On this episode of Ministry Matters Radio, Shane Raynor and Adam Hamilton discuss the Apostle's Creed, what Christians believe, why they believe it and why it matters. Adam's latest book is Creed: What Christians Believe and Why.

Questions 

• Why did you write a book on the Apostle's Creed? (0:45)
• How do you distinguish between belief and conviction? (3:20)
• Some Christians have said that doubt is the enemy of faith. You've noted that some measure of doubt usually shows up even around the most strongly held beliefs. Why is that? (4:25)
• You're a United Methodist pastor who's just written a book on why what we believe is important. Some have said that "Methodists don't really have to believe anything." What do you have to say about that? (6:18)
• The first four words of the Apostle’s Creed lay a foundation: “I believe in God.” In our culture, atheism seems to be on the rise. In Creed, you go back to Exodus 3 where God reveals himself to Moses and says “I Am who I Am.” You say that this revelation that God is the source of all that is, is where physics and theology might meet. How can some say science and faith are incompatible while others see them as complementary? (9:11)
• The Apostle's Creed says Jesus Christ is the father’s “only Son” who was “conceived by the Holy Spirit” and “born of the virgin Mary.” Why do so many people have a hard time believing in the virgin birth? How important is it to Christian faith? (13:26)
• I know a Christian who grew up Muslim but converted to Christianity with his entire family during adolescence. He told me one of the biggest barriers to his conversion was the idea that Jesus is the Son of God. What exactly does this phrase mean and why is it such a stumbling block? (16:41)
• There are actually two versions of the Apostle's Creed. One includes the phrase “He descended to the dead” or “He descended into hell” after he “was crucified, died and was buried.” Why is this part of the Creed “optional” for some? (19:04)
• Why isn't there more about the Holy Spirit in the Apostle's Creed? (24:17)
• What is the significance of the phrase "holy catholic church"? Why does the Creed make a point to use the adjective holy to describe the church? (26:48)
• Let’s talk about the phrase communion of saints. In what sense do those of us on earth, who are still being sanctified, commune with those in heaven who have experienced entire sanctification? (28:28)
• You said that you find the phrase resurrection of the body in the Creed somewhat perplexing. What did you mean? (32:38)

Subscribe to Ministry Matters Radio: 
iTunes 
Google Play Music 
Stitcher 
TuneIn
Player FM
RSS