The Nicene Creed For Today (Pocket Faith) - Softcover

Simpson, Br. Gregory

Softcover

ISBN 10: 155725236X ISBN 13: 9781557252364

Publisher: Paraclete Press, 1999

Synopsis

Although the Nicene Creed dates from the fourth century, the story of how it was written is quite contemporary-an account of people of faith fighting half-truths that threatened to ravage the Christian world.

"Simpson offers a brief, clear layman's narrative of how the Nicene Creed reached its present form, and shows how it focuses the unchanging realities of the gospel."

Dr. J. I. Packer, Professor, Regent College

About this title

About the Author

Br. Gregory Simpson, an ordained minister, serves on the clergy staff of an ecumenical Christian community in Massachusetts. He holds a B.D. from Harvard Divinity School and an M.A. in liturgy from St. John's University, Collegeville, Minnesota.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

"One American ideal, which we have inherited from the pioneer years of this country's settlement, is that of the lone frontiersman, traveling westward to conquer the unknown and carrying only those earthly goods that were portable. Such steadfast individualism was requisite for those establishing a new nation. Those who followed, however, needed a sense of community and stability. Rather than always looking to the horizon, these folk had to depend on one another and settle down in the place where they were living. they were part of a network that cooperated to establish a way of life, interdependent and supportive.

What we know about God is also a communal undertaking. Our knowledge of him was not concocted in this generation, but handed down from the past and from humanity's contemplation of matters eternal. It is our inheritance from the early centuries when men and women laid down their lives, preferring martydom to betrayal of the truths about God they held dear. In later years theologians fashioned Christian doctrine on the anvil of public debate. There is now a great treasure of truths about God and his dealings with the world that have been entrusted to us. A part of this treasure is the Nicene Creed." (from the Preface)

Edition details

• Publisher: Paraclete Press
• Publication date: 1999
• ISBN 10: 155725236X
• ISBN 13: 9781557252364
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 104