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Rooted: The Apostles' Creed
In a day when many things divide us, what unites us? Christians have, for centuries, found unity and solidarity through the confession of faith found in the Apostles' Creed. Many learned it as children, while others only became familiar with it later in life; some can recite it by memory, some in song, but all using the same essential words. Yet, familiar though it is, do we understand its meaning? When we profess, Sunday by Sunday, these historic words, do we have a full grasp of what it is we are professing? In the Apostles' Creed, Dr. Raymond Cannata and Rev. Joshua Reitano teach us and refresh us in our understanding of what these important truths mean. Taking a little bit at a time, this book will guide you through a comprehensive understanding of the principles contained in the beloved Creed.
- GenresTheology
216 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 29, 2019
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24 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
June 18, 2020
It's so simple. Almost too simple. It can be memorized without much sweat, as easily as the Pledge of Allegiance; and rattled off with just as much thoughtlessness. I'm talking about the Apostles' Creed. Yet its effortless simplicity can cause it's gravity to be completely overlooked. That's where the second edition of "Rooted: The Apostles' Creed" comes into play. Raymond Cannata, pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New Orleans, and Joshua Reitano, pastor of New City Presbyterian Church in Cincinnati, have compiled a handy and handsome guide through the Apostles' Creed in 214 paperback pages; a directory that takes the reader inwardly into healthy reflection and brings them out into hearty revelry! As the authors note, "good theology should lead to great doxology" (118), and that emphasis lingers just below the surface throughout the whole document.
The authors tease out thirteen studies that walk readers through the Apostles' Creed successively. Each chapter begins with a passage of Sacred Scripture that gives each credal statement a biblical backdrop. Cannata and Reitano unpack the scriptural passage, while explaining a given affirmation. But they also weave into the chapters other aspects from historical theology, liturgy, sacraments, etc. Then the well documented chapters end with sundry intense study questions. I was impressed by the way both writers stayed the course and never shied away from the tough concepts, such as the Day of Judgment, heaven and hell, sin, the Holy Spirit, bodily resurrection, and so forth. And through it all good theology was leading to great doxology.
"Rooted" was a pleasure to read. I found myself excited at times, and at other times, praying. This is a book for those who aren't Christians but want to know more, as well as for new Christians, older believers, boards of elders and deacons, upper schools and college classes. I highly recommend the book, and I warmly affirm that the good theology between these covers leads to great doxology.
My thanks goes to Raymond Cannata who gladly sent me an autographed copy of the book on my request. I used that copy for this assessment, and no one - not even Rev. Cannata - made any demands on me, nor were any diktats imposed. Therefore my evaluation is all mine, freely made, and now freely given, because I joyfully agree that "good theology should lead to great doxology."
The authors tease out thirteen studies that walk readers through the Apostles' Creed successively. Each chapter begins with a passage of Sacred Scripture that gives each credal statement a biblical backdrop. Cannata and Reitano unpack the scriptural passage, while explaining a given affirmation. But they also weave into the chapters other aspects from historical theology, liturgy, sacraments, etc. Then the well documented chapters end with sundry intense study questions. I was impressed by the way both writers stayed the course and never shied away from the tough concepts, such as the Day of Judgment, heaven and hell, sin, the Holy Spirit, bodily resurrection, and so forth. And through it all good theology was leading to great doxology.
"Rooted" was a pleasure to read. I found myself excited at times, and at other times, praying. This is a book for those who aren't Christians but want to know more, as well as for new Christians, older believers, boards of elders and deacons, upper schools and college classes. I highly recommend the book, and I warmly affirm that the good theology between these covers leads to great doxology.
My thanks goes to Raymond Cannata who gladly sent me an autographed copy of the book on my request. I used that copy for this assessment, and no one - not even Rev. Cannata - made any demands on me, nor were any diktats imposed. Therefore my evaluation is all mine, freely made, and now freely given, because I joyfully agree that "good theology should lead to great doxology."
February 3, 2022
I love how Cannata and Reitano teach the Apostles’ Creed (and the scriptures that support each line) in a refreshingly evangelistic way. I can imagine someone who is skeptical of creeds/confessions, or even Christianity itself, benefiting immensely from this work.
Looking forward to using this as a primary source for a Sunday school class this semester.
