The Faith

Reviews

“The Faith responds to a crisis among evangelicals: distaste for and disinterest in theology.… Colson and Fickett address the problem head on in this direct, straightforward, and readable book.” -- Sarah Sumner Pope John Paul II opened his encyclical on Church unity by pointing to the mingled blood of so many of today’s Christian martyrs united in their witness to the reality and saving power of Jesus Christ. This book is a generous and honest statement of the basics which all these martyrs held in common. It can both inform and inspire us to witness to Christ and mutually enrich one another as we cooperate with the movement of the Holy Spirit bringing us to the unity for which Our Lord prayed. -- Fr. Francis Martin “I really enjoyed reading The Faith. You have given to the body of Christ a much needed and easy reading book on Christian apologetics. I found it to be clear, straight forward and very well thought out. I have always enjoyed your books, but I found this one extremely factual and informative.” -- Matt Guerino, Television News Journalist I have devoured it and am deeply touched. I hope you are planning a detailed study vehicle for those of us who spread your teaching to the outer edge of our contacts. It is a work that must be studied by the church leaders as well as those of us who are working to teach the Christian worldview. -- Gabe Lyons, Author “The Faith is one of the best books I have read in a long time. It is concise, easy to read and thoughtprovoking. It emphasizes historic truths while applying them with contemporary relevance. Its easy to understand without being shallow in any respect.” -- Jim Quattrone “The Faith is a highly readable presentation of the meaning and practice of traditional Christian faith in our deeply troubled times. “Fully aware of today’s cultural decadence, Colson and Fickett show not only the relevance but the utter necessity of a strong counter-cultural grasp of the Christian faith. Eminently readable. “Colson’s long engagement with both high levels of government and low levels of prison life provides rich illustrations of Christian faith in action in our deeply troubled times. Eminently readable, profoundly practical.” -- Jerry Bridges “Your books have all been timely, well-reasoned, doctrinally-sound treatises, but The Faith, while being all of these, is also a clarion call with a sense of urgency that is needful 'for such a time as this.' May God establish this work of your hands, mind and heart, and may its release in February spark the awakening of the sleepy, compromised Church. To God be the glory.” -- Shirley Redd '...a winning combination of Christian apologetics and Christian doctrine -- a manifesto for looking at the world in a distinctly Christian way....'The Faith' is moved along by stories more than by systematic theology (though there's plenty of the latter in the book as well). Colson and Fickett bring together stories of courage and martyrdom from the annals of Christian history as well as riveting accounts of personal transformation from Colson's Prison Fellowship ministry. The contemporary stories help readers see what the Christian life looks like today. The ancient stories remind us that we are not the first generation of Christians to live this way. The stories aren't just inspirational. They're informative....[T]he book indeed works as both catechesis and as apologetic, a strong defense for traditional faith without sounding overly defensive. 'The Faith' is more a celebration of orthodoxy than a circling of the theological wagons. Its primary message is that Christianity is true, Christianity is good, and Christianity is beneficial for the world. Its primary method is to do so by explaining what Christianity is.' 'former President, The North American Mission Board for the Southern Baptist Convention “Essential reading for any who seek to think Christianly about the world in which we live. This book should spark a national conversation about who we are, what we believe, and why these things matter so much.” -- Dr. Bob Reccord “Chuck Colson asserts that God is and then marshalls the arguments of centuries of evidence to make an airtight, winsome case. Colson has culled the most compelling stories of the faith into a book that is such a pageturner you will want to read it in one sitting. Since God has dominion over the market place, this book is important reading for all who spend most of their working hours in business.” -- Barrie Winn “Overall, the strength of The Faith is that it shows the vital connection between justice, reality, and truth.” -- John C. Maxwell, Founder 'The Faith' is an important read for all believers to help us get to the core foundation of our beliefs and on how to apply those beliefs in our every day lives.” -- James M. Kushiner, Executive Editor I think back to the tomes I have read during my college days that did their best to spell out Basic Christianity 101 yet were pitifully dry and I marvel today after reading Chuck Colson’s and Harold Fickett’s book, The Faith. The authors have taken the Truths of Christian doctrine and put them in an understandable format filled with real life applications from our earliest brothers and sisters to those current living ones. This is a must reading for the one who would like to have a solid faith-based response to “Tell Me The Old Old Story” again and also to the one who has felt that their Enlightenment position towers over any Christian reasoning. Both will be challenged to their core belief; one able to “defend the truth” and the other to question their own indefensible position. -- Regis Nicoll “Chuck Colson’s The Faith is a brilliant study of the core beliefs of the Christian Church from its inception.” -- Jim Tonkowich, President “In a confusing world, where we are often confused about important issues, Chuck Colson has helped us again with clarity about our faith and what and why we believe. Thanks, Chuck, we’ve needed this!” -- Eric