Insightful, accessible, plain-spoken... and just a little bit feisty. In this sweeping look at the Christian faith, Dr. George Koch lays out the foundation of what we believe and why we believe it. Examining Christianity from its Jewish roots to its present-day situation, Dr. Koch moves beyond the denominational struggles and doctrinal wars of modern Christianity to get back to the heart of our faith and examine how we can move past these debates and achieve true unity in Christ.
Whether you’re an individual, a small group leader, or a pastor looking for something new to share with his or her congregation, What We Believe and Why can serve as an invaluable resource. Written in laymen’s terms, this jargon-free work will help separate the essentials of the faith from the non-essentials, giving readers a greater understanding of the rich history of the Christian Church, the essentials of the Christian faith, and how to defend those essentials.
It also lays out the wide variety of Christian beliefs that exist on the non-essentials, giving the reader a better understanding of the diversity within the Church and of their fellow Christians worldwide.
Finally, the book delivers a powerful message of hope for unity and reconciliation within the Body of Christ. Dr. Koch examines how competing religious concepts arose in the Church, and how these are often used—against the explicit commands of Jesus—to drive apart believers. He sets forth several biblical steps that opposing Christian groups and individuals can take to embody the unity that Jesus desired of His followers, allowing the Spirit of God to enter into our theological debates. In this process, Dr. Koch advocates for giving up our love of religious concepts and falling in love with God (and His people) once again.
The journey of this book is a challenging one, but can help Christians learn to refocus on the love of God, neighbor, and enemy that Jesus taught, rather than differences over our finite concepts about God and the Church. The true purpose of the Christian life is not merely to know more about God, but to know God more.
Additional resources available at WhatWeBelieveAndWhy.com
Dr George Byron Koch (coke) is pastor and teacher at New Jerusalem House of Prayer in West Chicago, Illinois (USA). He is also a former Senior Vice President of Oracle Corporation and author of a best-selling book on database design (Oracle: The Complete Reference), as well as author of another book on Christian discipleship and small groups (The Country Parson’s Advice to His Parishioners, brought into modern English from an anonymous 1680 text) and numerous articles in magazines and newspapers, ranging from The Wall Street Journal to Christianity Today. His first degree is in physics, and science is an ongoing field of interest for him. His doctoral studies focused on healing and reconciliation, and he continues to teach on these subjects.
Praise for What We Believe and Why
Dr. Jack Hayford says: "Profound and unique ... I heartily commend this book. It is, indeed, a teaching source of timeless truth much needed in these changing times."
I read one or two books a week, and for me What We Believe and Why has become my breakthrough book of the year! The Holy Spirit spoke powerfully to me through its pages. Some chapters were helpful reminders stated in a fresh manner; others were totally new insights. Fortunately, George Koch writes in such a way that not only his fellow theologians can understand, but even individuals like me. --Dr. David R. Mains, Director, Mainstay Ministries
I have THE book for you... It is called What We Believe and Why... In fact, a primer that ordinary folks can read. It has a great glossary so people do not get lost in terms, etc. The cover says that the book 'is insightful, accessible, plain-spoken and a little feisty.' That is a perfect description. Honestly, I've not seen a book like it... If I were pastoring this is what I would use, hands down. --John H. Armstrong, founder of TheInitiative.org. former adjunct professor of evangelism, Wheaton College Graduate School; author; former pastor and church-planter
In his action-centered, unique, challenging, and informative primer, George Koch lays out the basics and origins for belief that is Christian. In that well-reasoned effort he addresses a Hebraic mindset that ... reduces distortions in Western Christianity. Here, we are shown how to reconcile, respect, and protect each other as believers, even across great divides; enjoyable and challenging! --Dr. Wesley M. Pinkham, former Dean of Doctoral Studies, The King's University
