The Christian Handbook: An Indispensable Guide to All Things Christian

Features

• Cover Type: Paperback with 231 pages
• Published by: Augsburg Fortress Publishers November 2005
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 0806652594
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-0806652597
• Book Dimensions: 6.9 x 5 x 0.6 inches
• Weighs: 8.8 ounces

From Publishers Weekly
Wit and wisdom with a distinctly Lutheran flavor mark this "guide to all things Christian." Much like a Complete Idiot's Guide or a Dummies book about Christianity, this book—put together by the Congregational Life and Learning Unit of Augsburg Fortress (a Lutheran publishing house)—aims to inform the post-Christendom world about how to approach the Bible, church and prayer. The humor is dry and the cartoon illustrations hokey, but the goal is serious—to get the reader to consider becoming a Christian, going to church on a regular basis and living a holy and just life. It is mostly mainstream Christian theology, although there's a lot of emphasis on "the devil," some of it an excuse to poke fun at the concept, as in "commit a minor sin to throw the devil off." Interestingly, though, even as this book promotes church attendance, much of its humor is pointed at boring worship services and the reluctance many people feel toward walking into a church. In a section on how to stay alert during worship, the advice is, "if all else fails, consider pinching yourself." Despite such shenanigans, this handbook is clever and informative. (Nov.)
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Product Description
The Christian Handbook: An Indispensable Guide to All Things Christian takes seriously one of those often-forgotten truths about communicating the Gospel: the importance of humor. Unlike some Christian resources, it boldly uses humor to convey timeless biblical truths in everyday life situations.

With its broad non-denominational approach The Christian Handbook serves as an essential companion for Christians from all perspectives, offering a range of material from the outright humorous to solid Christian teaching and everything in between:

How to Care for the Sick How to Read the Bible How to Survive for One Hour in an Un-Air-Conditioned Church How to Stay Alert in Church How to Share Your Faith with Someone Common Christian Symbols and What They Mean How to Survive an Old Testament Plague The Christian Handbook also includes dozens of illustrations, maps, diagrams, and indispensable tips for Christian life.

Reader Reviews
Skrade constantly refers to "stuff" in the headings of various chapters and that gives you a clue. This handbook is packed with lots of "factoids" that will illuminate and fascinate the reader, and a lot of "stuff" that will serve as pure entertainment. Whether you are a seeker, a new believer, or well established in your faith, you'll find plenty of answers in this small volume. The charts comparing the various denominations are wonderful, as is the chart comparing the world's major religions. Want to know how to find a church that fits you, or how to get to know your pastor? Checklists and guidelines do exactly that. As a matter of fact, it has more than sixty checklists for how to do almost anything that relates to the Christian life--including what to bring to a church potluck--by region! And for those seeking to deepen their faith, there is useful discussion around how to pray, how to read the Bible, how to get the most from a sermon, etc. As a follower of Jesus for more than 35 years and a former pastor, I'm glad to have this book in my library. Armchair Interviews agrees this book has great value.