B. Dent “Chuck Colson is the most compelling witness for the Christian faith I know, and the strength of his convictions is matched by the credibility of his life. He has given us a contemporary statement of the apostolic faith---articulate, persuasive, and winsome. A book of wisdom for believers and seekers alike.” -- John Ortberg “An indispensable, powerful, and highly readable guide to the world from the perspective of eternity. This book is sure to become an instant classic and will be useful for many years to come.” -- Dr. Joseph Stowell “In an age of muddled thinking about what Christianity is about, Chuck’s new book clears the air, sets straight the facts, and invigorates the mind and soul, reminding us all of the historical and timeless truths of our faith!” -- Joni Eareckson Tada “My copy of 'The Faith' is already brimming with notes I've made in the margins and points I don't want to forget. Were I to list all the things that ministered to and instructed me, this critique would be a volume in itself!' -- Jan Moreland 'The Faith' is a strong book-- a needed apologetic which lays out the Christian Faith in a way that explains and demands the need for followers of Christ to put their beliefs (if they only knew them) into action in the culture we live in--- For the Kingdom which has been entrusted to us! -- Dr. James P. Gills “As I read The Faith Given Once For All I became convinced with each chapter that every emerging leader needs to read this book so that they have a clear understanding of the truth in order to communicate to those they serve in a way that is biblical, practical and effective. I look forward to the workbook that can be used for small groups. “I appreciated the way you were able to present truth in a very passionate yet unbiased way, while freely sharing your own personal perceptions, opinions, etc. I have already shared the definition you give for Christianity with scores of people. In this day and age of “subjective truth” it is refreshing to know “there is objective truth, and we are able to apprehend it with our senses.” “I am adding The Faith Given Once For All to the list of required reading for those I disciple, mentor and coach. 'Thank you for taking the time to write this book… a word in season indeed.' coach. “Thank you for taking the time to write this book…a word in season indeed.” -- Johnny Moffitt Leaders of faith-based organizations at the grassroots level have long felt misled by the direction of traditional religious leaders and the direction the established churches are moving. I am heartened by Charles Colson’s book The Faith, which offers a real pathway back to the understanding of the foundations of the faith that have served our forefathers of the past and will serve the pioneers of the future. -- Andrea Grossman The Faith is a highly readable book that intertwines the presentation of Christian theology, church history, and cultural commentary. The stories that you used in the book make the theology come alive. The order in which you deal with the various doctrines of Christian theology is excellent. I also endorse and commend you for including 'The Sanctity of Life' as a separate chapter in the book. I believe that you have made sanctity of life an 'essential' of the Christian faith. In my view, this is appropriate, though your book may be the first 'theology' book to make this issue an essential article of faith. -- David Naugle THE FAITH is a splendid work of theology, powerfully clarifying the foundational doctrines of the Christian faith. In this volume, Chuck Colson and Harold Fickett have effectively articulated the essentials of the evangelical and orthodox faith for believers in an interesting, understandable and practical manner. Readers are invited to think carefully about the faith given once, for all, dispelling the myth that what one believes matters little. THE FAITH will prove immensely helpful for many. I enthusastically recommend this book. -- Dave Overby Chuck Colson’s book The Faith is a manifesto of the essence of all Christianity, that the just shall live by faith. It transcends all groups and divisions and brings out the essence of what true Christianity is. This oneness of faith shared by all of the “called out ones” in the Old and New Testament should encompass all the congregations of true believers. -- David Rogers It will be invaluable in helping Christians to 'know, understand, and defend what it means to be a Christian'. The text was very readable. -- Earl Godwin “Chuck Colson asserts that God is and then marshals the arguments of centuries of evidence to make an airtight, winsome case. Since God has dominion over the marketplace, this book is important reading for all who spend most of their working hours in business.” -- Greg Waybright, Senior Pastor “Charles Colson has written another book of mighty intelligence, sturdy faith, and pristine clarity. The Faith Once Given has all the marks of a classic.” -- Tammy Boone “I believe it answers many of the questions and conflicts we face as faithful believers. It isn't too long, but gives meaningful illustrations that I believe will penetrate the hearts of those who are truely seeking sincere answers. Very readable. I think the way you handle the 'emergent church' issue is very effective. I also appreciate your handling of the 'sanctity of life' issue. It grieves me that some believers still do not get it.” -- Tom Nelson “It is my vision that every person in the world would read this book. The Christians to understand and articulate the only hope there is to make life livable. The non-Christian to understand and believe why Christians are willing to live---and die---for the Truth given once for all.” -- Russell D. Moore “I truly enjoyed reading your book, The Faith Given Once For All. It is a good resource to learn the essentials (tenets of our faith).” -- Ren Broekhuzen “Vintage Colson.