Looking forward to using this as a primary source for a Sunday school class this semester.
July 11, 2022
Great Work
I highly recommend this book. It is easy to read an accesible. It served as a great companion to working through Third Millennium Ministries course on the Apostle’s Creed.
Ray and Josh do a great job working through this historical creed and showing how much it applies to the world today.
It is a great encouragement to believers and apologetic to the world.
I highly recommend this book. It is easy to read an accesible. It served as a great companion to working through Third Millennium Ministries course on the Apostle’s Creed.
Ray and Josh do a great job working through this historical creed and showing how much it applies to the world today.
It is a great encouragement to believers and apologetic to the world.
January 14, 2020
"There should not be a single aspect of your life untouched by this." - Rooted, page 67
How many times have you heard the Apostles' Creed? How many times have you droned along shoulder to shoulder with fellow congregants, dutifully saying the words and hearing their comfortable rhythm, and yet not really thinking deeply about what they mean?
The authors of Rooted shook me out of this anesthetized apathy. As Ray Cannata and Josh Leitano say, the Apostles' Creed "...outlines for us the core doctrines of Christianity" (p. 147).
Think "doctrine" is just for academic eggheads? Or think the Apostles' Creed is historically valuable but out of touch with Christianity today? Think again, friend. Cannata and Leitano walk us through the meaning of each line of the Apostles' Creed to show why this is the enduring list of beliefs that hold Christians across the world, across time, together.
A TASTY STRUCTURE AND FILLING
Each chapter tackles another line of the well-known Apostles' Creed. Like a delicious layer cake, each chapter stirs up what you think you know about that line, liberally pours in quotes from theologians and hymnists, folds in familial anecdotes ranging from gently humorous to heartwrenching, and concludes with final instructions: study questions to make you think and spur discussion with others. As I often experience with layer cakes, I ate greedily but had to slow down to contemplate the rich stories and ideas.
This book is built on the backs of giants. Cannata and Reitano quote theological greats such as Charles Spurgeon, John Piper, C.S. Lewis, Alistair Begg, Tim Keller, J.I. Packer, John Calvin, and uses examples from innumerable songwriters (Henry Lyte, Bono, John Lennon, and others), popular writers (Emily Dickinson, for one), TV shows (my appetite is whetted for more about "Police Women of Cincinnati"), and more. The writing style is varied, deftly using thought-provoking questions and conversational language. It's vividly evident that the book was written by two highly informed truthseeking teachers (who must be lifelong students themselves) who are intent on synthesizing powerful truths with the telling of the gospel.
Moreover, this book screams gospel. As they say, "If you get nothing else from this book, you must learn this. Salvation comes not by being moral, or right, or pure...We get in by recognizing that we are in need of a Savior" (p. 187-188).
Cannata and Reitano take every opportunity to not only explain the significance of Jesus' death and resurrection but to exhort one to live accordingly, by accepting His gift, praising Him to the fullest, to heed the Holy Spirit, jump into a church community, nurture church unity, and overall to be transformed and act like it. This, to me, differentiates preaching from teaching, and keeps this book just outside of academia and within applied literature. Perhaps it's best described in that ticklish category of practical theology.
WHO IS THIS BOOK FOR?
For the Christian who seeks to understand, this book is filled with God-given wisdom. For the pastor, this book offers a cornucopia of quotes that can be easily plucked. For the Sunday School teacher, Bible study teacher or discussion leader, this book offers an accessible walkthrough of the Apostles' Creed in a way that welcomes and teaches all and smooths the path to deep conversation together.
In whatever setting you choose, I do recommend pacing yourself to read it over a few weeks, so as to reflect on its riches and retain them, rather than attempt to gulp them down in hours. Its seemingly short 189 pages belie the trove of meaning within. Its 14 chapters would translate nicely into a weekly discussion over a semester or 3 months, for example.
For a longtime Christ-following layperson like me, this book was right in the sweet spot: not too theologically fatiguing that I felt like I was in class, and not too milquetoast as to be aimed towards the new, fledgling Christian. If anything, this book is meant for those who've heard the Apostles' Creed over and over and have become numb to it.
Ready to read it for yourself and see the Apostles' Creed in a new light? Purchase Rooted from Amazon today.
