This introductory textbook for Christian theology presents two essays by leading scholars on each of the major theological questions. Placher provides a discussion of the history and current state of each doctrine while the essays explore the key elements and contemporary issues.

The questions addressed include: "How do we know what to believe?", "What do we mean by God?", "Is God in Charge? Creation and Providence", "What's wrong with us? Human Nature and Sin", "How does Jesus Make a Difference? The Person and Work of Jesus Christ", "Why Bother with Church?", "How Should We Live?", "What about them?", and "Where are we going? Eschatology."