… Indeed, the gospel is right at the center of these doctrinal studies making the book anything but the dry, lifeless outlay of loci that one finds too often.” -- Russell D. Moore “The Faith” delivers exactly what its subtitle promises: What Christians believe, why they believe it, and why it matters. At a time of aggressive atheism, militant Islam, and the capitulation of many Christians to the culture of self-fulfillment and moral and cultural relativism, only a return to the 2,000 year-old, full-bodied faith of the Church will do. Through compelling examples and persuasion, Colson delivers a rock-solid summons to join the saints who have gone before us in following the living Savior who is still powerfully at work around the world today.” -- Jim Sire “The Faith: A Must Read for Christians Who Want To Engage The Culture. “Written primarily for the Church, the book opens with a prayer that the Kingdom of God will rule in our hearts and once again transform the places where we live, but is not a call for a theocracy. From this point most of the book focuses our attention on several propositional truths foundational to a Christian worldview. The truths are written in language accessible to the layperson. Moreover, they do not remain abstractions. They are brought to life through stories of people who down through the ages have experienced the validity of the propositions. Some of the stories are from the first two centuries of Christianity, some from the middle ages, and some from contemporary times. Many are from Colson’s own life and summarize his spiritual journey growing in love for God and serving as an agent of God’s providence in service to prisoners. “The Faith closes with a prophetic word for the Church. After summarizing what they had written, the authors issue a brief assessment of the current life of the Church. It is an assessment to which the Church should give heed. Prophetically, they encourage Christians to go beyond individual renewal and engage our culture with a Christian worldview that is an anti-thesis to secularism and radicalized Islam.” -- James J. Ackerman, Founder The Faith will no doubt become a classic like Loving God. This masterful work will no doubt be used, and should be used, by every evangelical church, pastor, and believer in America. It succinctly speaks the truth about the basics of our faith and how that faith can be described, believed, and shared with a world in desperate need. As a masterful storyteller who interweaves powerful, hard-hitting truths, Chuck Colson has truly done a wonder job. I commend it without hesitation and will be asking all those within my sphere of influence to read this powerful book.” -- Frank S. Page, President “I believe God will use the book in powerful ways not only in our own church community, but around the nation. I particularly appreciated your thoughtful comments and critique of some of the elements within the broader emergent conversation. As a pastor I am facing quite a delicate dance here in Kansas City as there are many expressions of emergent popping up here and there. I am increasingly concerned about the Gospel being jettisoned down the slippery slope of an inclusive universalism. The importance of sound doctrine is a very pressing need, so thanks for raising the flag of doctrinal soundness to our broader Evangelical community.” -- Tom Hall “True, biblical Christianity is often mischaracterized by the media, misused by politicians, and mistaught by academics, making it misunderstood by most Americans. That’s why everyone will benefit from reading this book---whether you are a skeptic, a seeker, a new believer, or a longtime follower of Christ. The combination of Chuck Colson’s thoughtful brilliance and Harold Fickett’s engaging prose gives us a clear, concise, and compelling summary of what followers of Jesus actually believe. -- Dr. Rick Warren “A good understanding of the basic truths of the Christian faith is essential for Christian maturity. Yet, for the most part, these truths are taught only in books called Systematic Theology; books that tend to be academic and intimidating to the average believer. Now Charles Colson and Harold Fickett have given us a summary of these basic truths in easily readable and easily understandable language. This book should prove valuable in helping ordinary Christians understand the faith they have believed.” -- Dr. Jerry E. White, President Emeritus 'Some Christians seem to see defending the faith as an intellectual exercise: a way to 'win' arguments with Darwinists or postmodernists or Wiccans at the local coffee shop. In The Faith, Chuck Colson and Harold Fickett show another, wiser, more ancient way. We know the truth, and refute error, because, like our God, we love Jesus and we love the world for which he died. “This book will give you information, yes. But it will not give you simply intellectual tools or an arsenal of debating points. This book presents a holistic vision of faith working through love, a faith that has to do both with how we should think about the Trinity, and how we should respond to sexual trafficing; how we should contemplate the two natures of Jesus, and how we should feel at the baptism of a handicapped child. This book helps equip us to believe more strongly, to love more deeply, to serve more obediently, and to rejoice more exuberantly. Read it the two natures of Jesus, and how we should feel at the baptism of a handicapped child. This book helps equip us to believe more strongly, to love more deeply, to serve more obediently, and to rejoice more exuberantly. Read it -- Rev. Cornelius Platinga, Jr., Ph. D “Colson and Fickett are in cracking form as they hit the high spots of Christian belief, behavior, and blessedness against the black background of our runaway decadence. Thank God for such men and for such a book.” -- Timothy George 'What an incredibly interesting read! Chuck Colson and Harold Fickett's The Faith Given Once, For All is as stirring as it is necessary for this critical hour in the face of such