What's a Christian, Anyway?: Finding Our Way in an Age of Confusion and Corruption

by Glenn Packiam

In an age when Christianity has been corrupted and co-opted by cultural forces and personal agendas, pastor and theologian Glenn Packiam shows how an ancient Creed can save the modern church--and might just save your faith.

The Church today has lost its way. We've pursued the wrong priorities, put our hope in personalities, and elevated popularity over spiritual maturity. And it's not just the Church that's lost; we are too. As culture wars rage and competing voices argue, many Christians are left asking a basic question, What's a Christian, anyway?

But there's hope. The church has been here before, and our spiritual ancestors crafted a powerful resource to help us find our way: the Nicene Creed. Readers who take this journey with Packiam will

discover how the Creed--born in an ancient time of controversy, confusion, and disunity much like today--is not just a statement of beliefs, but a rope to lead us home;
experience an invitation into the mystery and wonder of God through these ancient words; and
rediscover a path to becoming faithful witnesses to the way of Jesus as we learn to live into the Creed's beautiful story, stunning hope, and powerful vision of what a Christian is.


The world yearns for Christ's joy, peace, and hope, but the gospel is only believable if Christians live like it's true. Join this adventure into the heart of authentic Christianity, and rediscover for yourself the fresh, timeless power of our Creed, returning to the living heart of what it means to be a Christian.

Genres: Faith, Christian, Religion, Christian Non Fiction, Christianity, Nonfiction

240 pages, Paperback

Published March 11, 2025

About the author

Glenn Packiam is a the lead pastor of new life DOWNTOWN, an extension of New Life Church in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where he also serves on the Executive Team. Having earned a BA in Theological/Historical Studies and a Masters in Management, Glenn is now in the process of completing a Masters of Arts in Theology/Biblical Studies from Fuller Theological Seminary.

Reviews

[Lindsey Harden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Glenn’s book brought about so much clarity to me as I read about the primary Christian beliefs stated in the Nicene Creed. It’s so easy to be led astray by all the lies and half truths in the world. I now better understand the Holy Spirits role in my life as well as what standing in unity with The Church looks like. I want to be more future-oriented in my worship as I look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come.

[Rainer Erani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Glenn Packiam’s new book What’s A Christian, Anyway? achieves so much. He writes to the Christian who’s looking to better understand the historical faith. He writes to the spiritually curious who are intrigued by the Christian faith. He answers his title question powerfully and practically.

In an incredibly pastoral and organized way, Packiam works through the Nicene Creed, sharing where the lines come from, what they mean, and how we can embody them.

While his writing style leaned more casual than I prefer, his insights were well-researched and communicated. This book would be a great asset for evangelism and discipleship.

Personally, I know of many people who claim to be Christian but don’t seem to agree with any of the essential Christian doctrines. My common reaction is a curious, “If you’re not a Christian, why do you call yourself one?” It’s confusing to me. Partly, it’s because, as a society, we’ve stripped Christian doctrine down and built it up in such a way that it’s synonymous with deism. Packiam’s book combats this societal enigma by clearly explaining what Christians throughout history have believed.

I am personally very excited to have this resource in my toolbelt. I’m convinced it’ll bless so many.

[Jake Preston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Packiam provides a concise summary of the Nicene Creed as a return to a faith that is compelling and coherent. This is a needed book in an age where many are seeing the blatant corruption and hypocrisy of the church and asking whether the Christian faith actually has anything of value to offer the world. This is a great book to put in the hands of someone who is skeptical of Christianity or a mature believer who wishes to see the church rise above division and recover her roots of faith, hope, and love.

[Lexie Chufar · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was raised Catholic, but since the age of 16ish I’ve considered myself agnostic. I’ve been wanting to explore spirituality and religion again and thought I’d take a look back at Christianity.

I think the author does a great job at translating biblical verses and applying them to modern times, and explaining exactly what it means to be a Christian. The author brought up great analogies that helped me understand the faith. I also appreciated the pop culture references all throughout the book.

Overall an interesting read that made me think.

[Allison Larter]

This is a series of sermons that were made into a book and it reads like that (but not in a bad way). I was hoping it would be more approachable for a non-Christian, but I think it’s best for someone with some Bible knowledge. Definitely worth a read if you’re in a church or thinking about going back!

[Eila Mcmillin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Goodreads for the giveaway copy of this book!

I won't lie, it gave me a pretty significant pause as someone born and raised in Colorado Springs to read a book by a pastor formerly associated with New Life. That being said, I'm glad I kept going because on the whole, it was a pretty solid book.

