Exploring and Proclaiming the Apostle's Creed

A clear exposition of the "Apostles' Creed" by some of the world's leading scholars and preachers. A Creed in slow motion. No preacher should send his or her congregation home from worship with their heads hurting, but there is a growing sense that the Church could benefit these days from a revival of doctrinal preaching, the fundamentals of Christian belief. Where better to start than the "Apostles's Creed". It was this conviction that brought together a group of the most outstanding theologians and preachers from the English speaking world to write this book. They include the Regius Professor of Divinity in The University of Cambridge (David Ford), the great and hugely lamented Professor Colin Gunton, Professor Frances Young from Birmingham and the Dean of King's College, London, Dr Richard Burridge. The authors are from different denominations and include Roman Catholics, Anglicans, Lutherans and people from the United Reformed Church. "The Apostles' Creed" was chosen as the basis of this book because of its narrative structure, confessional character, liturgical familiarity and ecumenical appeal. It was formulated and adopted as doctrine at The Council of Nicea for the Universal Church. Anchoring doctrinal reflection on this historic creed can focus our faith and restrain our eccentric tendencies. Each chapter includes an essay and a sermon to assist exploration and proclamation of the Creed. The authors identify biblical sources, trace how the doctrine was perceived and interpreted in Christian history and reflects theologically on the confession for our turbulent times. As one of the contributors has written 'Before they counsel, instruct, warn or comfort, preachers must proclaim'.

Table of Contents:
Preface 1. The Triune God 2. God, the Father Almighty 3. Creator of Heaven and Earth 4. Jesus Christ His Only Son, Our Lord and so forth until 15. The Life Everlasting

About the Author :
Roger van Harn is an American Presbyterial theologian and pastor. He was editor of the Three Volume Lectionary Commentaries published by Continuum. David Ford is Regius Professor of Divinity in The University of Cambridge.

Review :
"...this collection of essays and sermons is very much better than the usual run of things...The essays generally maintain a good standard of scholarly integrity...There is a great deal of food for thought in this volume, and people looking for something to do in Lent or in a teaching course in their church, would be well advised to take a look in this book for ideas. The Apostles' Creed has been brought back to life in its pages, and the presentation offered here is one which will stimulate and inspire any number of pastors and lay people looking for solid meat for their sermon diet." Gerald Bray, Churchman, Spring 2007  'It is hard to imagine the gospel more clearly, intelligently, and pointedly articulated than in these learned essays and sermons. Exploring and Proclaiming the Apostles' Creed offers a timely challenge to speak, hear, and obey the Word of God attested in Holy Scripture through appropriation and confession of the faith of the church catholic. This book is a "blessed disturbance" if ever there was one and a boon to catechesis and doctrinal preaching.' 'These comprehensive commentaries by great preachers on the Apostles' Creed offer a rich breadth of theological insight for sermons. William H. Willimon, Duke University Chapel Who says that doctrine won't preach? Here is grand, exalted Christian theology explored with creed and preached with vitality and conviction. A quite wonderful series of reflections on the great claims of our faith.' Henry H. Mitchell, author of Black Preaching   'These essays and sermons enrich and play off each other in a splendid way. The book reminds us that the best doctrinal preaching is also always biblical preaching, and that sermons can be didactic without being pedantic.' David Bartlett, Yale Divinity School   "It is intended to revive the preaching of Christian doctrine by providing, first, an exposition of what to say and, then, an example of how to say it. To achieve this, the editor has assembled a most distinguished international team of thirty scholars and preachers...This is a substantial book which will amply repay some hard work, and which deserves to make a significant contribution to the revival of good preaching of Christian doctrine."