The Creed We Need: Nicene Faith for Wesleyan Witness

by Jerome Van Kuiken

In a world of shifting beliefs and fractured spiritual landscapes, the Nicene Creed stands as a powerful, timeless anchor of Christian faith. In The Creed We Need, Jerome Van Kuiken offers a fresh, engaging exploration of this historic statement of belief, revealing how an ancient document speaks directly to the most pressing spiritual questions of our time. Drawing on rich historical insights and a deep understanding of both biblical theology and contemporary culture, Van Kuiken reveals the Nicene Creed as a living, breathing framework for understanding God’s work in the world.

Van Kuiken weaves together historical narrative, theological reflection, and practical wisdom, showing how the Creed connects the grand story of Christian faith to individual spiritual journeys. From the councils of the early church to the revival movements of John Wesley, from global Christianity to personal transformation, The Creed We Need offers readers a compelling vision of faith that is simultaneously ancient and urgently relevant.

"Few Christians today know the great ecumenical creeds; fewer understand them. Yet the need for the creeds—and the grounding in Christian orthodoxy that they provide—has arguably never been greater. In The Creed We Need, Jerome Van Kuiken offers an introduction to the Nicene Creed from a Wesleyan perspective that will help the church to recover this great statement of the Christian faith. Writing in an engaging and accessible style, Van Kuiken discusses the biblical basis for the Nicene Creed, its meaning, and its reception in the Wesleyan tradition. This is an excellent resource for the church, and especially for Wesleyans who want to reclaim the Nicene roots of their faith." —Caleb T. Friedeman, Ph.D., Chair of Biblical Studies, Ohio Christian University

76 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 30, 2025

Reviews

[Charles Robison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple and informative book on the Nicean Creed. I enjoyed learning how much I share in common with the author, who is also my Professor. We differ in a few areas, primarily the Trinity, but a good portion of the book was shared theology. I appreciated a better understanding of the Creed.

[Jonathan Ward · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book to give the curious layman an introduction to the Nicene-Constantinapolitan Creed from a Wesleyan perspective. A quick read that walks through the Creed phrase by phrase with a brief explanation and some accompanying Scripture references.

[Nicholas Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent summary of both Nicene & Wesleyan theology, explaining both in succinct yet uncompromising ways. Great for an introduction to Nicene & Wesleyan theology, in either the classroom or parish.