The "I believe.": A Brief Look at the Science, History, & Key Figures Involved in Forming the Apostles' Creed

Spiritual, Insightful, Creative, and Moving

The Apostles' Creed is prayed in Christian services throughout the world. The beauty and elegance of the Apostles' Creed lies in its overwhelming simplicity. It is founded upon Trinitarian theology, which affirms our belief in God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

Those responsible for its creation suffered many hardships from competing ideologies such as Gnosticism and political pressure from the Romans. It was the strength of their belief in an invisible God and promises made through Jesus that allowed Polycarp, Irenaeus, and Justin Martyr to forge a foundation for Christianity despite seemingly overwhelming obstacles. Their story is both spiritual and compelling.

This brief treatise on the background of the Apostles' Creed is a wonderful introduction to the historical and theological atmosphere, formation, and sustaining influence of this foundational document of the Church. Dr. Doleys provides a great service to the reader by combining his professional expertise in cognitive psychology, especially as it relates to "belief," with his personal passion for Bible study (and its cultural background). These gifts and abilities have been forged in the crucible of his faithful teaching ministry within a local congregation for the past thirty years. If this essay enforces the reader's confidence in the historic Christian gospel and entices further faithful study, then I am sure that Dr. Doleys considers his joyful labor worthwhile.

-Alan Posey (D.Min., Ph.D.),

Pastor of Crosspointe Baptist Church (Oxford, GA); Assistant Professor of Pastoral Ministry, Theology, and Apologetics, Luther Rice College and Seminary (Lithonia, GA)