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Credo: Believing in Something to Die For

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The first thing that struck me when I received Credo was the cover and the style of the book. The texture of the pages, the uneven edges, the old world style type--made me feel that I was opening a treasure of sorts. It was like I was opening an old scroll of secrets yet untold. My impressions were correct. Credo is definitely a treasure.

The Apostles Creed is the oldest and most widely accepted creed within the Christian faith and Credo sets out to explain it like no other book has ever done. Not only does it tackle why the Apostles Creed matters, but it also breaks it down point by point. Pritchard even goes so far as to show why we should believe the creed and what it means to our lives. I was not only drawn to his arguments, I found myself nodding my head constantly in agreement.

Each section ends with questions that can be used to further study the creed individually or as a group. I honestly think this book would be great for churches to use to study the creed and why it is important to our faith. Those new to the faith and those that have been Christians all of their lives will enjoy this book. It made me look at the creed in a whole new light. It isn't just something I say at the end of service anymore. It is a statement of my belief in God, in my salvation through Christ, his resurrection, the Holy Spirit, the forgiveness of sins, and so much more. I agree with Pritchard that some things are not negotiable and you must believe in certain things to actually be a Christian. Our faith is founded on truth and it means something to believe in the tenets of Christianity. The creed reminds us of that.

I highly recommend this book and will consider it required reading for my children as they grow in their faith. As Christians, we believe in something worth dying for and Christ is the cornerstone of everything we believe. Credo expresses that in a fundamental and powerful way.

As Christians, what do we believe? If we can begin to articulate our beliefs, do they have any impact in our lives? In Credo, author Ray Pritchard looks to the Apostles Creed as an exceptional answer to these questions. He gives three reasons we should to this creed: "First, it is the oldest and most widely accepted... Second, it offers a broad survey of Christian doctrine... Third, the Creed offers a radical challenge to the skepticism of this generation." (17)

After introducing the Creed, each chapter examines it line-by-line, resulting in 19 chapters ranging from 7 to 13 pages each. Each chapter explains what is meant in each line, ways we can understand it, and what it means for our lives. The importance of practical application is made apparent throughout the book. "This is more than a doctrinal statement. It's a declaration of your personal commitment to what the Creed says... The world will not be moved by a halfhearted commitment to things we don't really believe." (207-8)

Ray Pritchard does an excellent job explaining what's at stake in each part of the Creed. For example, in discussing the virgin birth, he explains that "in order for Christ to be our Savior, three conditions had to be met: He must be a man... He must be an infinite man... He must be an innocent man." (63) He doesn't shy away from the most controversial part of the Creed- the idea that Jesus descended into hell. Instead, he thoughtfully describes what it cannot mean, what it might mean, and what it must mean.

Not only is each doctrine thoughtfully addressed, but application is made by asking what difference they make for us. In covering the practical issues as well, Ray Pritchard does a great job making the Apostles Creed come alive, which is necessary in a Christian culture that's forgetting its roots. Credo recommits these ancient truths to our hearts and minds in a meaningful and accessible style.