Editing Alpha course (section)

== Doctrine ==
{{original research|section|date=November 2013}}

Alpha's teachings are intended to centre upon aspects of Christian faith on which all denominations are in general agreement. Nicky Gumbel says (quoting the current [[Apostolic Preacher]] [[Raniero Cantalamessa]]),<ref>From a [https://web.archive.org/web/20210623062839/http://www.zen171354.zen.co.uk/cantalam.html paper] Cantalamessa presented at an ecumenical conference in Brighton in July 1991</ref> "What unites us is infinitely greater than what divides us."

Distinctive [[Roman Catholic Church|Roman Catholic]] and [[Eastern Orthodox Church|Eastern Orthodox]] tenets, such as those concerning the [[Blessed Virgin Mary|Virgin Mary]] and certain sacramental teachings, are absent, as are [[Baptist]] teachings on baptism.

The [[New International Version]] of the Bible is quoted in the course materials.

Three of the fifteen sessions are given to the person and work of the [[Holy Spirit (Christianity)|Holy Spirit]] and cover the infilling of the Spirit; [[speaking in tongues]] and [[Faith healing|healing via prayer]]. Conversion stories in the book of Acts (see 2:1ff, 9:17-19, 10:44-46, 19:1-6) are seen as [[normative]].