Book excerpt: This concise yet thorough analysis of core Christian principles cuts through doctrinal debates to illuminate the essentials of faith. Much of Christendom functions on the basis of formulas, catechisms, recipes of spirituality, and widely varying lists of what is considered “acceptable doctrine.” This brief discussion simplifies the vast scope of Christian truth by identifying eight essential “principles” that can be embraced and practiced by all Christians and churches across the spectrum of belief. Devotional author Michael Phillips uses these universal truths as a springboard for investigating the fundamentals of the Christian faith for both beginner and theologian, simple yet life-changing and profound. He also includes a parallel exploration of several common pitfalls that have infiltrated the church through history as counterfeit indicators of spirituality.