The Complete Idiot's Guide to Early Christianity

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Early Christianity
Author: J. Michael Matkin
Publisher: Penguin
Total Pages: 324
Release: 2008-05-06
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 1101058005

Where it all began—for two billion followers worldwide The most popular religion in the world has a variety of doctrines, beliefs, and practices. This book helps its legion of followers to better understand where it all began, while exploring everything from how early Christians lived to Jesus’ initial message and its impact on the church. • Explores every aspect of the church and the roots of its core beliefs • Easy to understand and use • Covers the hot topics of Christianity—women in the church, Gnosticism, politics, and more • Author is a well-known scholar and expert on ancient Christianity

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Christianity

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Christianity
Author: Jeffrey B. Webb
Publisher: Penguin
Total Pages: 356
Release: 2004
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 9781592571765

CIG to Christianityhelps readers define what Christianity is all about, from the roots of Catholicism and the three streams of Protestantism, to "Christianity without borders"-fundamentalism, evangelicalism, the Charismatic movement, and "New Age" Christianity. Whether people are searching for the right Christian church for themselves or seeking to understand the differences between denominations, this book is a fascinating look at where Christianity is right now. How different are Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches? Lutherans and reformed denominations? Quakers and Mennonites? Can you be a Christian without belonging to a church?

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Evangelical Christianity

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Evangelical Christianity
Author: David Cobia, D.Min.
Publisher: Penguin
Total Pages: 440
Release: 2007-04-03
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 1440626081

The word on spreading the word ... The Evangelical Christian movement is the fastest growing segment of American religion with 42% of all Christians in America identifying themselves as Evangelicals. Now, Evangelical Pastor David Cobia shares the genesis, history, and culture of this religion in America with a balanced, accessible tone. He also touches upon the controversies it's spawned regarding such topics as school curriculum, abortion, gay rights, and family structure. Written both for those inside the movement and those wanting to know more, it gives a clear, factual portrait of what this growing Christian movement is all about. --Balanced, positive yet objective tone and presentation of information --Provides a complete history of the movement, details about specific services and rituals, and interviews with Evangelical Christians about their beliefs and lifestyles --Discusses controversial topics and how Evangelical Christians feel about them

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Writing Christian Fiction

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Writing Christian Fiction
Author: Ron Benrey
Publisher: Penguin
Total Pages: 356
Release: 2007
Genre: Language Arts & Disciplines
ISBN: 9781592576814

They say there's nothing new under the sun, and the Christian fiction industry certainly didn't spring full blown with the advent of the Left Behindseries in 1996. Remember Christyby Catherine Marshall? Published in 1967, its inspiration was the life of Marshall's mother - and the Christy Award, presented annually since 1999 to recognize novelists and novels in several categories of Christian fiction, was named after it. What makes Christian fiction? There are several givens, despite the subgenres- the Christian worldview must be woven throughout both the book's plot and its character development. But must it put proselytizing before telling a good story? How much sex - if any! - is okay in a Christian romance? Is it all right to approach edgy subjects in a Christian mystery? Is it possible to seamlessly integrate a Christian message in a crackling good yarn? In The Complete Idiot's Guide to Writing Christian FictionRon Benrey - himself the author of successful Christian fiction - offers readers chapter and verse of writing Christian women's, romance, thrillers and mysteries, warfare, historical, biblical, speculative, and young adult fiction that deliver strong, inspirational messages and sell!

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Christian Prayers & Devotions

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Christian Prayers & Devotions
Author: James Bell Jr.
Publisher: Penguin
Total Pages: 312
Release: 2007-02-06
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 1440625654

How to talk to God. Through practical examples, The Complete Idiot's Guide to Christian Prayers and Devotions demonstrates the impact of down-to-earth conversations with God. Organized by topic, this volume is ideal for browsing through prayers and devotions according to the your interest-from joy and depression to assistance and gratitude-and contains both modern-day prayers and prayers from antiquity. --The only book currently on the market to include both prayers and devotions for Christians --Organized by topic: joy, depression, giving thanks at holiday time, asking for assurance, prayers of contentment, prayers of salvation, and much more --Author has written numerous books on religious topics and has been a prominent figure in religious publishing

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Jesus

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Jesus
Author: James S. Bell
Publisher: Penguin
Total Pages: 388
Release: 2005
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 9781592573479

A comprehensive overview of the life, times, and teachings of Jesus Christ provides valuable information on his life, from birth to ascension, discussing his message of peace and love, his influence on the world around him, and his lasting impact on world history and religion. Original.

The Complete Idiot's Guide to the Book of Revelation

The Complete Idiot's Guide to the Book of Revelation
Author: James S. Bell Jr.
Publisher: Penguin
Total Pages: 326
Release: 2001-12-01
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 1101199253

You’re no idiot, of course. You’re familiar with the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse and Judgment Day—especially in the wake of the new millennium. However, the Book of Revelation has existed for almost 2,000 years and is open to countless interpretations. Don’t get confused by scholarly analysis and religious dogma! The Complete Idiot’s Guide® to the Book of Revelation shows you how so many meanings are derived from the book’s text. In this Complete Idiot’s Guide®, you get: • Various ways to interpret Revelation and its symbols • A detailed examination of the key elements, including the Seven Seals and the Antichrist • A look at how the Jewish Old Testament and prophecies relate to Revelation

The Complete Idiot's Guide to the Reformation & Protestantism

The Complete Idiot's Guide to the Reformation & Protestantism
Author: James S. Bell
Publisher: Penguin
Total Pages: 412
Release: 2002
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 9780028642703

An easy-to-understand history of the Reformation and how it created modern Protestantism, for anyone interested in understanding why the Protestant churches, denominations and beliefs are what they are today.

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Understanding Islam, 2nd Edition

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Understanding Islam, 2nd Edition
Author: Yahiya Emerick
Publisher: Penguin
Total Pages: 452
Release: 2004-11-02
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 1101097426

An up-close and up-to-date look at an often misunderstood faith This completely revised and updated guide explores the tenets of the Qu’ran (a.k.a. Koran), examines the history of the religion and its relationship to Christianity and Judaism, and features an expanded section on the true story behind “jihad.” It explores Islamic views on war and terrorism, including the Muslim perspective on the tragic events of September 11, and the subsequent U.S. presence in both Afghanistan and Iraq. • Excellent sales for the first edition • Islam is the fastest growing religion in America, with more than six million devoted followers • Features an expanded section on women in Islam, including their status within the Taliban, and the Islamic practice of polygamy

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Biblical Mysteries

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Biblical Mysteries
Author: Donald P. Ryan
Publisher: Penguin
Total Pages: 364
Release: 2000
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 9780028638317

Provides insight into biblical stories, miracles, and figures through historical context and scholarship, and explores the present controversies over lost texts, creationism, and archaeological findings.