Why do we bother to try to be good?

How much of our faith comes from Judaism?

What things are essential to ALL Christians?

How should we pray?

Why do we think the Bible is true?

What, exactly, is heresy?

How did Greek philosophy get involved in Christianity?

Why are there so many different Christian denominations?

What does covenant mean?

What We Believe and Why not only lays out basic theology, necessary for every Christian to know and understand, but also reflects deep scholarship as it dives into some of the trickier doctrinal issues and helps readers navigate how to respond to the multitude of different denominational beliefs present in the world today.

Whether you’re an individual, a small group leader, or a pastor looking for something new to share with his or her congregation, What We Believe and Why can serve as an invaluable resource. This work will help separate the essentials of the faith from the non-essentials, giving readers a greater understanding of the rich history of the Christian Church, the essentials of the Christian faith, and how to defend those essentials. It also lays out the wide variety of Christian beliefs that exist, giving the reader a better understanding of the diversity within the Church and of their fellow Christians worldwide.

Finally, the book delivers a powerful message of hope for unity and reconciliation within the Body of Christ—something that all believers, young and old, need to hear and understand. Dr. Koch examines how competing religious concepts arose in the Church, and how these are often used—against the explicit commands of Jesus—to drive apart believers. He sets forth several biblical steps that opposing Christian groups and individuals can take to reconcile, allowing the Spirit of God to enter into our theological debates. In this process, Dr. Koch advocates for giving up our love of religious concepts and falling in love with God (and His people!) once again.

"What We Believe And Why is more than a solid handbook dealing with the basic doctrinal truths foundational to sound, evangelical theology: it is, at once, profound and unique...I heartily commend this book...It is, indeed, a teaching source of timeless truth much needed in these changing times."

Jack W. Hayford
Chancellor, The King's University

"I read one or two books a week, and for me What We Believe and Why has become my breakthrough book of the year! The Holy Spirit spoke powerfully to me through its pages...George Koch writes in such a way that not only his fellow theologians can understand, but also plumbers, bus drivers and even individuals like me."

Dr. David R. Mains
Director, Mainstay Ministries

The following is from an email sent by the author, John H. Armstrong, to a friend (and later forwarded to Byron Arts):

"I have THE book for you...It is called What We Believe and Why...[George Koch] is Anglican, catholic, orthodox, evangelical, insightful, helpful, readable, etc. In fact, the book is a primer that ordinary folks can read...Honestly, I've not seen a book like it a...If I were pastoring this is what I would use, hands down."

John H. Armstrong
President of Act 3; blogger; adjunct professor of evangelism, Wheaton College Graduate School; author; former pastor and church-planter

"Here, we are shown 'how to reconcile, respect, and protect each other as believers, even across great divides;' mindset trumps method and faith is deepened; relationship with God is connected, committed, and creative; the essence of theology that is Christian is clear and compelling; and the journey is enjoyable and challenging!"

Dr. Wesley M. Pinkham
Dean of Doctoral Studies, The King's University

"I am not aware of a better book that can be used for new believers or seekers to understand the profound and yet simple truths of the Bible and theology that is so easy to read and track with...It presents the unity that can help Christians understand their connectedness to the Jewish faith and for Jewish people to understand how Christian faith relates to Biblical Jewish faith...I will be using your book as a resource for teaching the basics of theology in our Shabbat School."

Roy Schwarcz
Midwest Regional Director, Chosen People Ministries; Congregational Planter, Messianic Congregation of Chicago

"I've been hearing these concepts since boyhood, but it wasn't until I spent 2 hours with this book that I really understood what they meant. I am richer for it."

Brad C.
Wheaton, IL

"I just have to tell you that I am reading the Kindle edition of What We Believe and Why. The section I just finished, on being born into the Kingdom, is just stunning. I cannot thank you enough for writing. I wish I knew you personally, just to tell you face-to-face."

Craig W.
Online visitor

Full Text Of The Reviews, Click Here

The Reverend Doctor George Byron Koch (pronounced coke) is pastor and teacher at Resurrection Anglican Church in West Chicago, Illinois (USA). He is a former Senior Vice President of Oracle Corporation and author of a best-selling book on database design (Oracle: The Complete Reference). He has published numerous articles in magazines and newspapers, on religion and other subjects, ranging from The Wall Street Journal to Christianity Today.

Read his full biography >