I Believe in God: A Reflection on the Apostles' Creed - Softcover

Rausch SJ, Thomas P.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0814652603 ISBN 13: 9780814652602

Publisher: Michael Glazier, 2008

Synopsis

In the spirit of nineteenth-century philosopher John Stuart Mill's admonition to "fully, frequently, and fearlessly" discuss what we profess to be true in order that it remain a "living truth" rather than dead dogma, Thomas P. Rausch gives us I Believe in God: A Reflection on the Apostles' Creed. Rausch carefully explores the controversies that led to the development of the Creed and thereby brings the Creed to life for modern readers. More important, he maintains that the Creed is most fully alive when those who profess it do so as a personal response to their baptismal call. I Believe in God carefully unpacks the three articles of the Creed but does so always with an eye and heart toward communion with God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. As baptized Christians, to profess the Creed is to be committed to enter more deeply into this trinitarian relationship and thus more fully into communion with one another. Rausch clearly shows that the Apostles' Creed is grounded in Scripture, first came to expression in the church's baptismal liturgy, and can be better understood in light of contemporary theological reflection. Attentive to the ways in which the language of the Creed is relevant to the experience of twenty-first-century Christians, he leads us to understand what Pope Benedict meant when he said the Creed is "a tiny summa in which everything essential is expressed." With Rausch's guidance, readers will confess those essentials with greater conviction and appreciation.

About this title

About the Author

Thomas P. Rausch, SJ, is the T. Marie Chilton Professor of Catholic Theology at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. A specialist in ecclesiology, he has published twenty books and numerous articles and has long been active in ecumenism. He co-chairs the Los Angeles Catholic/Evangelical Committee and the Theological Commission for the Archdiocese. From 2010 to 2014 he was a consultor to Jesuit Superior General Father Adolfo Nicholás for ecumenical affairs.

From the Inside Flap

In the spirit of nineteenth-century philosopher John Stuart Mill?s admonition to ?fully, frequently, and fearlessly? discuss what we profess to be true in order that it remain a ?living truth? rather than ?dead dogma,? Thomas P. Rausch gives us I Believe in God: A Reflection on the Apostles? Creed. Rausch carefully explores the controversies that led to the development of the Creed and thereby brings the Creed to life for modern readers. More importantly, he maintains that the Creed is most fully alive when those who profess it do so as a personal response to their baptismal call. I Believe in God carefully unpacks the three articles of the Creed but does so always with an eye and heart toward communion with God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. As baptized Christians, to profess the Creed is to be committed to enter more deeply into this trinitarian relationship and thus more fully into communion with one another. Rausch clearly shows that the Apostles? Creed is grounded in Scripture, first came to expression in the church?s baptismal liturgy, and can be better understood in light of contemporary theological reflection. Attentive to the ways in which the language of the Creed is relevant to the experience of twenty-first-century Christians, he leads us to understand what Pope Benedict meant when he said the Creed is ?a tiny summa in which everything essential is expressed.? With Rausch?s guidance, readers will confess those essentials with greater conviction and appreciation.?There is no better way to know what Catholics believe and why they believe it than to explore?line by line?the central affirmations of the faith. The ease with which Thomas Rausch unlaces the ancient language of the Creed for rank and file believers is truly edifying, indeed astonishing. I know of no finer study of the basics of Catholic faith than Rausch on the Creed.? Michael Downey Cardinal?s Theologian Archdiocese of Los Angeles?Thomas Rausch, like the good householder of the Gospel, brings forth old things and new. His exposition of the Apostles? Creed reveals both the perennial power latent in that ancient text as well as contemporary resources for recovering that power. This book is a crisply intelligent meditation of the faith of One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church.? Lawrence S. Cunningham John A. O?Brien Professor of Theology University of Notre Dame?I Believe in God uses the Apostles? Creed as its organizing tool for an insightful tour of a broad range of basic Catholic teachings. It can serve as text for college classes, catechumenate groups, adult parish discussions, or individuals wanting to keep up. Fr. Rausch writes in his usual clear and engaging manner to give his readers an accessible introduction to topics of substance and depth.? Dennis M. Doyle Religious Studies University of Dayton Dayton, Ohio ?With his trademark clarity, accessibility, and depth, Rausch helps us understand the essentials of our Christian faith in a church and world marked by polarization and conflict. I cannot think of any other book of this genre that probes with greater acumen and pastoral sensitivity the challenges that face Christianity, especially the American Catholic Church, today and retrieves from the old treasure of the Creed new insights to help us understand and live our Christian faith. Once more, we are in debt to Thomas Rausch for this rare theological gem. I most enthusiastically recommend this book for undergraduate classes and continuing education courses.? Dr. Peter C. Phan Ignacio Ellacuria Chair of Catholic Social Thought Georgetown University Washington, DC

Edition details

• Publisher: Michael Glazier
• Publication date: 2008
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0814652603
• ISBN 13: 9780814652602
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 184