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Tokens of Trust: An Introduction to Christian Belief
What does it mean to believe in God? Can God possibly be almighty in the midst of so much evil and disaster? How am I to understand the meaning of Jesus Christ's ministry and resurrection? To what purpose is the church called? And what does it really mean to follow Christ in today's broken world? Tying together the answers to all of these questions and addressing perplexities such as the possibility of miracles and how to read the Bible, Rowan Williams demonstrates that each of the basic tenets of Christian faith flows from one fundamental belief: that God is completely worthy of our trust. With vast knowledge of Christian history and theology and characteristically elegant prose, Rowan Williams is a superb and compassionate guide through the richness and depth of Christian faith.
176 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2007
66 people are currently reading
627 people want to read
About the author
Rowan Williams
262 books341 followersRowan Douglas Williams, Baron Williams of Oystermouth, is an Anglican bishop, poet, and theologian. He was Archbishop of Canterbury from December 2002-2012, and is now Master of Magdalene College, Cambridge and Chancellor of the University of South Wales.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
June 22, 2017
Clever, clear, concise, compelling and even corrective. Williams is a brilliant thinker able to communicate in ways intelligible to persons both academically-inclined and not. This is a very good overview of Christianity with a decidedly Anglican slant. It is useful as both an introductory text for a seeker or a new believer as well as a devotional text which brings the reader back to the core of faith. This little book should easily lead the reader into prayer, worship, self-examination, and awe. The text, of course, does not pretend to cover the whole of Christianity and there is certainly more to be said. However, Tokens of Trust is an excellent foundational text in the journey that is the Christian faith.
July 24, 2022
Rowan Williams is one of my intellectual heroes. He is the former Archbishop of Canterbury, the head of the Anglican Church. His communication style is very impressive - you can see in any youtube video of his conferences or interviews how eloquent, wise and erudite he is.
This book originated from a series of talks that he gave in the Canterbury cathedral the week before Easter 2005, almost as a preparation for Easter. So, some pages may be a little basic, but even those ones helped me refresh some concepts and strengthen them.
This book originated from a series of talks that he gave in the Canterbury cathedral the week before Easter 2005, almost as a preparation for Easter. So, some pages may be a little basic, but even those ones helped me refresh some concepts and strengthen them.
November 24, 2020
i read this book intermittently so there were times when it was difficult to follow but overall i loved this book. Rowan Williams writes about deep theological topics in a way that is easier to comprehend. the book points back to the different parts of both the Nicene & Apostles’ Creeds & breaks them down.
“God is to be trusted as we would trust a loving parent, whose commitment to us is inexhaustible, whose purposes for us are unfailing generous; someone whose life is the source of our life, and who guarantees that there is always a home for us.” 19
“God is to be trusted as we would trust a loving parent, whose commitment to us is inexhaustible, whose purposes for us are unfailing generous; someone whose life is the source of our life, and who guarantees that there is always a home for us.” 19
August 3, 2023
Wherein Rowan criticizes texts that try to “explain the real meaning of the Bible”:
“Look at those pictures of the new heaven and new earth that you sometimes see in the glossy publications of some religious sects that claim to explain the real meaning of the Bible to you: the painful truth is that they can’t help looking like holiday brochures of the naffest variety” (140).
Four paragraphs later, wherein Rowan explains to us what the Bible really means:
“People are sometimes rather shocked if you say that Christianity does not believe in the immortality of the soul; but in fact, while the Bible and the tradition talk about ‘immortal’ life, they don’t assume that this deathless existence is something reserved for a part of us only…” (142-43).
See pages 2, 29, 80, and more for pictures that work to illustrate the Bible’s meaning.
Happy to be finished with this one.
“Look at those pictures of the new heaven and new earth that you sometimes see in the glossy publications of some religious sects that claim to explain the real meaning of the Bible to you: the painful truth is that they can’t help looking like holiday brochures of the naffest variety” (140).
Four paragraphs later, wherein Rowan explains to us what the Bible really means:
“People are sometimes rather shocked if you say that Christianity does not believe in the immortality of the soul; but in fact, while the Bible and the tradition talk about ‘immortal’ life, they don’t assume that this deathless existence is something reserved for a part of us only…” (142-43).