I received this book free from Ray Cannata for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
How many times have you heard the Apostles' Creed? How many times have you droned along shoulder to shoulder with fellow congregants, dutifully saying the words and hearing their comfortable rhythm, and yet not really thinking deeply about what they mean?
The authors of Rooted shook me out of this anesthetized apathy. As Ray Cannata and Josh Leitano say, the Apostles' Creed "...outlines for us the core doctrines of Christianity" (p. 147).
Think "doctrine" is just for academic eggheads? Or think the Apostles' Creed is historically valuable but out of touch with Christianity today? Think again, friend. Cannata and Leitano walk us through the meaning of each line of the Apostles' Creed to show why this is the enduring list of beliefs that hold Christians across the world, across time, together.
A TASTY STRUCTURE AND FILLING
Each chapter tackles another line of the well-known Apostles' Creed. Like a delicious layer cake, each chapter stirs up what you think you know about that line, liberally pours in quotes from theologians and hymnists, folds in familial anecdotes ranging from gently humorous to heartwrenching, and concludes with final instructions: study questions to make you think and spur discussion with others. As I often experience with layer cakes, I ate greedily but had to slow down to contemplate the rich stories and ideas.
This book is built on the backs of giants. Cannata and Reitano quote theological greats such as Charles Spurgeon, John Piper, C.S. Lewis, Alistair Begg, Tim Keller, J.I. Packer, John Calvin, and uses examples from innumerable songwriters (Henry Lyte, Bono, John Lennon, and others), popular writers (Emily Dickinson, for one), TV shows (my appetite is whetted for more about "Police Women of Cincinnati"), and more. The writing style is varied, deftly using thought-provoking questions and conversational language. It's vividly evident that the book was written by two highly informed truthseeking teachers (who must be lifelong students themselves) who are intent on synthesizing powerful truths with the telling of the gospel.
Moreover, this book screams gospel. As they say, "If you get nothing else from this book, you must learn this. Salvation comes not by being moral, or right, or pure...We get in by recognizing that we are in need of a Savior" (p. 187-188).
Cannata and Reitano take every opportunity to not only explain the significance of Jesus' death and resurrection but to exhort one to live accordingly, by accepting His gift, praising Him to the fullest, to heed the Holy Spirit, jump into a church community, nurture church unity, and overall to be transformed and act like it. This, to me, differentiates preaching from teaching, and keeps this book just outside of academia and within applied literature. Perhaps it's best described in that ticklish category of practical theology.
WHO IS THIS BOOK FOR?
For the Christian who seeks to understand, this book is filled with God-given wisdom. For the pastor, this book offers a cornucopia of quotes that can be easily plucked. For the Sunday School teacher, Bible study teacher or discussion leader, this book offers an accessible walkthrough of the Apostles' Creed in a way that welcomes and teaches all and smooths the path to deep conversation together.
In whatever setting you choose, I do recommend pacing yourself to read it over a few weeks, so as to reflect on its riches and retain them, rather than attempt to gulp them down in hours. Its seemingly short 189 pages belie the trove of meaning within. Its 14 chapters would translate nicely into a weekly discussion over a semester or 3 months, for example.
For a longtime Christ-following layperson like me, this book was right in the sweet spot: not too theologically fatiguing that I felt like I was in class, and not too milquetoast as to be aimed towards the new, fledgling Christian. If anything, this book is meant for those who've heard the Apostles' Creed over and over and have become numb to it.
Ready to read it for yourself and see the Apostles' Creed in a new light? Purchase Rooted from Amazon today.
I received this book free from Ray Cannata for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
November 23, 2020
A helpful movement through the Apostles Creed, but more importantly, through the Christian faith. A great tool for believers and skeptics.
May 6, 2022
So good! Read this with the men at church. A great intro into understanding and applying the Apostle’s Creed to your life. If you recite the Creed in your liturgy every Lord’s Day, give this a go.
January 19, 2020
Wonderful inspiring book bringing God's word so much closer to our daily life. Creating wonderful new insights. Offering also a good challenge how to act in our daily life as Christians, and our responsibilities at home, work, and in our neighborhoods. Study questions (new in this second edition) offering good opportunity to reflect and meditate at the end of each chapter.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews