Faith and the Creeds (Christian Belief For Everyone)
Digital Logos Edition
Overview
In Faith and the Creeds, Alister McGrath helps us understand the Christian faith passed down through the centuries. McGrath concentrates on the nature of faith and the history and relevance of the creeds, in a thrilling reflection on what we really mean when we say “I believe.”
Top Highlights
“Meaning and value are not things that can be ‘read off’ the world. Science is good at taking things to pieces. But analysis is not enough. What really matters is what we do with these pieces. We need synthesis in order to perceive the big picture. Science dismantles so that we can see how things work; faith reassembles so that we can see what they mean.” (Pages 5–6)
“Only shallow truths can be proved. The deepest truths of life lie beyond ultimate confirmation. The simple fact is that none of us, whether religious or secular, can prove any of the great truths we live by. That’s just the way life is.” (Page 5)
“The Christian faith allows us to see patterns in this apparent chaos of our world; to perceive a melody when others only hear a noise. Instead of being overwhelmed with information, we are enabled to discern meaning.” (Page 12)
“So we see—although the point is not generally appreciated—that the two most widely used creeds within Christianity today developed in quite different ways. The Apostles’ Creed arose within grass-root Christian communities over many generations, and commanded wide assent and support. The Nicene Creed was developed by a committee of bishops, in response to the Roman emperor’s demand for religious consensus within his empire. There has always been a sense in which the Apostles’ Creed is a ‘people’s creed’, whereas the Nicene Creed is a ‘bishops’ creed’.” (Page 70)
“Augustine of Hippo (354–430) expressed this theme well in a prayer written around the year 400: ‘You have made us for yourself, and our heart is restless until it finds its rest in you.’14 If nothing in this world really satisfies us, it is because deep down we know that our heart’s desire is anchored elsewhere.” (Page 14)
Alister McGrath is professor of theology, ministry, and education, and head of the center for theology, religion, and culture at King’s College, London. He is a prolific author noted for his ability to explore and express complex ideas in simple terms. His three most recent books are Mere Apologetics, Heresy, and (with Joanna Collicutt McGrath) the international bestseller, The Dawkins Delusion?
Reviews
1 rating
Glenn Crouch
9/14/2016
This is a marvellous little book, and whilst it may be aimed more at new Christians, there is much in here for us older ones as well. The Author does a fine job in address the purpose of the Creeds (in particular the Apostles Creed and the Nicene Creed) without going into analysing the Creeds themselves. Thus those from non-Liturgical churches should still find much of value here. He also brings across effectively, that as Christians we have a strong tie to those who have gone before us and that tie in fact strengthens our Faith. I especially liked his concluding chapter where he argues well that the Creeds (and Theology as well) is a map and whilst it is marvellous to discuss and admire the map, we need to use it and journey into the adventure that awaits. What we believe as Christians should lead us to do, lead us to love, lead us to know God better. Highly recommended!