See pages 2, 29, 80, and more for pictures that work to illustrate the Bible’s meaning.
Happy to be finished with this one.
November 28, 2024
Just so lovely.
February 11, 2026
I enjoyed this! Would be good for someone newer to faith but more intellectual in thought.
November 24, 2020
Reflective exploration of the creeds and illustrations of the Lord's faithfulness and trustworthiness. Well worth the read, with some beautiful passages about God's love, the holistic community and role of the Church, and other introductory elements to God's nature. An easy read and one that definitely stirs greater conversation over the importance of loving God and honoring Him well.
To summarize this book well:
"All we know is that we are called to pray, to trust and to live with integrity before God in such a way as to leave the door open, to let things come together so that love can come through," (45).
To summarize this book well:
"All we know is that we are called to pray, to trust and to live with integrity before God in such a way as to leave the door open, to let things come together so that love can come through," (45).
January 3, 2024
Very good — short, approachable, and understandable. Whether you’re an interested newcomer or a priest, Williams’ insightful and refreshing takes on the key tenets of the Christian faith are worth pondering and returning to.
And if, speaking of “trust,” we have any degree of credibility, Williams’ book should make us seriously consider what kind of Church we think we are apart of, what kind of Church we are working to create—whose is it, and for whom is it?
Williams offers many such questions that leave you thinking and wondering, rather than stifling dogma. For all those interested in meaningful, honest engagement with Christianity and what it means to live in the Church and world, I highly recommend this book.
And if, speaking of “trust,” we have any degree of credibility, Williams’ book should make us seriously consider what kind of Church we think we are apart of, what kind of Church we are working to create—whose is it, and for whom is it?
Williams offers many such questions that leave you thinking and wondering, rather than stifling dogma. For all those interested in meaningful, honest engagement with Christianity and what it means to live in the Church and world, I highly recommend this book.
July 2, 2024
An incredible book and great resource for someone exploring Christian Theology. The language is denser than Being Christian (and subsequent books) but it offers a very in-depth and meditative introduction to Christian Belief following the structure of the Nicene Creed.
February 2, 2026
If you habitually recite the Nicene Creed, this book will give meaning to those words. Though only 159 pages, it took me a while to read. I had to stop and digest.
January 7, 2022
Beautiful! Williams here is very down to earth, easy to read, and a true pastor. Very enjoyable and at the same time profoundly theological introduction to what Christians believe based on the words of Nicene creed.
May 2, 2021
This had some very good passages and was worth reading. I won't quote any lengthy ones but here are a few brief bits that struck me:
1. Contact with human beings who have received the breath of Jesus's life is contact with Jesus, as specific human beings pass on the mystery of God to each other across the ages. To meet a Christian in whom this spirit is working is to be contemporary with Jesus.
2. When we celebrate Easter, we are really standing in the middle of a second 'Big Bang', a tumultuous surge of divine energy ... On Easter Eve, we begin the readings with the story of creation itself, because that's what we are now witnessing, the creative power re-establishing the whole world.
3. I've often preached - like others, I'm sure - on how, when we come back to our places after taking Communion, we ought to look at our next-door neighbours with awe and amazement ... Just for this moment they are touched with the glory of the end of all things...signs of overflowing love.
4. The Bible is a collection of texts consistently used by the Holy Spirit to renew and convert the Church, something to which the Church constantly refers to test its own integrity as it meets and thinks together.
5. Divine persons are never to be thought of as a bigger and better versions of human persons
6. One of the oddest things in our culture is that we seem to be tolerant of all sorts of behaviour, yet are deeply unforgiving.
There are a couple of bits of the book that I found unclear but in one area, the discussion of St John of the Cross, I found Williams better than Bishop Barron, whose book Catholicism also attempts to explain that saint.
1. Contact with human beings who have received the breath of Jesus's life is contact with Jesus, as specific human beings pass on the mystery of God to each other across the ages. To meet a Christian in whom this spirit is working is to be contemporary with Jesus.
2. When we celebrate Easter, we are really standing in the middle of a second 'Big Bang', a tumultuous surge of divine energy ... On Easter Eve, we begin the readings with the story of creation itself, because that's what we are now witnessing, the creative power re-establishing the whole world.
