The Nicene Creed: A Scriptural, Historical, and Theological Commentary - Paperback

by Jared Ortiz (Author), Daniel A. Keating (Author)

Though the Nicene Creed is regularly recited in weekly church services, few understand its historical origins and connections to Scripture and key Christian doctrines.

This volume bridges the gap, providing an accessible introduction that explains how the Creed is anchored in the Bible and how it came to be written and confessed in the early history of the church. The authors show how the Creed reflects the purpose of God in salvation, especially in relation to Christians' divine adoption as sons and daughters, leading to glorification. Each chapter includes sidebars highlighting how the Creed has been received in the church's liturgy.

Professors, students, clergy, and religious educators will benefit from this illuminating and edifying guide to the Nicene Creed.

Back Jacket

"Exemplifies what Christian instruction at its best can be"

This informed and accessible introduction to the Nicene Creed explains how the Creed is anchored in the Bible and how it came to be written and confessed in the early history of the church.

"Seasoned theologians Ortiz and Keating here introduce the Creed in a book that would make a great textbook for introductory theology classes as well as for study groups. Deeply rooted in Scripture and the Church Fathers, this book exemplifies what Christian instruction at its best can be."
--Matthew Levering, Mundelein Seminary

"This splendid book provides a brilliant presentation of the Nicene Creed that is richly historical but accessible, and conceptually profound but clear, so that readers can understand why Christianity teaches and professes what it does. The book functions both as an excellent introduction to Christianity and as a reference for the pursuit of deeper understanding of the Catholic faith."
--Thomas Joseph White, OP, Pontifical University of St. Thomas (Angelicum)

"A wonderful tool--indeed, a treasure trove--for those prepared to follow the authors in unpacking these rich phrases that Christians have recited for centuries. Here is a powerful antidote that helps us to 'overcome our contemporary allergy to truth' as we lean deeply into the Nicene Creed, understanding how it addressed the problems of its day and continues to speak powerfully to our own age."
--Edith M. Humphrey, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary (emerita)

"This superb exposition of the Creed, written by two faithful Catholic scholars, shows how this classic statement has practical relevance for believers of all confessions. A true treasure for the Lord's people everywhere!"
--Timothy George, Beeson Divinity School, Samford University; cochair of Evangelicals and Catholics Together

"An extremely well-thought-out introduction to the Nicene Creed. This book connects the Creed to both Testaments, church history, the words of the Church Fathers, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and the prayers of the church in a way that not only teaches but also deepens faith."
--Jonathan J. Reyes, Knights of Columbus

Author Biography

Jared Ortiz (PhD, The Catholic University of America) is professor of religion at Hope College in Holland, Michigan. He is cofounder and executive director of the Saint Benedict Institute for Catholic Thought, Culture, and Evangelization and author of "You Made Us for Yourself" Creation in St. Augustine's "Confessions."

Daniel A. Keating (DPhil, Oxford University) is professor of theology at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit, Michigan. He is the author of Athanasius and His Legacy and two volumes in the successful Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture series.