Creed

     We’re about to start several small groups at First UMC, Albuquerque, all studying Adam Hamilton’s book on the Apostles’ Creed, “Creed: What Christians Believe and Why.” Even if you can’t join us for the study, I would invite you to enter into a season of thinking about what you believe. Shane Claiborne offered the following words about Adam’s book: “In an age where there are many competing versions of Christianity, Adam brings us back to the basics. This book is a beautiful contribution to a better Christianity – a Christianity that looks more like Jesus, a Christianity that is known for love again.” I would agree about the need to get back to the basics as disciples of Jesus Christ… both in belief and practice.

     As far as we can tell, the original Apostles’ Creed dates back to the 2^nd or 3^rd century, and is referred to as “The Old Roman Symbol.” I thought I would include its original text in this invitation to either study a book together or contemplate belief and practice individually.

                                I believe in God the Father almighty;

                                and in Christ Jesus His only Son, our Lord,

                                Who was born from the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary,

                                Who under Pontius Pilate was crucified and buried,

                                     on the third day rose again from the dead,

                                     ascended to heaven,

                                     sits at the right hand of the Father,

                                     whence He will come to judge the living and the dead;

                                and in the Holy Spirit,

                                the holy Church,

                                the remission of sins,

                                the resurrection of the flesh

                                and the life everlasting.

                                                        The Old Roman Standard (2^nd or 3^rd cent.;

                                                                       the original Apostles’ Creed)

     Do you struggle to believe what others believe? “Since these convictions cannot be completely verified scientifically, there will always be some measure of doubt associated with them, some question as to whether they really are true (Hamilton, “Creed,” p. 14).” Sometimes we struggle with what we believe because we are waiting to be completely convinced, or we have a hard time turning off our own critical thinking, or we give too much credit to the critical thinking of others. In John’s Gospel, when the risen Jesus appears to “Doubting” Thomas, Christ says, “Do not doubt, but believe!” How does doubt give way to belief?

     “In the end, belief is a decision of the will… I choose to believe certain things… that decision has had a significant impact on my life every day since (Hamilton, “Creed,” p. 14).” 

     What do you believe? What do you choose to believe? What impact does it make?

     Alone, or with a group, I hope you’ll undertake a new faith journey in figuring out – all over again – what you choose to believe.

     If I can help you on this journey in any way, please don't hesitate to reach out.