The Complete Idiot's Guide to Christianity

by Jeffrey B. Webb

Book Overview

A comprehensive and objective overview of the Christian religion analyzes the differences among diverse Christian denominations and discusses diverse theological ideas and movements that mark... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 159257176X
• ISBN13: 9781592571765
• Release Date: March 2004
• Publisher: Alpha Books
• Length: 325 Pages
• Weight: 1.24 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 7.4" x 9.1"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 12 and higher

Customer Reviews

Perfect for anyone exploring the many facets of Christianity

I was raised by parents of two different Christian religions and have often been confused by the differences between the two--and the many other religions. Webb does a terrific job of giving readers the information they're looking for on every Christian religion. I now have a better understanding of not just Catholics and Episcopalians, but Mormons, Amish, Quakers and I especially loved the information on the Jehovah's Witnesses. A great resource for anyone who's curious or looking to explore the many options Christianity has to offer!

Getting the Little Groups Right Too

As a Mennonite, I first turned to the chapter on "Mennonites, Amish, and Brethren" and was happily surprised to find that we were not caracitured as just a quaint, simple people. The history behind our traditions helped even me make sense of why we don't do things other Christians do (for example, why my Amish cousins don't wear mustaches with their beards or why my father never voted in presidential elections). Easy to read but very substantive (the author's Ph.D. in history is from University of Chicago). A great nightstand book because of manageable section sizes. Or just a great resource to pull off the shelf when you want to understand the beliefs of your new neighbor or a co-worker.

Getting the Little Groups Right

As an Anabaptist in the Mennonite tradition, I first turned to the chapter on "Mennonites, Amish, and Brethren"--and was happily surprised to find that not only were the descriptions of our beliefs and practices right on, they were also revealing even to me of why--because of our history--we don't do some things that other Christians practice (why, for example, my Amish friends don't wear mustaches with their beards, or why my dad never voted in presidential elections). So this is a book that captures not only the bigger denominations in a very reader-friendly way but also those smaller groups that are often dismissed as quaint but irrelevant. A great nightstand book (sections sizes are easy to manage) or just a good reference resource to find out why the new neighbor or coworker believes what he or she believes.

Unity in Diversity

Webb's book does an excellent job of explaining, in very simple terms, the various traditions in the Great Christian Tradition. I found the book engaging, easy to read, at times funny, and very informative. This is a must read!