapple on a daily basis. Read in conjunction with other resources and with the Bible, Str8 T@lk represents a powerful source of information and affirmation for young adults seeking to discover meaning in scriptures, and to learn more about Christianity.