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Light from Light: A Theological Reflection on the Nicene Creed
In recent decades, antipathy toward religious belief in general, and Christianity in particular, has been on the rise, with over a quarter of Americans now identifying as religiously unaffiliated. But the truth of what thoughtful Christians actually believe is not being told.
In Light from Light: A Theological Reflection on the Nicene Creed, one of the Church’s leading thinkers invites skeptics and seekers to discover the intellectual richness of the Catholic faith. Walking through the ancient Nicene Creed, Bishop Robert Barron offers readers a clear and compelling explanation of the basics of the faith for a new generation, especially those who have wandered away.
In Light from Light: A Theological Reflection on the Nicene Creed, one of the Church’s leading thinkers invites skeptics and seekers to discover the intellectual richness of the Catholic faith. Walking through the ancient Nicene Creed, Bishop Robert Barron offers readers a clear and compelling explanation of the basics of the faith for a new generation, especially those who have wandered away.
224 pages, Hardcover
Published August 23, 2021
124 people are currently reading
237 people want to read
About the author
Robert Barron
217 books852 followersBishop Robert Emmet Barron is an acclaimed author, speaker, and theologian. He is the former Francis Cardinal George Professor of Faith and Culture at Mundelein Seminary near Chicago and also is the founder of Word On Fire (www.WordOnFire.org).
Bishop Barron is the creator and host of CATHOLICISM, a groundbreaking ten-part documentary series and study program about the Catholic faith. He is a passionate student of art, architecture, music and history, which he calls upon throughout his global travels in the making of the documentary.
Word On Fire programs are broadcast regularly on WGN America, Relevant Radio, CatholicTV, EWTN, the popular Word on Fire YouTube Channel, and the Word on Fire website, which offers daily blogs, articles, commentaries, and over ten years of weekly sermon podcasts. In 2010, Father Barron was the first priest to have a national show on a secular television network since the 1950s.
Fr. Barron received his Masters Degree in Philosophy from the Catholic University of America in Washington DC in 1982 and his doctorate in Sacred Theology from the Institut Catholique in 1992. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1986 and has been a professor of systematic theology at the nation's largest Catholic seminary, the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary since 1992. He was visiting professor at the University of Notre Dame in 2002 and at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in 2007. He was also twice scholar in residence at the Pontifical North American College at the Vatican.
In addition, Fr. Barron lectures extensively in the United States and abroad. Cardinal Francis George calls Fr. Barron “one of the Church’s best messengers.
Fr. Barron was baptized at Queen of All Saints Basilica in Chicago and grew up at St. John of the Cross parish in Western Springs, Illinois.
WordOnFire.org - Fr. Barron's website launched in 1999 and currently draws over 1 million visitors a year from every continent. Fr. Barron posts weekly video clips, commentaries and radio sermons and offers an audio archive of over 500 homilies. Podcasts of his sermons are widely used by tens of thousands of visitors each month.
TV - EWTN (The Eternal Word Television Network) and CatholicTV broadcasts Fr. Barron's DVDs to a worldwide audience of over 150 million people.
Radio - Since 1999, Fr. Barron's weekly Word on Fire program has been broadcast in Chicago (WGN) and throughout the country (Relevant Radio - 950 AM Chicago) to 28 million listeners in 17 states. Fr. Barron also is a regular commentator on the "Busted Halo Show" on the Sirius satellite radio network based in New York.
DVDs - Fr. Barron's DVDs are used as powerful faith formation tools in universities, schools, churches and homes around the country. The series includes Seven Deadly Sins, Seven Lively Virtues; Faith Clips; Conversion: Following the Call of Christ; and Untold Blessing: Three Paths to Holiness.
YouTube - With over 180 online video commentaries by Fr. Barron, over 1 million viewers worldwide have made him the most popular of any evangelist on YouTube. These frequent, high-quality productions include brief and lively theological reviews of contemporary culture, including movies such as No Country for Old Men, Apocalypto, and The Departed, a three-part critical review of Christopher Hitchen's book God is Not Great, The Discovery Channel's The Jesus Tomb, the HBO series "The Sopranos", "Rome" and more.
Missions - MISSION CHICAGO features evangelization lectures by Fr. Barron at the behest of Cardinal George. These special missions and presentations throughout the Archdiocese are centered in downtown Chicago and attract business, civic, and cultural leaders.
Books - His numerous books and essays serve as critical educational and inspirational tools for seminarians, priests, parishioners and young people worldwide. His published works are also central to the numerous retreats, workshop and talks that h
Bishop Barron is the creator and host of CATHOLICISM, a groundbreaking ten-part documentary series and study program about the Catholic faith. He is a passionate student of art, architecture, music and history, which he calls upon throughout his global travels in the making of the documentary.
Word On Fire programs are broadcast regularly on WGN America, Relevant Radio, CatholicTV, EWTN, the popular Word on Fire YouTube Channel, and the Word on Fire website, which offers daily blogs, articles, commentaries, and over ten years of weekly sermon podcasts. In 2010, Father Barron was the first priest to have a national show on a secular television network since the 1950s.
Fr. Barron received his Masters Degree in Philosophy from the Catholic University of America in Washington DC in 1982 and his doctorate in Sacred Theology from the Institut Catholique in 1992. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1986 and has been a professor of systematic theology at the nation's largest Catholic seminary, the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary since 1992. He was visiting professor at the University of Notre Dame in 2002 and at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in 2007. He was also twice scholar in residence at the Pontifical North American College at the Vatican.
In addition, Fr. Barron lectures extensively in the United States and abroad. Cardinal Francis George calls Fr. Barron “one of the Church’s best messengers.
Fr. Barron was baptized at Queen of All Saints Basilica in Chicago and grew up at St. John of the Cross parish in Western Springs, Illinois.
WordOnFire.org - Fr. Barron's website launched in 1999 and currently draws over 1 million visitors a year from every continent. Fr. Barron posts weekly video clips, commentaries and radio sermons and offers an audio archive of over 500 homilies. Podcasts of his sermons are widely used by tens of thousands of visitors each month.
TV - EWTN (The Eternal Word Television Network) and CatholicTV broadcasts Fr. Barron's DVDs to a worldwide audience of over 150 million people.
Radio - Since 1999, Fr. Barron's weekly Word on Fire program has been broadcast in Chicago (WGN) and throughout the country (Relevant Radio - 950 AM Chicago) to 28 million listeners in 17 states. Fr. Barron also is a regular commentator on the "Busted Halo Show" on the Sirius satellite radio network based in New York.
DVDs - Fr. Barron's DVDs are used as powerful faith formation tools in universities, schools, churches and homes around the country. The series includes Seven Deadly Sins, Seven Lively Virtues; Faith Clips; Conversion: Following the Call of Christ; and Untold Blessing: Three Paths to Holiness.
YouTube - With over 180 online video commentaries by Fr. Barron, over 1 million viewers worldwide have made him the most popular of any evangelist on YouTube. These frequent, high-quality productions include brief and lively theological reviews of contemporary culture, including movies such as No Country for Old Men, Apocalypto, and The Departed, a three-part critical review of Christopher Hitchen's book God is Not Great, The Discovery Channel's The Jesus Tomb, the HBO series "The Sopranos", "Rome" and more.
Missions - MISSION CHICAGO features evangelization lectures by Fr. Barron at the behest of Cardinal George. These special missions and presentations throughout the Archdiocese are centered in downtown Chicago and attract business, civic, and cultural leaders.
Books - His numerous books and essays serve as critical educational and inspirational tools for seminarians, priests, parishioners and young people worldwide. His published works are also central to the numerous retreats, workshop and talks that h
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
February 21, 2023
Really good book!!
‘I saw how it contains within its depths - all things bound in a single book by love - of which creation is the scattered leaves. In a word, we will see, in God, the great work of art, only hints of which in this life we can possibly spy.’
‘I saw how it contains within its depths - all things bound in a single book by love - of which creation is the scattered leaves. In a word, we will see, in God, the great work of art, only hints of which in this life we can possibly spy.’
April 2, 2022
Someone who has consumed a fair amount of the content that Word on Fire has produced will certainly be familiar with Bishop Barron and how he talks about the triune God. In that case, one will approach Light from Light with some familiarity of how he presents the Church's teachings about the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit, and the Church. In many ways, this reflection on the Nicene Creed will feel like a synthesis of those ideas to this group.
