Introduction to Christianity Introduction to Christianity Introduction to Christianity () is a 1968 book written by Joseph Ratzinger (Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI). Considered one of his most important and widely read books, it presents a "narrative Christology" that demonstrates the place for faith is in the Church. The book offers a "remarkable elucidation of the Apostle's Creed" and gives an "excellent, modern interpretation of the foundations of Christianity". Originally published in German in 1968 under the title, "Einführung in das Christentum", Ratzinger restates the Apostles' Creed and the meaning of this foundational text in language that has a greater contemporary resonance than the
Joseph Ratzinger as Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith In 1997 Pope John Paul II ordered the German bishops to withdraw the counseling support. Cardinal Ratzinger, as prefect of the Congregation for the Faith, was given the task of carrying out John Paul's instructions. In 1999 the German bishops unanimously rejected the demands of the CDF. Only in 2000 did the bishops conference end the counseling service. His most significant ecumenical achievement as CDF Prefect was the Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification signed with the Lutheran World Federation in 1999. Bishop George Anderson, head of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, publicly acknowledged that it was ‘Ratzinger