Justo L. González
Eerdmans, 176 pages
Reviewed by Jo Forrest
Consider two approaches to writing. One writer presents provocative ideas, dense illustrations and lofty prose to expound upon complex problems. Another writer’s text is approachable to inspire confidence among readers that they may acquire deeper understanding. The former writer sought to display his or her intelligence. The latter writer focused on creating content for readers to feel intelligent.
Justo González’s newest book, “Knowing Our Faith,” is among the latter. He brings ethereal theological concepts down from the heights, placing them into common discourse and understanding for lay readers. González begins with the premise that it is not his task to convince the reader to believe in God. Belief comes through the power of the Holy Spirit. People cannot reason their way to faith. But once someone believes, she will seek to understand the truths of Christian faith. Building upon this, his stated goal is to share “joy in seeking to understand better this truth that our hearts believe and love.” His joy is palpable in the invitational tone, hope and love of God that permeates this text.
This slim volume is valuable for those who are new to faith. His joy also leads me to recommend this introductory text to seasoned teaching elders to delight afresh in the Christian faith as experienced by the curious, the novice and the faithful. It could also be beneficial to guide a discussion in a community of people with varying denominational backgrounds.
“Knowing Our Faith” begins with “Revelation” and proceeds through ideas such as the “Triune Creator God” and “The Spirit of holiness,” to end with “Christian life,” examining a breadth of doctrines and offering tangible ways of experiencing these aspects of faith. González deftly unpacks what might be considered insider jargon without dismissing the value of such ideas. Consider the most basic definitions: “Faith is an attitude or trust in God, while doctrines are ideas or positions that we hold. … Faith is a relationship with God; doctrines tell us about God.” Such clarity invites readers to dig deeper with confidence they will be able to know about faith.
Each chapter concludes with discussion questions, which could provoke conversation among readers or inspire sermons for preachers.
Written at the request of church leaders in Puerto Rico, “Knowing Our Faith” was sponsored by the Inter-American University of Puerto Rico and the Association for Hispanic Theological Education, and is a result of collaborations or endorsements from eight denominations.
With such an ecumenical foundation, the doctrines most often employed to differentiate Christians through practices of worship, scriptural interpretation, baptism and communion are presented on a level ground. González begins with common beliefs within the Catholic Church, even parsing “catholic,” and then nods to the varying practices. The discussion on scriptural interpretation is of particular note as it invites dialogue rather than contention among those who may seek a literal rather than expansive reading of Scripture.
González is a retired United Methodist minister and retired professor of historical theology. Originally written in Spanish, González translated and adapted the book into English for use in English-speaking congregations, creating opportunities for this text to be used in bilingual groups.
Jo Forrest is a Presbyterian teaching elder and serves as senior associate at Kenilworth Union Church on the Northshore of Chicago.
