Turkish Title: Yaŝam Ŭçin Teoloji

Original Title: Theology for Life

Author: Rev. Prof. Robert Lynn 

This theology book is edited by Rev. Dr Turgay Uçal, pastor of the Turkish Presbyterian Church in Moda, Ŭstanbul.  In introducing this book he says:

'The Christian faith is a deep-rooted faith. The depths of the story of God’s salvation, through Jesus Christ, start in the first lines of the Pentateuch and are completed in the Book of Revelation in the New Testament. This faith is built upon the foundations of centuries of narrative.

The Christian faith declared its presence and theology to the whole world at Nicea (Ŭznik), and has proved itself, and throughout many centuries it has succeeded in standing firm right up to the 21^st century. Without doubt, although they have the same foundation, it contains a variety of colors, and traditions, and has a rich and varied history.  But each of these has continued to renew themselves by looking at the mirror of Scripture.  Mankind has tried to make every faith, every though, and every doctrine in its own image, and it has tried to force Scripture and God’s church into the same mould. Sometimes it has succeeded in this, and God’s Church which rises up on the basis of Scripture has found itself from time to time beset by huge problems that flow from confusion, insensitivity, and selfishness, in short, from sin. But in spite of attractive diversions and these shocks and problems, God’s people and God’s Church has turned once more and found its true nature in the classical foundations of faith, and has once more held fast to God and to His good news of salvation in Jesus Christ.  It will continue to hold faithful in this way until Jesus Christ’s second coming.For Go d’s Church has not yet completed the holy commission that it has been called to.  We cannot say that all Creation has yet reached its high calling.  All of these will be realized when Jesus Christ returns.

Throughout history no matter how many hardships it passes through the Church continues to be glorious as it belongs to God; one of the most important turning points in Church history was the 16^th century.  During this period the Church underwent a fundamental reform leaving behind its previous indecisiveness in trials.  This reform period was encapsulated in the moment when the Scriptures were embraced more seriously. As is usual in such cases, the traditionalists and the reformers struggled for supremacy.  It was not easy, but through the will of God’s the Christian faith once more returned to the true path, to God’s Word and to the Spirit of God.  This reformation did not just result in the birth of Protestantism, but also was the reason for the other classical denominations, in other words all of God’s church, to correct their ways.

With the desire that this will be of benefit to all who belong to Jesus Christ, and to all of my brothers and sisters who are interested in these subjects.