Preface by Cardinal Paul Marella

This brief presentation of Christianity was commissioned by the Secretariat for Non-Christians, and prepared by Msgr. Pietro Rossano Under Secretary of the same Secretariat, with the collaboration of various consultors. Its aim is to offer a simple, faithful and objective account of the Christian life, as it is preached by the Catholic Church and as it is practised by its faithful.

This small book is addressed to everyone who wants to know what a Christian really is, how his spiritual life is made up, and what is the religious body to which he belongs. To the Non-Christian, it is intended to offer, on a human and friendly level, a knowledge of the essence of Christianity and not merely of its surface, so that this may act as a basis for that dialogue with all men which is one of the highest aims of the present-day Church.

The concise style and level tone of the exposition, the way the language harmonizes with the biblical sources and the experience of everyday life, the care taken to avoid using technical theological formulas, even the way the paragraph are divided—these are all intended to make the text easier to understand, and to emphasize the central meaning of each statement.

Christianity is presented under three aspects. These can be considered as three steps, each closely recalling the one before, while having in itself a certain completeness. We are faced with a historical event, an event that brings with it a new way of seeing life and a new way of living, thanks to the gift of a Spirit who comes from God and takes us back to God.

The Christian religion is something living and lived. We cannot divide it up without killing it. Therefore, only after having read the whole book once, or perhaps twice, and after having reflected on it as a whole, will we come to understand it. Questions and uncertainties will arise; and the need will be felt of a deeper knowledge of certain aspects. In such cases, the best thing will be to consult experts on the matters concerned.

However, in the final reckoning, no one can fully understand Christianity without having experienced it in their lives—for the Gospel is "life, peace and joy in the Spirit of God."

Paul, Cardinal Marella President of the Secretariat for Non-Christians