Apostles' Creed

and its Early Christian Context

Häftad, Engelska, 2009

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The Apostles' Creed is an expression of Christian theology that was formed in a period of fascinating and creative debate. The creed is not simply a dogmatic, static, and cryptic symbol of Christian faith, but, on the contrary, a lively narrative that can still inspire imagination, critical reflection, and faith. In The Apostle's Creed, the ancient debates that led to the formulation of its twelve pronouncements are examined. The richness of early Christian thought is explored by looking at the ideas behind each creedal pronouncement and tracing the theological debates that inspired each statement. Early Christian theology is not treated as 'unanimous,' but as pluralistic. The polyphony of theological opinion, which characterized the Christianity of this period, is therefore highlighted and celebrated. In explaining the context that gave birth to the creed, this study refers to the testimony of various 'witnesses' of those theological arguments. This includes opponents of the apostolic and church Fathers: the Gnostics, 'heretics,' and Jewish and pagan critics of Christian faith.

Produktinformation

Utgivningsdatum2009-05-01
Mått138 x 216 x 18 mm
Vikt245 g
FormatHäftad
SpråkEngelska
Antal sidor208
FörlagBloomsbury Publishing PLC
ISBN9780567328212

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Religion: allmänt inom Filosofi och religion
Kristendom inom Filosofi och religion

The book is structured along the Apostles' Creed:Introduction1. I believe in God the Father Almighty, the maker of Heaven and Earth2. And in Jesus Christ his only son our Lord3. Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary,4. Suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried5. He descended into Hell, the third day he rose again from the dead6. He ascended into heaven and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father almighty7. From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead8. I believe in the Holy Ghost9. The Holy Catholic Church10. The Communion of Saints11. The forgiveness of sins12. The resurrection of the body and the life everlasting.Conclusion

'Those ancient Christians were people passionate about God and our relationship with the divine'. That statement by the author is true for his own passion about Christian doctrine and early church history. Piotr Ashwin-Siejkowski writes for students, parishioners, and a wider group of readers; accordingly he provides an introduction to the theology of the Apostles' Creed and its terminology, supported by notes to introductory articles and a glossary to help beginners. The book could be the basis of church classes for members or catechetical instruction (as the creed was in its origin) in preparation for baptism or confirmation. It is not a history of the creed but a commentary on its contents. The author reminds us that Christianity has an intellectual content and is much more than an emotional adherence to Jesus. His abundant references to second and third-century Christian authors result in a systematic summary of basic Christian theology. The author sets the 'proto-orthodox' thinkers over against pagan, Jewish, and heretical views on each topic. It is helpful to put the affirmations of the Apostles' Creed in contrast to alternative theologies of the time and to see the confession in comparison to early orthodox affirmations, but the author goes further in offering a way of seeing the contemporary relevance of the creed. Readers may disagree on particular points, but they can learn from the author's wide acquaintance with early Christian writings.' - Everett Ferguson, Abilene Christian University, Abilene, Texas, USA