Discovering Christianity: A guide for the curious

by Rowan Williams

'Rowan Williams offers a typically intelligent, attractive, and beguiling picture of what it means to be a Christian... When I read Williams I feel something coming to birth inside me, whispers from a shore I want to set out for.'Mark Oakley, Dean of Southwark Cathedral, London


Internationally acclaimed theologian Rowan Williams invites you to explore with him the vital questions that go right to the heart of


How does Jesus reveal God?
Who or what is the Holy Spirit?
Why do Christians treasure the Bible?
What's the point of theology?


Rowan Williams' guide to the essentials of the faith will get you thinking about God in fresh and exciting ways. It will help you to grasp the way in which the best Christian theology is arrived at through the creative interplay of scripture, tradition and reason. And it will help you develop a broader and deeper appreciation of the positive difference Christianity continues to make in the world today.
Brief, engaging and profoundly simple, this book takes you to the heart of what Christianity is all about, offering food for thought for a lifetime.


Contents
1 What is Christianity?
2 What is faith?
3 What is theology?
4 Why Church?
5 Why scripture?
6 Why tradition?
7 Why reason?
8 Why does it matter?

Genres: Nonfiction, Religion, Theology

128 pages, Paperback

First published March 18, 2025

About the author

Rowan Douglas Williams, Baron Williams of Oystermouth, is an Anglican bishop, poet, and theologian. He was Archbishop of Canterbury from December 2002-2012, and is now Master of Magdalene College, Cambridge and Chancellor of the University of South Wales.

Reviews

[Tom LA · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened to the audiobook, read by the otherworldly soothing voice of the author himself (don’t listen while driving or operating machinery!). I consider him to be one of my great intellectual heroes.

[Abbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting but not for beginners

[Spencer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short but sweet set of reflections by Rowan Williams. As always, he depth and eloquence shows through, yet is able to put things quite simply. This is one of several of his smaller popular level books that offer great explanations about essential aspects of the Christian life.

This book had reflections on the meaning of faith, Christianity, theology, church, scripture, tradition, reason--each offering reflections that I think would create a great discussion as it just wets the palate (and there are discussion questions in the back). Beyond that, I wish he included a bibliography or something. I read this book looking for something I can used for an intro to Christian beliefs course I am doing, but I think this is much more popular level (meanwhile his Tokens of Trust or On Christian Theology are much more advanced).

This was a delightful, short read, and as I said, I think it adds to a great collection of shorter, popular level works that this masterful theologian is producing for the church.

[John Howes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting series of short insights into different aspects of Christianity. Definitely not for the beginner though.

[Mr John M. Akroyd · Rating 4 out of 5]

A crystal clear statement of Anglican beliefs and values.

[Lars · Rating 4 out of 5]

Schöne Übersicht über den christlichen Glauben. Erinnert mich an Timothy Keller, nur eben anglikanisch.

[Lindsay John Kennedy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good! A little idiosyncratic and obtuse at times (“why did he choose to explain it like that?”)

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I inhaled this. Even if you've 'discovered' Christianity this has lots of things to get you thinking about how other people discover Christianity.