Packiam takes readers through a close reading of the Nicene Creed, making sure along the way to weave together personal anecdotes and scripture to illuminate the specific tenants of Christianity.

On some points, I found Packiam a bit vague and I think a lack of thoughtfulness about choosing mass appeal over testimony of the more "radical" parts of Jesus' teaching is a bit obtuse in this, the year of our Lord 2025. That being said, this book has potential as a tool for interfaith dialogue.

Overall, I found Packiam's writing to be well paced and phrased, coherent, accessible and spiritually sound. It's probably too light a touch for fans of rigorously academic or more politically oriented theology, but it is a fine representation of a solid middle ground.

[Isabel R · Rating 4 out of 5]

What’s a Christian Anyway? by Glen Packiam offers a unique and thought-provoking exploration of the Nicene Creed, breaking it down in a way that is both refreshing and insightful. The author takes a deep dive into this foundational statement of Christian faith, unpacking its meaning and relevance for modern believers. This approach provides a valuable perspective, especially for those looking to better understand the core tenets of Christianity and how they apply to our lives today.

While the book’s content is undeniably powerful, I found it to be a bit dry at times, with sections that felt dense and challenging to read. The theological depth, while admirable, might be overwhelming for readers who are new to such discussions or prefer a more conversational style. That said, the effort to push through these sections is well worth it, as the message at the heart of the book is both timely and important.

The central theme is about calling Christians to unite and stand together against confusion and corruption in our current culture and society is a crucial one. The author emphasizes the importance of solidarity among believers, urging them to focus on shared beliefs rather than divisions. This message is particularly relevant in today’s world, where societal challenges and cultural shifts often create tension and discord, even within the church.

One of the book’s strengths is its ability to inspire reflection and action. It challenges readers to consider what it truly means to be a Christian and how we can live out our faith in a way that brings clarity and hope to a fractured world. The call to unity is a powerful reminder that, despite our differences, Christians share a common foundation in the Nicene Creed and a common mission to come together and reflect Christ’s love and truth.

This book is a meaningful and thought-provoking read, though it may require some patience to engage with the message is undeniable, urging Christians to come together in the face of cultural challenges is both timely and essential. It’s a valuable resource for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of the Christian faith and its application in today’s world full of turmoil. I highly recommend to all those willing to invest the time and effort into its important lessons.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC for my honest opinion.

[Gabby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like a lighthouse in the midst of the storm, or a rope that leads you through a blinding blizzard, there is a way back home for the wandering, the weary, and the wounded. 

Did you know it’s common for those who have been hurt by the church to deconstruct? Whether they leave the church entirely or let go of harmful beliefs and practices, many are questioning what it actually means to be a Christian today. there's no.shortage of church hurt, abuse, and scandal going on today. Add to this the confusion and chaos of politics, the economy, and the onslaught of headlines and stories across social media. This world get’s pretty blinding sometimes and many of us are looking for a path back home - a path to belonging and hope. 

Glenn Pakiam lays out the way back home to Jesus by looking back to the historic Nicene creed to remind us of what unites Christians (it’s one thing to say we should be united, but many of us have forgotten the core, the heartbeat of Christianity), what we believe, and who we are supposed to be. This creed reminds us who God is. It reminds us of our creator, our savior, and our comforter. Pakiam does a fantastic job not only discussing this ancient and historical document but also laying out what this means for us today. 

If your wandering, weary, or wounded, this book is a way back home, a way back to rest, and a way to healing for each of us. 

In these confusing, chaotic, and corrupt times we’re living it, perhaps it’s time to take a trip back in time to remind ourselves what a Christian is so that we can move forward with peace for our lives and hope for the world around us.

[M W · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley for this ARC.

4⭐️ Since I started reading this book, the title and description have both changed, making it a little difficult to review. I definitely liked the book—it just wasn’t what I thought it would be. I think the new title and soon-to-be new description will guide readers to a more accurate picture of what this book actually contains.

This book broke down the Apostles’ Creed and explained it in granular detail. I haven’t really seen this done before, so the book definitely presented some new thought processes that helped me examine the doctrine behind my faith. While the author and I might disagree on some small things (he’s an Anglican priest), I think he did a good job of representing what the Christian faith actually is. It did get a bit dry in areas, but it kept my attention and interest about 70% of the time.

One thing I did find to be a bit odd was how the author talked about how a lot of Christians in America think that songs with present tense action verbs give them a lot of hope. (Basically what God is doing presently in your life). He questions whether focus on the present and not the future denotes a certain type of privilege as it relates to freedom of religion. While I do think freedom of religion is an absolute privilege, I’d disagree that focusing on God’s actions in the present reflect said privilege. I think many Christians find hope in God’s present actions because we don’t always see what He’s currently doing, but we have faith that He’s working it out for our good and we have hope that we will understand it one day.