3. I've often preached - like others, I'm sure - on how, when we come back to our places after taking Communion, we ought to look at our next-door neighbours with awe and amazement ... Just for this moment they are touched with the glory of the end of all things...signs of overflowing love.
4. The Bible is a collection of texts consistently used by the Holy Spirit to renew and convert the Church, something to which the Church constantly refers to test its own integrity as it meets and thinks together.
5. Divine persons are never to be thought of as a bigger and better versions of human persons
6. One of the oddest things in our culture is that we seem to be tolerant of all sorts of behaviour, yet are deeply unforgiving.
There are a couple of bits of the book that I found unclear but in one area, the discussion of St John of the Cross, I found Williams better than Bishop Barron, whose book Catholicism also attempts to explain that saint.
February 20, 2019
I found my mind wandering as i read this book. There are lots of passages I have underlined that might be useful in other contexts. I could not follow the thread. I kept having to look again at the subtitle to remind myself what the book is about.
This is not the first book i have read by Rowan. I have found others more accessible and holding together better.
This is not the first book i have read by Rowan. I have found others more accessible and holding together better.
July 1, 2020
I don't align theologically with many doctrinal issues that Williams puts forward in his other writings and teachings, but I found this book a helpful antidote injected into a world of skepticism with its simple, logical arguments for the existence of God.
November 21, 2015
Interesting but not as compelling as I anticipated.
December 5, 2012
I'd recommend this book over Lewis' Mere Christianity.
January 17, 2024
I bought this book because Rowan Williams was listed as the author of a quote ("What is the church? Is it simply those who have been immersed in, soaked in the life of Jesus, and who have been invited to eat with him and pray to the Father with him.") posted every Sunday at a church I visited. The expansion of that quote turned out to be less engaging than I had anticipated. This is not a terrible or unreadable book, but I found myself unable to really dig in. The best parts are quotes or stories about other, better writers like C.S. Lewis or William Blake. In a nod to ecumenicism, this former Anglican bishop makes a point of referring to Roman Catholic, Jewish, and other writers, most of whom also seem to be more interesting than the points he is making with their unwitting help.
Two things really annoyed me.
1. The little bullet point paragraphs inserted into too many pages that repeated parts of the text. Did the author think his readers were too stupid to get the point if he didn't write something twice on the same page or did he figure they might be so bored that after a while they would just skim through and only read the bulleted parts?
2. The illustrations in my paperback edition were either too small and pale to see clearly or (in the case of the photographs) too flat-footed (do we really need a picture labeled "the cost of human destructiveness: refugees fleeing Biafra?") David Jones may be a gifted artist but I wouldn't know that from the pale grayish versions of his work that were sprinkled throughout the text.
Once I realized that this book was more sizzle than steak, I gave up on it.
Two things really annoyed me.
1. The little bullet point paragraphs inserted into too many pages that repeated parts of the text. Did the author think his readers were too stupid to get the point if he didn't write something twice on the same page or did he figure they might be so bored that after a while they would just skim through and only read the bulleted parts?
2. The illustrations in my paperback edition were either too small and pale to see clearly or (in the case of the photographs) too flat-footed (do we really need a picture labeled "the cost of human destructiveness: refugees fleeing Biafra?") David Jones may be a gifted artist but I wouldn't know that from the pale grayish versions of his work that were sprinkled throughout the text.
Once I realized that this book was more sizzle than steak, I gave up on it.
August 5, 2024
We have a saying in AA when we hear someone speak honestly and helpfully about the way of life that is recovery: we sometimes say “I want what they have”. That is to say, they demonstrate in their being a peace, a sobriety, a serenity, a steadfastness that is inviting and compelling and attractive. Something that we desire in our own lives and believe to be a promise, something that will become truer and true in our own being if we continue on the journey of transformation that is recovery from addiction.
Reading this wonderful, luminous, challenging book by Rowan Williams on the Christian life as described and pointed to by The Apostle’s Creed, I felt throughout a sense of “Oh, how I want what he has.” Not so much what Williams has as an individual — his life is his life, my life is my life — but what the creed promises to those who are willing to walk the loving, capacious, and yet narrow way it maps out.
I recommend this book to anyone interested in spirituality, in knowing what and who God may be. it’s a great introduction, a primer that is both accessible but also very very deep and rich.
Because of that depth and richness, it is also a wonderful re-introduction for Christians who have felt dry or confused or searching for something more in their own faith. And also for any who feel like they’ve already figured things out: this is a reminder that if we think we understand everything already, we definitely do not.
May all of us, as Rowan Williams invites us to, discover or discover a way of life that is honest, repentant and joyful. Altogether.
Reading this wonderful, luminous, challenging book by Rowan Williams on the Christian life as described and pointed to by The Apostle’s Creed, I felt throughout a sense of “Oh, how I want what he has.” Not so much what Williams has as an individual — his life is his life, my life is my life — but what the creed promises to those who are willing to walk the loving, capacious, and yet narrow way it maps out.
I recommend this book to anyone interested in spirituality, in knowing what and who God may be. it’s a great introduction, a primer that is both accessible but also very very deep and rich.
Because of that depth and richness, it is also a wonderful re-introduction for Christians who have felt dry or confused or searching for something more in their own faith. And also for any who feel like they’ve already figured things out: this is a reminder that if we think we understand everything already, we definitely do not.
May all of us, as Rowan Williams invites us to, discover or discover a way of life that is honest, repentant and joyful. Altogether.
December 17, 2020
This really is Rowan Williams at his best and is a truly delightful read. "Introduction" probably needs to be interpreted as next steps, or stage 2. For an intelligent participant on an Alpha course, say, this could be the next step. As an introduction you would have to be fairly sure of the intelligence and wisdom of the person you are giving it to. RW apologises at the beginning that for experienced readers it may seem a little basic, but the beauty of it is that he deals with basics but with his characteristically poetic, and uncharacteristically, clear language. The chapters on Christ and salvation are particularly to be recommended. You won't find a much better primer in christology and soteriology than here. As with many of his shorter books this originated out of a series of lectures and confirms me in my belief that he expresses himself better orally than he does in writing.
The book itself is beautifully presented with paintings from David Jones at the head of each chapter and with fine quality paper and binding.
The book itself is beautifully presented with paintings from David Jones at the head of each chapter and with fine quality paper and binding.
March 29, 2025
Once again, Archbishop Williams' brilliance and pastoral care and insight combine to form an excellent primer on the deeper ideas that inspired the Creeds. The six chapters of this book started as talks given at Canterbury Cathedral leading up to Easter 2005. The titles of the chapters are "Who Can We Trust?", "The Risk of Love", "A Man for All Seasons", "The Peace Dividend", "God in Company", and "Love, Actually". As one might expect from a poet-turned-bishop, Williams' quotes occasionally insights from great poets (George Herbert, Henry Vaughan, Gerard Manly Hopkins, William Blake), which is a nice touch. All of the talks are worth pondering and savoring, and I'd often go back and read entire pages a second or third time. But do not fear, the ideas here are very accessible, not limited to scholarly audiences. It's just that his spiritual sagaciousness and his way with words are real treats for the soul.
July 4, 2025
Rowan is a deep thinker. He's not Lutheran, so if that's a distraction for you, don't bother reading the book. I appreciated this book's explanation of Christian belief by centering it on the statements of the Nicene Creed.
I'm not sure what to make of this book, other than to say that I marked it up to the gills, I learned a lot, and I'll be chewing on its message for a long long time.
The subtitle is "an introduction to Christian belief." The fact that I, a professional theologian, frequently had to pause, slow down, re-read or shake my head in confusion to ferret out where he was going and what he was doing...well, I'm not sure what to make of that. Maybe I'm getting less smart (very possible), or maybe Rowan was unclear (unlikely), or maybe my thoughts have been so ossified in a particular way of thinking, I couldn't easily hold on to what was being said (most likely).
I'm not sure what to make of this book, other than to say that I marked it up to the gills, I learned a lot, and I'll be chewing on its message for a long long time.
The subtitle is "an introduction to Christian belief." The fact that I, a professional theologian, frequently had to pause, slow down, re-read or shake my head in confusion to ferret out where he was going and what he was doing...well, I'm not sure what to make of that. Maybe I'm getting less smart (very possible), or maybe Rowan was unclear (unlikely), or maybe my thoughts have been so ossified in a particular way of thinking, I couldn't easily hold on to what was being said (most likely).
