What I Believe
This site is designed to discuss how a thinking person can logically believe that Christianity is a valid explanation for meaning and purpose in life…it’s definitely not a detailed discourse on theology, or you’d have to find another author!
In statements of faith, though I may have more specific views about certain things, I prefer to focus on the things that are common to all Christians. Too many viewpoints that are not essential to the central doctrines of Christianity divide Christians when we could be working together to do a lot of greater things in this world.
Though I am of an evangelical protestant bent myself, the version of The Apostles’ Creed below is from the English translation of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, which divides it into the 12 articles you see numbered.
This creed is used in many Protestant and Catholic churches and is generally accepted as common ground amongst many different Christian denominations, highlighting our common beliefs, and is one of the earliest Christian creeds in history.
- 1. I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
- 2. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
- 3. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary.
- 4. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.
- 5. He descended into hell. On the third day he rose again.
- 6. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
- 7. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
- 8. I believe in the Holy Spirit,
- 9. the holy catholic** Church, the communion of saints,
- 10. the forgiveness of sins,
- 11. the resurrection of the body,
- 12. and the life everlasting.
- Amen.
** The word “catholic” with a small “c” means: “all inclusive, universal, pertaining to all mankind” and is not specifically associated with the Roman Catholic Church.
(Taken from Wikipedia: “Apostles’ Creed”)
I also believe that the bible teaches that Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit are part of the triune Godhead…the Trinity. This is not clearly presented in the apostles creed. The concept of the Trinity is taught and accepted by virtually all mainstream Christian churches and I believe it is revealed in the teachings of the Bible. It is present in other more detailed Christian creeds from early church history such as the Nicene Creed.
