In recent months I have been asked to review an unusual number of soon to be released books. Most of these requests have come from friends who are aspiring to be authors. I am honored that they would think so much of my opinion. I know it’s not due to my grammatical acumen. I am also asked on occasion as to what books I am reading or have read that are impactful or thought provoking which I might recommend. Again, I am humbled to think my endorsement would be of that kind of value. All that being said, I thought I would use this blog site on occasion to review books I am currently reading. I usually have a stack on my desk which I am working through and I know if I were to take the time and write some reviews, my retention levels may actually skyrocket. So, to begin this new aspect of blog writing I want to start with an excellent book which I was asked to review in pre-publication form entitled, Power of the Creed.
One year ago, I was invited to speak at a conference in Iowa where I was introduced to Mark Nauroth, an interesting young man who had also been invited to speak. I mean no slight by stating this, in fact later this thought would be to my embarrassment, but my initial reaction to the invitation was one of confusion. What exactly would this young man share with a group of seasoned saints and pastors? I was about to be schooled in a most profound way.
It only took a few minutes at the pre-conference dinner table to realize that his subject matter would revolve around early church creeds. Mark’s obvious passion made an immediate impression upon the listener for he was at that time studying and writing on the ancient Christian statement of belief called, The Nicene Creed.
To say that was a surprise as a conference topic would be an understatement, as few ministers or pastors in my circle of fellowship would even remotely know the history or the content of this profound statement of belief. Church history and doctrine are not our normal conference fare. Yet, here, at this conference, an I.T. software developer from California was about to embarrass and instruct us all.
Mark was able, in his limited time allotted him, to lightly skim church history and scratch the surface of the content of this Creed; but what he did accomplish was to underscore the incredible need for Christ’s Church to apprehend the deep wells of the ancient truths of our Christian Faith. For those of us who minister primarily in Pentecostal/Charismatic circles, this was a critical message for there tends to be, at times, an over-emphasis on “What’s God up to today”? It was a powerful reminder that the Lord has been up to much, long before our brand of Christianity sprung on the scene.
I am excited to share that what Mark started writing over a year ago at a conference, is now coming to fruition. The book, “Power of the Creed” is soon to be released. I had the privilege of reading by invitation an early copy and I enthusiastically recommend it whether you are a “liturgical” or a “non-liturgical” Christian. Why? Because the Nicene Creed is foundational in so many respects to the totality of expression in the whole of Christendom.
In our current age (which I have labeled, “The no-doctrine, doctrine era”), perhaps it is time to explore the ancient creeds forged through numerous doctrinal and philosophical challenges, to determine (or perhaps better stated, reminded) what exactly are the essentials of the Christian Faith? Also, what must we agree upon to be called, “Christian”?
Further: Is it possible to fellowship and even appreciate one another as fellow believers beyond our theological constructs of recent years? How do we recognize if the current wind we are sensing is truly a Spirit-inspired breeze or could it be a wind of doctrine, tossing us to and fro by the trickery of men? (See Ephesians 4:14) I would suggest that an anchoring to the historic Christian Faith would be a first step in establishing that safeguard.
Mark presents, in Power of the Creed, a powerful tool that connects the historic, doctrinal statements of the early church with relevant and contemporary illustrations – open doors to potential transformation of the reader. This is no dry, dusty, hyper-intellectual journey through the twists of early church history. This is not a text-book per se, (although I will mention momentarily a possible audience for which it might prove to be one). This book is a creative, and may I say clever, historical and scriptural exposition on the importance of this Creed. It is “accessible”, and will provide the reader an interesting, relevant ride through 4th century doctrinal issues which, interestingly always find their way back to contemporary church life. The battles which forged the Nicene Creed are analogous to a merry-go-round which come around seemingly every century. A grand hope might be if this book is taken seriously, we could get off that merry-go-round.
As with any 200-page book that tackles such an expansive area of history and theology, there may be a few gaps a history professor like me might have liked to see explored. I personally would have loved to have read the impact of latter Hellenization and philosophy, especially Plato and Aristotle, at the Nicene Council, but I understand that history nerds like me were not Mark’s target. For the average reader, that is a blessing. His style and tone strike the right balance between interesting scholarship and devotional relevancy. If I were pastoring a church where confirmation classes were being held for 7th and 8th graders, this might be a book I would assign and have them read and discuss. It’s that important and that accessible. I would especially single out the discussion concerning the Incarnation and the vital nature of getting Christ’s birth right in our understanding. This was excellent.
I am currently a religion professor at an accredited, Christian University. Most of my students are aspiring ministers and pastors. They are next generation Christian leaders who will be quickly influencing, preaching, and teaching in churches all across America. I also have the privilege of mentoring and training pastors and leaders who are in their church assignments all across the globe. I see first hand the sincerity of their callings. I can attest to their genuine love and passion for their Lord, Jesus Christ. However, I can also attest to the disconnect many have with regards to the historic, Christian Faith. My hope is that many will get this book in their hands and be motivated to anchor themselves in the apostolic Faith, as well as minister in apostolic power.
If you would like to be on the mailing list and be one of the first to purchase this book, please avail yourself to Mark’s website at, http://Powerofthecreed.com
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