The Essence of Christianity - Fresh Look at Nicene Creed

by Rev Brian Hebblethwaite

This book explores the meaning and significance of the Nicene Creed for today. Introducing the central teachings in a clear, lively style, Brian Hebblethwaite considers the relations between Christianity and other religions in the context of current patterns of belief in the west.

Paperback

Published October 24, 1996

Reviews

[Glenn Crouch]

I was looking forward to reading this book, as I wanted to have an in-depth look at the Nicene Creed and thought that to do this from a non-Lutheran point of view, would be good in deed.

The book starts out very well - and the intro lays things out - and after reading it was quite keen to continue with the book...

First few chapters were not too bad - but I started to be a little disappointed that the Author would give tolerance to views of Jews and Muslims (whilst I think most of his comments in this area were fine, I did find it strange to be included in a book on the Nicene Creed) but basically dismissed Christians who had different views to himself. For example it seems the Theistic Evolution is the only interpretation for the "Modern" Christian - not too mention that I found his continued distinction between the "man Jesus" and "Jesus Christ" a bit disturbing.

The Author does have a strong view on the Trinity, which is a good thing for a book on the Nicene Creed - but it seems that he puts more weight on the Creed than on the Scriptures that it is based upon. I feel that the Author is trying to hard to balance Liberal Critical viewpoints with arguing for the reliability of the Creed. And thus I think, at least for me, misses the mark.

[Padgett Ratings]

The drama was prodigious.

[Allen Jr.]

While I cannot affirm that I agree with everything presented in this book, I do commend Hebblethwaite in looking at Christian faith in the modern cultural, philosophical context. He loosely uses the words of the Nicene Creed to provide a jumping off point for his explorations of facets of Christian faith in contemporary thought. I found his chapters on the church, sacraments, and the Holy Spirit especially helpful; his views on salvation and the last things I could not agree with.

For someone looking for an exploration of Christianity within modern thinking, this book--if it can be read with a proper degree of critical thinking and biblical reflection--can provide some ideas to ponder. For those looking for a close study of the Nicene Creed in particular, this book will not satisfy.