Faith, hope, and love

By Geoffrey Wainwright

Book Description

In this thoughtful exploration of Christianity's foundational virtues, Geoffrey Wainwright reveals how faith, hope, and love find their deepest expression through the church's most sacred practices. Rather than treating these virtues as abstract concepts, Wainwright demonstrates their tangible presence in the rituals that have shaped Christian worship for centuries.

The author creates compelling connections between each virtue and a specific practice established by Christ. Baptism emerges as faith made visible, transforming personal confession into a communal declaration. The Lord's Prayer becomes hope in action, teaching believers to approach the divine with confident expectation. The communion table serves as love incarnate, where shared bread and wine unite participants in profound fellowship.

Wainwright's vision extends beyond individual spiritual growth to address one of Christianity's greatest challenges: denominational division. He argues that these three virtues, when properly understood and practiced, create a pathway toward church unity that transcends historical boundaries and theological differences.

The practices he examines anchor believers in multiple directions simultaneously. They connect worshippers to Christianity's foundational events while pointing toward future fulfillment, all while fostering deeper relationships within the gathered community.

This concise yet profound work offers readers a fresh perspective on familiar spiritual disciplines, revealing how ancient practices continue to nurture the essential virtues that define Christian life and community.