An Introduction to the Christian Faith and the church
The Christian faith is both simple (love God with all your heart and your neighbour as yourself) and almost limitlessly rich in its theology, history, practices, ethics, and controversies. It can seem rather daunting.
Perhaps you've wondered what really goes on in these often ancient buildings (Glapthorn church has been here for about 800 years), and what the people who come here believe. Perhaps you've wondered if the media represent Christianity fairly.
Francis Crick (a Northamptonian, famous for discovering DNA) wrote:
"You", your joys and your sorrows, your memories and your ambitions, your sense of personal identity and free will, are in fact no more than the behaviour of a vast assembly of nerve cells and their associated molecules.
This has become the unconsidered assumption of much contemporary culture. You may feel uneasy about this; indeed, think that it simply cannot be right.
What follows could not be a comprehensive guide to Christian belief (something about which sincere Christians have disgreed, to the point of persecuting each other, as our opponents are quick to point out). It's intended to give you some background information so that - we hope - you'll feel comfortable coming to a church service and begin finding out more about Christian faith and practice. We welcome visitors; coming along doesn't commit you to anything.
Christianity is rational and consistent with science. The Christian church (the community of believers across all denominations) has centuries of experience of grappling with the deepest questions of meaning, value, purpose, and how we should live. Have a look.
We are very grateful to Alan Firth of St. John the Evangelist, Roslyn, Dunedin, New Zealand who readily agreed to our use of his work on these topics.