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before I start, I would like to once again thank NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC of this book!

I really enjoyed reading this. As a college student, I heard the Nicene Creed for the first time, and it was a breath of fresh air. As someone who has gotten super weary of a lot of modern day topical Christian books, reading a book that went over the biblical basis of why we believe what we believe and how it translates into the modern era was also refreshing! I will definitely pick this book up again and again. I did dock one star off due to a couple of examples that didn't make sense, but I understand this is not the final book.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

"We have our doctrines sorted, but our love is disordered." Wow, this was so wonderful and my Kindle reader has multiple highlights like this one... I appreciate how it takes the approach of outlining and diving deep into the Apostles Creed, something I've never done before. Despite reading multiple Christian books, I was in awe of how Packiam presented information and scripture into this one. I really appreciated the depth and research/thought that went into writing What's a Christian Anyway? I plan to share this title with friends.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book.

[Ryan Dufoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

The concept that modern nondenominational churches should be obviously founded on the ancient truths of our faith is one that is desperately needed today. In the age of the charismatic megachurch pastor, what we need more than ever is an unchanging foundation, a truth unchanging, and an understanding of God that doesn't change with the times, even though we do. This is a must-read for everyone in nondenominational church leadership and any Christians who want to grow in a basic but profound understanding of the central tenets of our faith.

[Rebecca Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whether you have left or are considering leaving the faith, have been a Christian for decades, or are simply Christianity-curious, you’ve come to the right place. Glen Packiam uses the Nicene Creed, an ancient Christian document, to show us the core beliefs of Christianity. This book was written with the hurting and confused in mind. Packiam writes with empathy and kindness. While acknowledging their impact, he cuts through the politics, controversies, and doctrinal debates to get to the heart of Christianity.

[Luke Hellebronth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an important book at a critical cultural moment. Glenn is a brilliant thinker and trusted voice who can help a generation recapture what it means to be a follower of Jesus. Be inspired and renewed in your faith or even discover it!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

interesting to read about the theology that connects us all as christians

[D M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goodreads Giveaway book winner.

An excellent, thought-provoking exploration of the Nicene Creed and how it could be understood and utilized by modern Christians.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

What's a Christian Anyway is an interesting book about faith.

[Tim Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Nicene Creed focus was refreshing and clear. A few examples were confusing, but overall it was a great read.

[Mike Fendrich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed reading and discussing with my son.

[Jess Prichard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Made things simpler to understand, thank u Glenn and the creeds!! Found in the outdoor library in Coppell Tx :)

[Hanah · Rating 5 out of 5]

very timely

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in turn for an honest review.

This was a great book about Christian identity and practice. There was. Lot of things about historical roots of Christianity.

The verses throughout definitely gave more information and emphasis on things the author was discussing.


Some favorite quotes:

♡ "I am driving in the suburbs. But it’s dark outside, and I have no bearings, no clue where I am. So I’m a little worried. To be fair, this is a pretty normal occurrence for me. I have a notoriously bad sense of direction."

♡ "God creates a home for Himself and for His creatures. Humans decide to try to run the home themselves, becoming a threat. God exiles them and they must find their way back home. They can’t, so God comes after them and brings them back home to Himself. More than that: God remakes the world and makes His home with humans after all. “And God may be all in all”(1 Cor. 15: 28 niv)."

♡ "Our own story is bound up with our home. Far as we may go, we long to return."

♡ "“Losing our way” is only one way of putting it. Losing our faith, or the ability to believe, is another . When we say it like that, it is more serious, more urgent, more dire. And for many, it most certainly is. The headline is not just about the church losing her way; it is about people who have lost their faith. When we lose our ability to believe something, it’s either because the content of belief is no longer plausible or because the carrier is no longer credible."

♡ "All belief relies on scaffolding. But not all scaffolding is reliable."

♡ "Christians are finding it harder to believe not simply because the content of faith is no longer plausible; but also because the credibility structures have failed. The statements of faith are hard enough to accept; the source of these statements—the church— is getting more difficult to trust."

♡ "We believe in “one . . . Church” because we acknowledge only “one baptism.” The Catholics don’t have a baptism; the Lutherans don’t have a baptism; the charismatics don’t have a baptism. Christians have a baptism : It is one baptism in Christ, our one Lord."

♡ "Resurrection means your worst day won’t be your last day."

♡ "Those who claim to know Jesus ought to know what love looks like: self-giving and sacrificial. That is the kind of love we ought to have for one another."