This is a deep theological reflection on that great statement of Christian belief from the 4th century, handed down and translated through the centuries. As is typical of Bishop Barron, he probes this text not just in his native English, but pulls in ideas from the words used in the Latin and Greek texts, as well as references to the Scriptures (occasionally citing key terms in the original language for a given book) and other Christian theologians, particularly Aquinas, N.T. Wright, John Henry Newman, and Paul Tillich.
Light from Light is a book worth spending some time with, mulling the ideas presented, allowing oneself to be struck with insights from the text. It is a reflection written for this time and space, devoting its first chapter to the word on which creed is derived from, the Latin credo, "I believe". As is common with Word on Fire, this was released in conjunction with a film series meant to serve as a study program. I contend that series supplements this book, and not the other way around.
This is a deep theological reflection on that great statement of Christian belief from the 4th century, handed down and translated through the centuries. As is typical of Bishop Barron, he probes this text not just in his native English, but pulls in ideas from the words used in the Latin and Greek texts, as well as references to the Scriptures (occasionally citing key terms in the original language for a given book) and other Christian theologians, particularly Aquinas, N.T. Wright, John Henry Newman, and Paul Tillich.
Light from Light is a book worth spending some time with, mulling the ideas presented, allowing oneself to be struck with insights from the text. It is a reflection written for this time and space, devoting its first chapter to the word on which creed is derived from, the Latin credo, "I believe". As is common with Word on Fire, this was released in conjunction with a film series meant to serve as a study program. I contend that series supplements this book, and not the other way around.
August 26, 2022
Insightful, thought-provoking, in-depth look at "what we believe" and what it means.
April 29, 2023
This book was a very pleasant read, and feels very much like classic Bishop Barron. If you follow his media, a lot of this book will feel familiar, but presented at a much higher level. I must admit, when I picked up this book originally, I was looking for some "light" (pun intended) reading, but I was mistaken - the concepts in here are not easy to grasp.
Bishop Barron's introduction explains the book's purpose as evangelistic, and that his intended audience is for searchers, not necessarily for those already bought in. I think the book is still definitely useful for those who are bought in (and perhaps more so), as it provides an articulation of many of Catholicism's difficult concepts for an evangelist to utilize.
One criticism that I have often heard of Bishop Barron's work is that people have trouble understanding it, or it is too esoteric or big-word-y for them. Bishop Barron, in the introduction, is aware of this and makes no apologies, explaining that the alternative is to dumb things down, a move which, he argues, is done all too often and which is at least partially responsible for the mass reduction in credibility of the faith. He writes for an intelligent reader, and at least at the college level. He is even cheeky about it at points (e.g. "by this I simply mean the ontologically evanescent quality of..."). Nonetheless, he provides all of the background information that you need to know. A beginner can read this book and benefit from it, but only if he wants to - you won't understand this book if you're not committed to understanding it. Therefore, I wouldn't necessarily recommend it for your teenage nephew who is skipping church because he thinks it's uncool, but I would recommend it for someone who is earnestly exploring and is committed to getting to the bottom of what it is that we call God. This would also be good for someone who is early-conversion, in the middle of or just finished RCIA, or anyone who likes talking to the disaffiliated or the loosely-affiliated about the faith.
Bishop Barron's introduction explains the book's purpose as evangelistic, and that his intended audience is for searchers, not necessarily for those already bought in. I think the book is still definitely useful for those who are bought in (and perhaps more so), as it provides an articulation of many of Catholicism's difficult concepts for an evangelist to utilize.
One criticism that I have often heard of Bishop Barron's work is that people have trouble understanding it, or it is too esoteric or big-word-y for them. Bishop Barron, in the introduction, is aware of this and makes no apologies, explaining that the alternative is to dumb things down, a move which, he argues, is done all too often and which is at least partially responsible for the mass reduction in credibility of the faith. He writes for an intelligent reader, and at least at the college level. He is even cheeky about it at points (e.g. "by this I simply mean the ontologically evanescent quality of..."). Nonetheless, he provides all of the background information that you need to know. A beginner can read this book and benefit from it, but only if he wants to - you won't understand this book if you're not committed to understanding it. Therefore, I wouldn't necessarily recommend it for your teenage nephew who is skipping church because he thinks it's uncool, but I would recommend it for someone who is earnestly exploring and is committed to getting to the bottom of what it is that we call God. This would also be good for someone who is early-conversion, in the middle of or just finished RCIA, or anyone who likes talking to the disaffiliated or the loosely-affiliated about the faith.
November 19, 2021
Bishop Barron does a great job of unpacking the central creed of Christianity that was developed at the council of Nicea and finally at Constantinople. I realize this is an academic theological reflection but it is sometimes dense (oftentimes unnecessarily so). Barron is a brilliant thinker and evangelizer. The creed we profess at each Sunday Mass is important to understand and this book definitely helps towards that end. However, I do demur on his Balthasarian inclinations towards universalism. We should pray and hope for salvation of all but I don't have the somewhat naïve thinking that somehow everybody in the end will say yes to God's invitation.
July 6, 2022
Heavier on theology than most of us are accustomed. Bishop Barron gives insight into what the Church Fathers defined in writing this statement of belief in 325 AD.
The accompanying set of 6 CDs in which Baron lectures on each topic, are slightly easier to comprehend since Baron will not "dumb down" anything. The study guide was helpful with a few questions and suggested references to Scripture and the Catechism of the Catholic Church, both of which are easier to comprehend.
The accompanying set of 6 CDs in which Baron lectures on each topic, are slightly easier to comprehend since Baron will not "dumb down" anything. The study guide was helpful with a few questions and suggested references to Scripture and the Catechism of the Catholic Church, both of which are easier to comprehend.
October 25, 2021
Bishop Barron uses his deep theological and philosophical understanding to progressively expound on each line in the Nicene Creed. Very enlightening and thought provoking book, I liked the end where he talks about some of the benefits that come from the unity of the Catholic Church.
January 16, 2022
"Light From Light: A Theological Reflection on the Nicene Creed" makes for a joyfully informative reading experience. The chapters of the book follow the ancient Nicene arrangement, starting with the belief in one God and concluding with a brief essay on the world to come.
Again, following the Creed's detailed outline, Barron's most lengthy chapter here is on the incarnation of God in Christ. I was most impressed by his reading of St. Anselm, whose masterpiece "Why God Became Man" I have sometimes found unpersuasive, given its insistence on the cross as the restoration of God's honor. However, hear what Bishop Barron has to say:
"I would urge us not to think of the restoration of the Father's honor as something taking place in the psychology of the Father, but rather something taking place in us and for us since God's honor or glory is precisely that we be fully alive."
Another note: as a Christian outside of the Roman communion, I appreciated Barron's constant allusions to Protestant theologians. Outside St. Thomas Aquinas and St. John Henry Newman, Paul Tillich is the most cited theologian, outpacing even Karl Barth. What this signals is a truly ecumenical mind. Though totally committed to the unique charism of his native Roman tradition (and frequently its more theologically conservative side), Bishop Barron is fully aware that the Spirit is at work across the breadth of the worldwide Church, and that is so deeply refreshing.
Again, following the Creed's detailed outline, Barron's most lengthy chapter here is on the incarnation of God in Christ. I was most impressed by his reading of St. Anselm, whose masterpiece "Why God Became Man" I have sometimes found unpersuasive, given its insistence on the cross as the restoration of God's honor. However, hear what Bishop Barron has to say:
"I would urge us not to think of the restoration of the Father's honor as something taking place in the psychology of the Father, but rather something taking place in us and for us since God's honor or glory is precisely that we be fully alive."
Another note: as a Christian outside of the Roman communion, I appreciated Barron's constant allusions to Protestant theologians. Outside St. Thomas Aquinas and St. John Henry Newman, Paul Tillich is the most cited theologian, outpacing even Karl Barth. What this signals is a truly ecumenical mind. Though totally committed to the unique charism of his native Roman tradition (and frequently its more theologically conservative side), Bishop Barron is fully aware that the Spirit is at work across the breadth of the worldwide Church, and that is so deeply refreshing.
