The Nicene Creed
A Scriptural, Historical, and Theological Commentary
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About
Though the Nicene Creed is regularly recited in weekly church services, few understand its historical origins and connections to Scripture and key Christian doctrines.
This volume bridges the gap, providing an accessible introduction that explains how the Creed is anchored in the Bible and how it came to be written and confessed in the early history of the church. The authors show how the Creed reflects the purpose of God in salvation, especially in relation to Christians' divine adoption as sons and daughters, leading to glorification. Each chapter includes sidebars highlighting how the Creed has been received in the church's liturgy.
Professors, students, clergy, and religious educators will benefit from this illuminating and edifying guide to the Nicene Creed.
A Note on Texts and Translations
The Nicene Creed in English
Introduction
1. Belief
2. God the Father
3. God the Son Divine
4. God the Son Incarnate
5. God the Holy Spirit
6. Life in the Trinity
Appendix 1: Three Creeds Compared
Appendix 2: The Nicene Creed in Latin and Greek
Glossary
Suggested Resources
Index of Sidebars
Endorsements
"The Nicene Creed is the most widely accepted confession of faith among all Christian people. This superb exposition of the Creed, written by two faithful Catholic scholars, shows how this classic statement has practical relevance for believers of all confessions. A true treasure for the Lord's people everywhere!"
Timothy George, Distinguished Professor, Beeson Divinity School, Samford University; cochair of Evangelicals and Catholics Together
"This splendid book provides a brilliant presentation of the Nicene Creed that is richly historical but accessible, and conceptually profound but clear, so that readers can understand why Christianity teaches and professes what it does. The book functions both as an excellent introduction to Christianity and as a reference for the pursuit of deeper understanding of the Catholic faith. In a world where many who are nonreligious have a creed of some kind that remains unstated, this statement of the Christian creed invites all to reflect on what is ultimately true and suggests plainly how true knowledge of God orients the human being toward happiness."
Thomas Joseph White, OP, rector, Pontifical University of St. Thomas (Angelicum)
"In the introduction, we hear that 'the creeds are precisely the medicine we need' because of their 'densely packed summaries of the Christian faith.' One could say the same of this book, which commends itself as a wonderful tool--indeed, a treasure trove--for those prepared to follow the authors in unpacking these rich phrases that Christians have recited for centuries. Here is a powerful antidote that helps us to 'overcome our contemporary allergy to truth' as we lean deeply into the Nicene Creed, understanding how it addressed the problems of its day and continues to speak powerfully to our own age."
Edith M. Humphrey, William F. Orr Professor Emerita of New Testament, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary
"Seasoned theologians Jared Ortiz and Daniel Keating here introduce the Creed in a book that would make a great textbook for introductory theology classes as well as for study groups. What shines forth is the sheer reasonableness of Christian faith. They also draw a link between faith and hope, both vitally needed in our culture of despair. Deeply rooted in Scripture and the Church Fathers, this book exemplifies what Christian instruction at its best can be."
Matthew Levering, James N. Jr. and Mary D. Perry Chair of Theology, Mundelein Seminary
"An extremely well-thought-out introduction to the Nicene Creed, this book explains the Creed in a clear and compelling way. In an age impatient with complex truths and truth itself, this is no small feat. Demonstrating that the Creed is far more than a list of Christian beliefs, this book connects the Creed to both Testaments, church history, the words of the Church Fathers, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and the prayers of the church in a way that not only teaches but also deepens faith. The faith of the church shines through in this text as the living, dynamic reality of unfathomable depth that it is, providing welcome clarity in our moment of deep confusion about the most basic Christian truths. More than an excellent teaching tool, this book is a great companion for prayer and for doing 'the work of God,' which is 'to know the one he has sent' (John 6:29)."
Jonathan J. Reyes, senior vice president for communications and strategic partnerships, Knights of Columbus
The Authors
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Courtesy of Hope College Jared Ortiz
Jared Ortiz (PhD, The Catholic University of America) is professor of religion at Hope College in Holland, Michigan. He is cofounder and executive director of the Saint Benedict Institute for Catholic Thought, Culture, and Evangelization and author of...
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Daniel A. Keating
Daniel A. Keating (DPhil, Oxford University) is professor of theology at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit, Michigan. He is the author or coauthor of several books, including The Adventure of Discipleship, Athanasius and His Legacy, The...
Continue reading about Daniel A. Keating