The Apostles’ Creed
The creed known as the Apostles’ Creed has long interested me. As a pastor in various congregations I have often chosen to speak about various lines in the creed that have puzzled people from time to time. Lines such as “the holy catholic church” or “He descended into hell” or “The communion of saints” often caused some consternation.
But I also realized that the matters that caused no immediate questions were often misunderstood, and so I found myself touching increasingly on more of the phrases.
The 40 chapters of this “book” cover each of the lines from this creed, with a few chapters that reflect upon matters elicited by this creed. Feel free to not read the whole thing, but to raid the chapters that interest you.
Just in case you are a stranger to the Apostles’ Creed here are the lines in recent English usage.
I believe in God the Father Almighty,
Maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ His only Son our Lord.
Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
Born of the Virgin Mary,
Suffered under Pontius Pilate,
Was crucified, dead, and buried:
He descended into hell;
The third day He rose again from the dead;
He ascended into heaven,
And sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty;
From thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit;
The holy catholic Church,
The communion of saints;
The forgiveness of sins;
The resurrection of the body,
And the life everlasting.
Amen.
prodigalprof 