December 31, 2022
Barron picked a great topic and did a great job diving in head first with gusto! This book is essentially a full analysis of the Confession of Faith. Barron does a superb job of showing the depth of thought that has been dedicated throughout the history of Christianity to this confession. He does a nice job of showing the intellectual and spiritual development by presenting thoughts from the great doctors of the Church and he also shares thoughts of the "dissenters" so that the reader can come with him to logical conclusion.
I did not give him five stars for one simple reason. Barrons topic, his research, his analysis and his passion are superb; but, he never misses an oportunity to send the reader to the dictionary to look up an obscure word. A more well understood lexicon would have served his purpose just as well and would more broadly serve the readers. Don't dumb it down, but don't obfuscate the message with words.
I did not give him five stars for one simple reason. Barrons topic, his research, his analysis and his passion are superb; but, he never misses an oportunity to send the reader to the dictionary to look up an obscure word. A more well understood lexicon would have served his purpose just as well and would more broadly serve the readers. Don't dumb it down, but don't obfuscate the message with words.
August 18, 2025
I read this book to commemorate the 1700th anniversary of the Nicene Creed. In this book, Bishop Barron goes through the creed line by line and reflects upon its meaning. He doesn’t attempt to explain what the drafters meant by writing it,nor does he attempt a comprehensive explanation of it. Rather he considers the language of each part of the creed and then discusses how that principle is important in the Christian life or life of the Church. Bishop Barron writes from a Roman Catholic perspective but most of what he writes is applicable to all Christians. He raises a lot of interesting and thought provoking points and encourages us to think more deeply about our faith. This book is not written in a pop religion tone, but expects the reader to be serious, thoughtful and already familiar with a deep catholic faith. Overall a great book for thoughtful Christians who want to reflect more deeply on their faith.
April 16, 2025
I’ve been looking for a guide to the Nicene Creed for quite awhile now, and this came the closest to what I was hoping for, with some helpful nuggets about the historical context and the language. It still ended up trying a bit too hard to inspire the reader rather than merely inform the reader, though a lot of books aimed at Christians seem to have that problem. As a result the language got a bit too soaring (and obscure) at times. Also the author is very fond of the phrase “in point of fact”, which started to grate on me after the first few instances. I’d still like to find a scholarly treatment that doesn’t feel like an exhortation to faith and awe.
August 6, 2022
I learned a lot about the creed and the meaning behind the words and passages. This is a deeply thought and almost academic read and even though it was only 170 pages took me a long time to read and digest. Found it to be a good book but just caution you will need a dictionary near by as there are words every three pages I had to look up to decipher the meaning. Definitely help me understand this powerful creed/
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March 31, 2025Another book I read for class. I should say, tried to read. This is the literary equivalent of a person speaking because he loves the sound of his voice. I find, at this point in my life, I have less patience with word salad. Quit trying to be clever and poetic... just tell me what you want to say already... sheesh!
February 8, 2022
Excellent and difficult read. Heavy on theology with lots of specific terminology. Worth the effort for the deeper understanding of the Creed as a central document of faith. Reading and watching the video series together helped tremendously.
January 2, 2023
Great commentary on the Nicene Creed. For years I've recited it on Sundays not truly understanding the depth its depth. Anyone who professes the Nicene Creed, and is looking for greater understanding in what they are actually professing, should read this.
November 3, 2021
Advertises itself as a serious, intellectual exegesis of the Nicene Creed, but really just summarizes well-known theological points in needlessly complex vocabulary.
December 12, 2021
Lots of people enjoy Bishop Barron's videos and sermons. This book is not for everyone This was written as a graduate level text. So you want read this book, take it slow-10 or 15 pages a day.
February 15, 2022
Clearly explains the Creed in depth, so it can be defended by Catholics for their faith.
February 26, 2022
Beautifully written exploration of the Creed
March 12, 2022
WoF bookclub
May 19, 2023
Brilliant.
January 27, 2025
Really good book. Helped to understand the creed.
October 20, 2025
This book was difficult but we read it with our priest and had wonderful conversations.
November 6, 2025
A helpful reflection on the Nicene Creed. I was surprised that this book was supposed to be written for an audience of "Nones."
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews