The Apostles' Creed (William Barclay Library) [Paperback]

William Barclay (Author)

Book Description

Series: William Barclay Library | Publication Date: November 1, 1998

"If there is one statement of the Christian Church, it is contained in the Apostles' Creed," writes William Barclay. Professor Barclay reminds us, however, that the Creed should be seen not so much as a test and yardstick of orthodoxy, but rather as a symbolic, pictorial and poetic representation of a truth--a truth that Christian should constantly rethink and restate for themselves.

Barclay's insights are particularly valuable at a time when many traditional beliefs are being questioned, both by theologians and lay people. He manages to bridge the gap between the academic and lay worlds while addressing the most profound issues of the Christian faith.

The William Barclay Library is a collection of books addressing the great issues of the Christian faith. As one of the world's most widely read interpreters of the Bible and its meaning, William Barclay devoted his life to helping people become more faithful disciples of Jesus Christ.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

William Barclay (1907-1978) is known and loved by millions worldwide as one of the greatest Christian teachers of modern times. His insights into the New Testament, combined with his vibrant writing style, have delighted and enlightened readers of all ages for over half a century. He served for most of his life as Professor of Divinity at the University of Glasgow, and wrote more than fifty books--most of which are still in print today. His most popular work, the Daily Study Bible, has been translated into over a dozen languages and has sold more than ten million copies around the world.

Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Westminster John Knox Press (November 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0664258263
• ISBN-13: 978-0664258269
• Product Dimensions: 7 x 5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #424,588 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent historical overview; great pastoral guidance., May 13, 2002

By 

Kerry Sullivan (Taylor, Texas) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Apostles' Creed (William Barclay Library) (Paperback)

This book provides a helpful historical study of the ancient Apostles' Creed. More importantly, it provides expert and loving pastoral guidance on the meaning of each passage in this important summary of the Christian faith.

Dr. Barclay views God primarily in terms of a loving and forgiving father--in sharp contrast with those who see God more in terms of a triumphant king bent on destroying his enemies. Dr. Barclay's view gave him a wonderful perspective on profound issues such as the foregiveness of sin and the meaning of Jesus' death on the cross. Dr. Barclay dares to hope that God will ultimately restore all of humankind to Himself. And rather than dying instead of us on the cross (because an offended and vengeful God demands that somebody die as a punishment for sin), Dr. Barclay believes the cross was instead necessary to show humanity that there is no point beyond which the love of our foregiving God will not go.

The book provides an articulate, beautiful, and believable summary of Dr. Barclay's view of the Christain faith based on a God who "is love." I highly recommend it.

5.0 out of 5 stars Exceeding expectations, June 20, 2010

By 

Phyllis Thompson - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Apostles' Creed (William Barclay Library) (Paperback)

Only 7 chapters in, this detailed look at the Apostles' Creed has exceeded my expectations -- which were pretty high based on my previous encounters with the author's work.

It had been my intent to read the book as peripheral background as I prepare to moderate a discussion or two in an upcoming Sunday School class, but today encouraged each member to purchase it in anticipation of more in-depth discussions I now see could dominate a dozen enlightening sessions. Hope there are more issues in stock!

8 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great Presentation of the Creed for all Christians, March 2, 2001

By 

Bobby Weatherly (Vicksburg, MS United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Apostles' Creed (William Barclay Library) (Paperback)

Barclay does a complete and through review of each line of the creed. Beginning with "I believe", the writer explores the development of each phrase of the creed in simple language for the beginner as well as the student of theology. He explains the meaning of each phrase, why it is included, and the culture in which the phrase developed. The different interpretations of the individual phrases are fully explored along with the defense of each. This is a great book for those preparing for baptism or confirmation as well as a good book for a Christian Formation Class. I used this as a theology resource in preparation for the Diaconate in the Episcopal Church. The only shortcoming is the lack of inclusive language; otherwise, I would rate it five star.