October 10, 2024
"Tokens of Trust" by Rowan Williams is a crystal-clear theologic piece on the nature of christianity and the gospel - with "Trust" as the main anchor point of faith. It brings in refreshing impulses, whilst also staying faithful to the stances of modern protestant theology.
Williams writing is precise and easy to read. His writing contains a lot of cross references to both liturgical as well as pop cultural sources. The author produces convincing theology, whilst also authentically breathing in his own character.
The book is a warm recommendation for both experienced christians as well as those new to the faith. It propagates a healthy and personal relationship to religion and its means, goals and contents.
Williams writing is precise and easy to read. His writing contains a lot of cross references to both liturgical as well as pop cultural sources. The author produces convincing theology, whilst also authentically breathing in his own character.
The book is a warm recommendation for both experienced christians as well as those new to the faith. It propagates a healthy and personal relationship to religion and its means, goals and contents.
December 21, 2025
I wonder how this was in the original form, given as lectures/sermons of a sort (I believe).
There are stand alone quotes that I think are nice, but as a book it is really not cohesive or deep enough to enjoy. It feels like the author keeps gesturing at various "cool thoughts he's had about christian life" without really taking us on a proper, focused journey.
(It did make me want to read a book that carefully walks through the Apostles/Nicean creeds, though. I think I've seen something of the sort on here, I'll have to hunt it down. )
There are stand alone quotes that I think are nice, but as a book it is really not cohesive or deep enough to enjoy. It feels like the author keeps gesturing at various "cool thoughts he's had about christian life" without really taking us on a proper, focused journey.
(It did make me want to read a book that carefully walks through the Apostles/Nicean creeds, though. I think I've seen something of the sort on here, I'll have to hunt it down. )
July 11, 2018
Solid content; a good addition to my new orthodoxy crowd of CS Lewis, NT Wright, David Bentley Hart, and maybe James Martin. Very much in the Aquinas tradition, good example of how the Anglican world can critique traditional RCC doctrine without irresponsibly tossing some ideas.
Just a bit dry in tone; maybe because it was from a lecture series and was then written down. A bit of a hard time reading through it all, even though it's short.
Just a bit dry in tone; maybe because it was from a lecture series and was then written down. A bit of a hard time reading through it all, even though it's short.
January 2, 2024
Fairly readable review of what mainstream Christians believe and why. Rowan Williams makes a few interesting points, particularly about living out God to people rather than trying to provide "evidence" that doesn't actually exist. He's a bit conservative, though, particularly with the gendered language for God. I felt like Williams always came thisclose to articulating my beliefs about the Triune God, but kept missing by just a bit.
January 29, 2020
Beautiful reflections on themes of the Apostles Creed. Williams has a gift for being both deep and accessible. His ability to say something sharp and help in so small a space is really something. That left me at many points thinking I really wish he could have said more, but also very struck with what he did say. Again, those are signs of a master theologian.
March 29, 2021
Do I even need to say anything...
Tokens of Trust is structured around the Nicene Creed and the Apostle’s Creed. It’s quite brief, but true to Williams style, it is deeply rich and expansive.
The first and last chapters are my favorite. Both are somewhat provocative, seeing that Williams makes fairly bold claims about the Bible and hell. Read to find out 😉
Tokens of Trust is structured around the Nicene Creed and the Apostle’s Creed. It’s quite brief, but true to Williams style, it is deeply rich and expansive.
The first and last chapters are my favorite. Both are somewhat provocative, seeing that Williams makes fairly bold claims about the Bible and hell. Read to find out 😉
May 3, 2025
Rowan Williams is a very gifted theologian and poet. This little book by him on the Christian faith, prayer, existential questions about suffering, joy, agape love, the Nicene and Apostle Creeds, and the innate human yearning for the transcendent, makes for a very compelling and fascinating read for anyone of whatever worldview.
January 10, 2019
Very good book. Rowan writes in a way that gives you new ways to consider ancient truths. He makes them alive and creates a persuasive introduction to the faith. This is easily one that can be read multiple times.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews