We Believe: Recovering the Essentials of the Apostles' Creed

by Michael Scott Horton

Michael Horton introduces a new generation of Christians to the Apostle's Creed, proving that its message is as timeless as it is historical. In doing so, he demonstrates how the creed answers essential questions of faith in an age when answers are hard to find.

Genres: Theology, Christian, Church History, Christian Living, Biblical Studies

260 pages, Hardcover

First published March 10, 1998

About the author

Dr. Horton has taught apologetics and theology at Westminster Seminary California since 1998. In addition to his work at the Seminary, he is the president of White Horse Inn, for which he co-hosts the White Horse Inn, a nationally syndicated, weekly radio talk-show exploring issues of Reformation theology in American Christianity. He is also the editor-in-chief of Modern Reformation magazine. Before coming to WSC, Dr. Horton completed a research fellowship at Yale University Divinity School. Dr. Horton is the author/editor of more than twenty books, including a series of studies in Reformed dogmatics published by Westminster John Knox.

Reviews

[Aaron Hicks · Rating 4 out of 5]

1 Peter 3:15 “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have".

This book is a phenomenal guide and analysis of the Apostles Creed! It goes by phrase by phrase and unpacks the meaning to give clear ways to live it out practically. Very good writing and great theology!

[Coyle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is less of a commentary on the Apostle's Creed and more a use of the Creed as a structure by which to demonstrate how Christian Biblical theology stands against various trends in modern culture (both Christian and secular alike). The points this book raises are useful, interesting, and--with certain exceptions--true, but I don't know that Horton has accomplished any kind of actual exposition of the Creed.

That said, it was still a good book and one I'm happy to recommend.

[Robert Murphy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a bad book, but not what it claims to be. The Creed itself and historical theology play a very small part in the structure and content of the book. It is more of a popular exposition of the basics of the Christian faith. When it does go deeper, it is via systematic theology, a later/medieval development (e.g. the communicable vs incommunicable attributes of God). Overall, a descent read, but not actually adhering to the title.

[Chris Whitehead · Rating 4 out of 5]

Over all I thought this was a decent book. There were times where it felt like this book was less about the Apostles' Creed from a historic aspect and more about the author's opinions about the relevance for us today; as such there were places where the communication was very positive and affirming and others where personal cynicism came through. I believe we need both.

[Shaun Marksbury · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was one of my favorite books I've read so far on the topic. Very practical and thorough. Recommended.

[Alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have not read the whole work but rather have chosen to use it as a reference. In his book Horton attempts to use the Apostle's Creed to formulate the foundations of basic Christianity. The book is not meant to be a scholarly work but rather for the general lay reader who wants to contemplate the basics of Christianity.

[Philip · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good walk through of the basics of Christianity using the Apostles' Creed. Sometimes he does use the statement from the Creed as a launching point to talk about a certain issue without dealing much with the actual statement. On the whole, however, he does a good job.

[Jeremy Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

A contemporary application of the Apostles Creed. Highlights include a chapter on Christ as the only source for knowledge about God, an excellent summary of the history of salvation, a clear explanation of the sacraments, and how the future world invades our present worship.

[Jay Risner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid Book

[J. Rutherford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite a good book (don't agree with the finer points of the reformed view of the ordnances (sacraments))

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

Horton does an excellent job of expositing and interpreting the Apostle's Creed. He does go off on some tangents, but overall, very good.