doctrinal illiteracy and pluralism. Its final chapter concludes the book even more dramatically as it issues a choice we in our day are to make in the noisy clash of civilizations internationally. This book is a `must read' for all who have any concern for what is taking place in our world today.' -- William A. Dembski “Here Chuck Colson asks and answers the hardest questions of the Christian faith, knowing that those who need most to hear will not listen if he will not dare to enter the darkness of their doubts, fears, and challenges.” -- J.I. Packer “The evangelical church in America struggles to live out its calling because its members do not understand that calling. Christians find themselves shackled by the desire for our culture’s plentiful comforts on the one hand, and confused by the relativism of the day on the other. Doctrine, which cuts through this chaos by defining our worldview and shaping our mission, is all too often a casualty in this war. Sadly, it is getting harder to find churches that teach biblical doctrine clearly and compellingly – but this book does just that. If every Christian understood the contents of this book and integrated it into their daily living, the gates of Hell would not know what hit them. I look forward to using this volume to train Christians in my church.” -- Monique Black “In an era of open spirituality and the appeal of post modern stories accompanied by personal experience, THE FAITH is a refreshing cry to the importance of basic beliefs - yes, doctrine. It DOES matter what we believe. Chuck Colson has forcefully and skillfully recounted the primary beliefs that have guided believers over the tumultuous centuries and persistent attacks on the faith.” -- Dr. John L. Zimmerman, N. D. Whatever happened to evangelical theology? Whatever happened to evangelical apologetics? In Chuck Colson's latest work, we have him, and Harold Fickett, to thank for offering a response to both of these questions. This book helps us understand what the faith is and how to defend it. It's a double dose of theology and apologetics, all in one. Through lively narratives and substantive content, this book whets our appetite for a deeper understanding and defense of The Faith, once for all given for the saints. The contemporary, bible-believing church, conformed as it sometimes is to the spirit of the age, needs this book. May reading it be a mind-opening, heart-rending, lifetransforming, culture-changing experience. -- David S.Dockery “His best book yet. It is just the right length and strikes a great balance of being engaging and accessible yet thoughtful and informative.” -- William Edgar “It is well apparent that the book is intended “to teach Christians what they believe, why it matters and how to present it winsomely to their friends”. Your message is unique in method of challenging the complacency of our brotherhood.” -- Tom Bulling “Chuck reminds us that Christ isn’t simply looking for “decisions” … but for disciples who know what they believe and why. This is a MUST READ for every serious Christ follower!” -- Chuck Stetson, Chairman 'So important did Jesus regard his doctrine that in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) he called on the Apostles to 'make disciples of all nations' by 'teaching everything I have commanded you.' Jesus' teachings were never supplemental but always fundamental to his ministry. Yet we live in an age that sneers at Christian doctrine, portraying it as dry and lifeless, bereft of vital Christian spirituality. THE FAITH GIVEN ONCE FOR ALL refutes this misconception, brilliantly showing how genuine Christian faith must always rest on a foundation of sound Christian doctrine.' -- Yvonne Swain “A moving and inspiring guide to the Christian faith shared by believers of all times and places. It sings in unison with the great cloud of witnesses: prophets, martyrs, and saints, many of whose stories come to life in the telling.” -- J. P. Moreland Having just finished reading it, I am impressed by the way you have identified the confusion in modern society and, particularly, in the church as a failure to understand the foundations of the faith upon which the pillars of Western civilization rest. I can heartily recommend it to anyone seeking to grow in their confidence and application of Christianity. -- Bob Woodson 'In my mind, The Faith is [Charles] Colson’s most significant work because it clearly and succinctly outlines the comprehensive and attractive nature of Christian belief at a time when the perceptions of Christianity are at an all-time low.” -- Dr. Harry L. Poe “Concise, insightful, and helpful, Chuck’s book nails down “the Faith” that must be grasped, kept, guarded, and passed on. May God use it to lead us closer to the kind of unity that will enable “the world to know that the Father has sent the Son.” -- Dr. Thomas C. Oden In the midst of the shifting sands of postmodernity Chuck Colson reminds us that not only has orthodoxy stood the test of time, but it has also been defended reason, confirmed by revelation, and validated by experience. “The Faith” is the likely the most vigorously vetted idea of our day. Perhaps it should simply be honored, left unedited, approached with humility, and obeyed. -- Eric B. Dent “From the riveting modern-day tale in its Prologue through the series of good stories in its final chapter, this is a delightful tour of the main propositions defining the common core of Christian wisdom, what C.S. Lewis called “mere Christianity.” Packed with historical information unknown to most people, this book teaches through wonderful stories.” -- Kevin Belmonte, Author “An awesome book on the doctrine of our faith, presented in a readable fashion. “ -- Michael Novak “It meets a tremendous need in the church. I hope your book will strike home with pastors, and that a movement to teach the essential faith will well up across our country. This book can be the catalyst. -- James E. Walter Expand reviews