Gabriel J. Fackre – författare

As a pastoral systematic, The Christian Story rises from, and strives to be a resource to, the life and witness of the church and its leadership. The first volume (revised edition, 1984) offered an introductory overview of the basic Christian doctrine. Now turning his attention to the individual doctrines, Gabriel Fackre here surveys a spectrum of views on authority — from inerrantist to experientialist — and sets forth an alternative perspective along ecumenical and narrative lines. The author's search for a full-orbed position affirms Scripture as the source, the church and its traditions as resource, the world of human experience as setting, the Gospel as substance, and Christ as the center of authority. A detailed analysis of hermeneutical issues is included in the book. The quest for evangelical catholicity leads to a restatement of the fourfold method of scriptural interpretation: common sense, critical scholarship, canonical perspective, and the contextualization process — personal and social. An extensive exegesis of a key Christological text, John 14:6, illustrates how this method works.

This is a print on demand book and is therefore non- returnable. Of Christian Basics Paul Achtemeier writes, "Those seeking a forthright and clear exposition of basic Christian doctrines need look no further than this book. Broad in outlook, ecumenical in perspective, and honest in its approach, the book presents a fresh angle of vision on some old and important truths." Christians looking for a refresher course in the essentials of their faith and general inquirers seeking to understand the historic beliefs of Christianity will find both information and inspiration in this book. Arranging basic theological beliefs in a narrative form that moves from creation to the resurrection, Christian Basics highlights the Christian story as Scripture tells it, grounding each "chapter" of the story firmly in the purpose of the triune God. Supporting this narrative are discussion questions, a variety of charts, and a glossary to aid readers in understanding theological concepts and terms. Using simple language with a creative flair, the authors also confront contemporary issues ranging from science and secularism to the rise of fundamentalism and the "new age" movements, offering guidelines for living a spiritually rich life. As a project written jointly by husband and wife, this book draws on the experience of both men and women in the interpretation of Christian faith, an important perspective in a day when inclusivity of viewpoint is crucial. The Fackres' shared pastoral and teaching background roots their writing deeply in the life and mission of the church, and their discussion is permeated by a joyful gratitude that readers will find inspiring.

Reinhold Niebuhr (1892-1971) - whom President Barack Obama famously named as his "favorite philosopher" in a 2007 interview - was arguably the most influential American theologian of the twentieth century. Gabriel Fackre's Promise of Reinhold Niebuhr has long provided a compact introduction to Niehbuhr's life and thought. With Niebuhr's enduring legacy again rising to prominence in political and religious circles, Fackre has reworked his standard account of this iconic "visionary realist" for a new generation. In this revised and updated third edition, Fackre crystallizes key themes in Niebuhr's writings, addresses and debunks "Tall Tales" that have sprung up around Niebuhr's legacy, and applies Niebuhr's thinking to twenty-first-century theological and cultural issues.