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The Creed: What Christians Believe and Why it Matters

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This thoughtful, fully accessible exploration of the creed, the list of beliefs central to the Christian faith, delves into its origins and illuminates the contemporary significance of why it still matters. During services in Christian communities, the members of the congregation stand together to recite the creed, professing in unison the beliefs they share. For most Christians, the creed functions as a sort of “ABC” of what it means to be a Christian and to be part of a worldwide movement. Few people, however, know the source of this litany of beliefs, a topic that is further confused by the fact that there are two different versions: the Apostle’s Creed and the Nicene Creed. In The Creed, Luke Timothy Johnson, a New Testament scholar and Catholic theologian, clarifies the history of the creed, discussing its evolution from the first decades of the Christian Church to the present day. By connecting the deep theological conflicts of the early Church with the conflicts and questions facing Christians today, Johnson shows that faith is a dynamic process, not based on a static set of rules. Written in a clear, graceful style and appropriate for Christians of all denominations, The Creed is destined to become a classic of modern writings on spirituality. Read more

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Image


Publication date ‏ : ‎ August 17, 2004


Edition ‏ : ‎ Reprint


Language ‏ : ‎ English


Print length ‏ : ‎ 336 pages


ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0385502486


ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 81


Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 9.6 ounces


Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 0.72 x 8.2 inches


Best Sellers Rank: #125,319 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #37 in Catechisms #330 in History of Christianity (Books) #443 in Christian Church History (Books)


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Top Amazon Reviews

    • Timely explanation of Christianity's statement of faith in our post-modern and post-Christian times
Format: Paperback
Timely explanation of Christianity's statement of faith in our post-modern and post-Christian times For someone who grew up in a neo-Protestant denomination, where the Nicene-Constantinople Creed (or any other) have never been mentioned (from the pulpit or during Sunday School), I found this read not only enlightening but also upbuilding for my faith. While I have to say there are a few statements that Luke Timothy Johnson makes without providing any evidence (and which I would like to challenge), this read is not a light read and neither a dry one. The first chapter briefly discusses the history of the early Christian creeds. The rest of the book is a treatise and explanation of every sentence, phrase, or words found in the Nicene-Constantinoplean creed. There are sub-chapters that are full of wisdom, and many of them are replete with Bible verses and quotations. While Dr. Johnson comes from a Roman-Catholic tradition, his writing is very Protestant and Orthodox friendly, and for that matter Heathen or non-believer friendly. This book is perfect for anyone who wants to learn what Christians believe now and what they have believed since the early Church times. Also, if you want to better understand the Creed which is recited every Sunday in church, this is an excellent read. The only companion in this subtopic (Christian Creeds) that I would recommend is "Credo: Historical and Theological Guide to Creeds and Confessions of Faith in the Christian Tradition" by Jaroslav Pelikan. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on April 21, 2006 by Gabriel Emanuel Borlean
    • Worth Reading on So Many Levels
Format: Hardcover
Regardless of your faith tradition, The Creed is a book worth exploring, studying, and discussing in your church. Agreement with Johnson's arguments and conclusions is not necessary -- it is the questions that Johnson raises that are important. Contemporary Christianity suffers a monumental credibility problem and identity crisis. Few Christians can clearly articulate what they believe, why it is important, and what ultimate meaning it has for their lives. Rigid fundamentalism to anything-goes liberalism paint a wide spectrum for confused seekers. Church-goers often simply go through the motions, mouthing professions of faith that have little or no meaning in their daily lives. Johnson calls all Christian believers to take seriously what we claim to believe, and he challenges us to act counter-culturally -- first and foremost by defining ourselves in relationship to community, rather than as individuals. This is a fine historical review as well as a clarion call to create a future grounded in a clear, compelling identity that says once and for all who we are, what we believe, and why we are here. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on April 1, 2004 by Dan Dick
    • Just as expected.
Format: Paperback
Ordered for study during Lent.
Reviewed in the United States on February 7, 2024 by Ruth
    • Revisiting the Christian Faith
Format: Kindle
This is a very well written scripturally and historically based explanation of every statement of faith recited in the Nicene Creed. Johnson explicates not only the meaning and significance of the belief elements of the Creed, but also the scriptural history and the early Christian church history of why and how each statement came to be selected for this fundamental document of Christian faith. I particularly appreciate how the author captures the modern Christian mind, especially in its frequent failure to concentrate on the meaning of the words we recite at each Mass celebration. His honesty here is humbling and encouraging, making the reading of his book an especially rewarding experience. He acknowledges the challenge to faith the Creed represents while explaining its richness and clarifying as much as humanly possible the nature of the triune God that Christians are called upon to worship and obey. Many sections of the book also capture the marvelous phenomenon that was the vigorous growth of the Church so soon after the ignominious death on the cross of its Founder. This work is a treat for the restimulation of a Christian faith that might be languishing from years of neglect or thoughtless habit and routine. I highly recommend it. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on June 22, 2016 by Robert D. Odum
    • Great resource that breaks down the Nicene Creed and gives ...
Format: Paperback
Great resource that breaks down the Nicene Creed and gives an explanation of each component. If I remember correctly, Johnson is from the Catholic faith tradition, but he really does a great job leaving out sectarian bias. HE STICKS TO THE SCRIPTURES AND ITS THEOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE! I highly recommend it to anyone trying to gain more theological insight (with a bit of historical information) on the Nicene Creed. It is very accessible and not bogged down with a lot of "hard-to-understand" theological terminology. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on June 4, 2015 by John Randall
    • For anyone who wants to understand what Christians believe
Format: Paperback
This is the book for those who want to learn more about the Nicene Creed. Luke Timothy Johnson explains the meaning and history behind the words many Christians recite each Sunday. I highly recommend this book for Christians who want a deeper understanding of what they believe and for non-Christians who would like to understand what Christians believe and why. It is wonderfully written and brings the Nicene Creed to life. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on December 1, 2015 by Peggy M.
    • A great study for deeper understanding.
Format: Paperback
Pretty deep - but understandable. It is a step-by-step, in-depth look at the creed many Christians recite in church every Sunday but rarely really understand. We used it as a subject in my Bible study and it was wonderful - guided by a minister who added his own study and research to it.
Reviewed in the United States on April 29, 2013 by Marti Healy, author
    • LTJ ( Roman Catholic) Inspires A Baptist
Format: Hardcover
Luke Timothy Johnson does a superb job describing the history and early function of the Nicene Creed, then he skillfully produces compelling arguments for modern day functions of the Creed for all Christians who confess Christ as Lord. Although it may be a bit idealistic of me, I think The Creed could potentially close the gap that formed in the Church as a result of the Protestant Reformation. A must read for all Christians who believed Jesus wanted unity in his body when he prayed in John 17. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on August 23, 2003 by Mengo

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