00 The Christian Faith

The Christian Faith An Introduction to Christian Thought by Dallas M. Roark, Ph.D.

Broadman Press Edition, 1969 Baker Book House Edition, 1977 Revised Edition, © 2006 by Dallas M. Roark

Preface (1967)

I set out initially to write this work for the serious junior or senior who is interested in knowing something of the range of Christian thought. As the work progressed it appeared that it might serve also as a preliminary survey for the seminary student who would then turn to more extensive works on various rubrics of systematic theology. There are a number of people who deserve some word of appreciation for their service over the years. Several student secretaries have helped in typing and research of books. My first student secretary was Miss Jo Ella Tweedy (now Mrs. Ronny Turner) who was followed by Judy Sato, Johenne Hamby, and Mary Gilbert. Last of all was Susie Penner who typed the various drafts. I wish to thank Dr. William Seiler, chairman of the Division of Social Science, Kansas State Teachers College, for reducing my teaching load the fall semester of 1967 during the finishing stages of this work. A word of appreciation should be given to my former colleagues, Ivyloy Bishop and Fred Howard, for their inspiration and encouragement. As this goes to press I hope that I have been fair and as objective as possible. Theology cannot survive without these two qualities.

Preface (2006)

Much has happened since the first publication of this work. It had a successful use in a number of colleges and seminaries. Dear former colleagues at WBU have gone to be with the Lord, Ivyloy and Fred. Moreover, I have retired from Emporia State University after 36 years of teaching. Much has gone on in theology and philosophy during those years. I have attempted to update some issues in the book and hope that this may be of greater use to students of theology wherever they may be found. I am particularly happy that the internet version on E-Sword will be accessible to people around the world. It is my hope that the reader may profit from it. Comments may be made to Roarkdal@yahoo.com.

February, 2006

Contents

Preface