In Search of Belief

by Joan D. Chittister

Renowned spiritual author Joan Chittister examines the Apostles' Creed phrase by phrase, offering new interpretations of its themes and new ways of understanding its tenets.

Genres: Spirituality, Religion, Christianity, Christian

216 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 1999

About the author

Joan Daugherty Chittister, O.S.B., is an American Benedictine nun, theologian, author, and speaker. She has served as Benedictine prioress and Benedictine federation president, president of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious, and co-chair of the Global Peace Initiative of Women.

Reviews

[Sally · Rating 4 out of 5]

A friend lent me this book that her church is studying over Lent. It is a refreshingly contemporary and personal meditation on each phrase of the Apostles' Creed which would be especially useful for Christians who have trouble saying or believing in these ancient formulas. As a non-theist I found here and there unwarranted assertions about the consequences of not believing in God, despite the fact that on most issues the author's thinking is neither dogmatic nor exclusive. I made me think that good and God are so joined in some people's training since infancy that it's almost impossible for them to imagine one without the other; but it's important for them to cultivate that extra bit of imagination. Nonetheless I'm glad I read this stimulating and original book.

[Bettie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good book about the Apostles' Creed. She explains some difficult parts and challenges on to act on one's beliefs Each short chapter tackles a phrase, in order, and she uses honest and touching examples from her life to illustrate her points. My main objection was that as an Episcopalian (US)/Anglican (Can), my experiences with equality in the church are very different from hers. And since that is (justifiably) one of the major issues for women in the Roman Catholic Church, it colored her discussion perhaps more than I would have liked. But I particularly liked her discussion of what a strong woman Mary was.... something I think we don't approach in either denomination, and am stronger myself as a result of that chapter.

[Rachel Green · Rating 3 out of 5]

As one reviewer in an article said, you definitely won't think of the Affirmation of Faith (Apostles' Creed) ever again. I certainly didn't agree with everything the author said, but I have had to think a good deal about what exactly I believe. The historical context behind biblical events and traditional interpretations was particularly enlightening. I'd recommend this book to anyone looking to "stretch" their beliefs. Even if you don't agree with anything the author has to say, you will have come to that conclusion because you asked yourself what it is and why you believe, which is the point of the book.

[Susan Sevier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enter another “little book” by Sr. Joan Chittister, In Search of Belief (2006). Here, Sr. Joan walks us through her reflections on each portion of the Apostle’s Creed, a series of reflections that attempts to bring the Creed to life for those of us in the 21st century who struggle with its meaning. For me, her reflections on questions such as just what does it mean when we say, “I believe,” set the ancient concepts of the Creed free so that they can live on for the faithful today. Read the rest of my review: https://readingfaith.org/i-just-cant-...

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

MY Bible Buddies took a break from the Bible to read this religious book focused on The Apostles Creed and discuss a couple chapters at each bimonthly meeting. We all love Sister Joan Chittister! What I especially appreciate is her ability to educate me and help me think outside the box, explore my personal faith and grow closer to God. We will be going back to the bible next September, but I would like to read everything she has written on my own!

[Theresa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Chittister brings her experience as educator, writer, administrator to bear on the phrases of the ancient Christian "Apostles Creed" in a soul-searching effort to express what those phrases mean to a believer today. Like the author, it is intelligent, strong, and honest. But it just is not where I am currently.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joan Chittister's very thoughtful and sensitive discussion of the elements of the Credo make most of them compelling. She is a bit too appologetic in one or two places but overall a book non-Christians can appreciate as well.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very powerful, well conceived discussion of the tenets of faith presented in the Apostle's Creed. This book not only shows the author's humanity and struggles with belief, but also when church and culture go awry and we end up with unfounded dogma.

[Leigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thought-provoking examination of each line of the Apostle's Creed.

[Vida · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got through most of this book. Not a bad book, and her view on women is refreshing. After a while it seemed like the same thing over and over.

[Marissa Ilnitzki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid book with revelatory interpretations of the Apostle's Creed. Addresses how the Creed was used for social and political purposes- divorced from the Gospel's true meaning. The book's messages would be more powerful if it was about half the length. Very repetitive at times, but the messages were powerful.

[Debbie Herrud · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful and insightful book. I've read it twice. The first time I read it straight through over a couple of days. The second time I read a chapter each morning and reflected upon it throughout the day. I found that by reading a chapter a day, I got so much more out of the book than in I did the first time.

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite writers and her aspects on religion and Christianity. You will look at the Apostles Creed through a different lens after you read this. I did this in a devotions class which is why it seems that it took a long time to read.

[Virginia · Rating 4 out of 5]

My book

[Mabon Finch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely incredible, like all of Sr. Joan’s books. Highly recommended.

[Riley Pearson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great reflection on the creed! Thank you, Sister Joan.

[Abigail Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not a Benedictine or a Catholic, but this book challenged my beliefs in a way they haven't been stretched in a very, very long time.

[Brace1737 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Note: I am reviewing the 1999 edition and not the 2006 edition.

Whether or not you are an active church goer, there is a lot here to think about. one rreading may not be enough

[Trey Kennedy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Chittister’s book is not so much a commentary on the Creed, it is a critique, but not one that is at all scholarly in nature. Her criticism extends to her denomination, in which she has taken vows for religious life. Her writing is enough to make one question why she even stays in her Faith, let alone her denomination or in Holy Orders.

This book is extremely unhelpful for understanding the Creeds either theologically or historically. If you are looking to learn more about the Creeds, I would strongly recommend not reading this book.

[Corday]

Fantastic!