God, the World, and Hope

Who is Jesus Christ? What does it mean to say that we are created in the image of God? What does salvation mean? What is the meaning of baptism? What characterizes the Christian fellowship? What hope does a Christian faith give for the future? These are only a few of the questions that this textbook on dogmatics takes up. This book begins the discussion of the various topics by looking at what the Bible has to say. Hegstad then examines how the church's doctrine has developed over the course of history, and discusses how the Christian faith can best be formulated today. This book understands the Christian faith as an answer to universal existential questions that challenge all religions and worldviews. Dogmatics is understood here as the expression of a Christian interpretation of life. Hegstad himself belongs to the Lutheran church tradition, but his perspective is consistently ecumenical. This introduction to dogmatics will interest not only students, but everyone who is looking for a deeper insight into the Christian faith.


About the Author
Harald Hegstad is a Norwegian Lutheran theologian. He is presently Professor of Systematic Theology at MF Norwegian School of Theology, Religion, and Society in Oslo. Hegstad has written books and articles on themes from dogmatics, ecclesiology, congregational studies, and parish development. His books include The Real Church: An Ecclesiology of the Visible (Pickwick 2013).