Holding Faith: A Practical Introduction to Christian Doctrine

by Cynthia L. Rigby

Martin Luther “Faith takes hold of Christ and has Him present, enclosing Him as a ring encloses a gem.” We hold faith as we seek to know Christ better, exploring Christian doctrines and deepening our understanding of their relevance to our day-to-day lives. Faith holds us as we respond to Christ’s calling, negotiate life’s challenges, and join in the work of bringing in God’s kingdom.

This introduction to Christian theology shows how various understandings of particular doctrines play out in relation to the way we live our lives. It explores the content of core Christian doctrines and celebrates the “so what?” of each. Using theological literature and Scripture, but also current events, sociology, fiction, and movies, Rigby shows that theology is key to how we come to understand and negotiate our world. Holding Faith contends that some approaches to Christian doctrine are preferable to others, making persuasive arguments for creative ways of believing that can enliven our lives, and the life of the world. Theology has relevance because it can stymie or transform. How will we hold our faith?

“Cynthia Rigby has written an accessible and lucid book of theological reflection for today’s believers, seekers, and doubters. This is no small feat. The book succeeds in the daunting challenges of presenting Christian theology with clarity and completeness, with commitment and generosity. It is an admirable text for theology students, pastors, and all those interested in understanding more deeply their faith and life.”
Leanne Van Dyk, President and Professor of Theology, Columbia Theological Seminary, Decatur, GA

"This is an extraordinary book. Cynthia Rigby is a Reformed theologian, a minister, and a teacher. All of these gifts are evident in Holding Faith, as Rigby offers an eloquent introduction to Christian theology that is academically rich, pastorally sensitive, and profoundly accessible. She does not make theology accessible by watering it down, but rather by explaining it with compelling clarity. Holding Faith is perfect for seminarians, pastors, church groups, and curious souls; for those who are new to Christianity and those who have been studying and living Christian faith their entire lives. It will be an enormous blessing to those who teach theology and those who preach the gospel."
Shannon Craigo-Snell, Professor of Theology, Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Louisville, KY

"Cindy Rigby's is a timely, necessary, and accessible voice in theological discourse, not only for those who together comprise Christendom but also for those who are curious enough about what Christian doctrines offer by way of challenge, critique, and comfort in our increasingly distracted, fractious world. Holding Faith is a prophetic, priestly, and pastoral defense of a faith tradition that historically contributed to this oppressive state of affairs - yet undoubtedly remains rife with redemptive possibility - for individuals, communities, nations, the cosmos. In its pages, Rigby provides church folks, people of other faiths, seminarians, and inquisitive "nones" with a "thoughtful place" to search out our private and corporate relationships to the God whom the doctrines signify, however imperfectly."
JoAnne Marie Terrell, Associate Professor of Theology, Ethics, and the Arts, Chicago Theological Seminary

"For those of us who teach theology, it’s rare to find a text that is accessible to those with no previous exposure to theology while also introducing readers in deep and expansive ways to major doctrinal teachings. But Rigby has managed to accomplish both here. This is a profoundly personal and invitational approach to thinking theologically in ways that demonstrate the relevance of ancient teachings for our world today. And it is also a serious engagement with the biblical text, a vast array of historical and contemporary theological voices, poetry, literature, film, and more—this introduction to theology will empower readers to hold onto faith in new and exciting ways."
Deanna A. Thompson, Professor of Religion at Hamline University, St. Paul, MN

Genres: Theology, School

408 pages, Hardcover

First published November 18, 2014

Reviews

[Jon Coutts · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm assigning this as the text for my undergrad introduction to theology this year, largely because it takes extra care to make personal connections between doctrine and life, and I want to see if that lands. Ironically, the book does a better job of that in the first seven doctrinal chapters, before it pivots to a more anecdotally "devotional" approach to Christian life and hope in the final few chapters.

[Ron Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a newcomer to studying theology, this was a fantastic introduction into getting my mind thinking of Christian doctrines. Easy to read, and many modern pop culture references making it simple to follow along at times.

[Allen Abbott · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just under 3.5. The book would have merited a four-star review except for the chapter “What Does It Mean to be God’s Children." Although this might be too personal for a public review, I simply couldn't stomach this chapter's repeated injunctions to be--in the words of Dwight Moody (alluding to the Apostle Paul)--a "sacrifice" that stays on the sacrificial altar, allowing itself to be slowly burnt alive for God. Years of residual religious trauma say "absolutely not."

Also, on a somewhat unrelated note, I got the feeling that Rigby's reading of Calvin--a church figure to whom she refers frequently--was mediated through a significantly distorted lens. At one point, she paints him as a supporter of church-state separation. Like, what? Maybe I've somehow misunderstood her point, but wasn't Calvin's Geneva ruled by both civil and ecclesial authorities (i.e. the consistory) under whose joint authority "heretics" and "sinners" were exiled, tortured, or, in some cases, burnt alive? Of course, it is true that Calvin believed in a Two Kingdom distinction between church and state, and that each intervened in society in its unique way, but to claim that he was a supporter of church-state separation is a bit disingenuous. Calvin envisioned (and helped create) a society in which the church and state were mutually reinforcing, operating as a single, cohesive whole. So, again, what in the world is Rigby going on about?

[Ross · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book as part of a theology course in seminary.
Rigby offers a broad and informative introduction to Christian theology, covering the key doctrines of the faith common to the majority of protestant denominations. While Rigby is a Presbyterian and the perspective she offers is clearly influenced by the reformed tradition, the text is valuable to anyone interested in a better understanding of theology and doctrine.

[Aldon Hynes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book for a couple theology courses at seminary. This was one of the better books in the course and for those looking for an introduction to Christian Doctrine, it is a good starting point.

[Kim Danehower · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent in opening your eyes and your heart

I definitely recommend this to anyone wanting to grow in their faith. I had the opportunity to take a class from Dr. Rigby, and I am forever changed.

[Hayley Meijndert · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was assigned this book for a class, but still really enjoyed it! I found that it explained ideas in Christian theology well, with real life examples that helped them make more sense practically. It also has many good little nuggets to encourage and challenge you in your faith.

[Ed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Concise, accessible, accurate, often witty...This is the best introduction to Reformed Christianity I’ve found. Highest recommendation!

[emily]

read this for a class, it sucked. but I’d be disappointed if I didn’t at least count it towards my reading goal 😂

[Melody · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book.