I Believe in God A Reflection on the Apostles' Creed

I Believe in God is a well-researched and well-written primer on the fundamentals of Catholic theology. It would make a fine textbook at the undergraduate and graduate levels of college and in adult formation settings.

If the Creed has become a rote recitation, this book will certainly give readers a new and deep appreciation of what is professed at each Sunday eucharist. In an `often polarized church,' the Creed is a point of common ground for Catholics as well as for all Christians.

Rausch's theological introduction to the Christian faith professed in the Apostles' Creed expertly paves the way for his readers to enter into a deeper relationship with their Catholic faith. He also prepares them for further enrichment of their faith commitment through exposure to other theological resources-like the writings of Benedict XVI-which will continue to guide them to live out their faith passionately in the contemporary world.

This is a most helpful book, probing the meaning of each of the segments of the Apostles' Creed. . . . The Clarity of this work, its compact size, and its awareness of contemporary perspectives make it the kind of resource that would be instructive for any thoughtful Catholic or anyone seeking faith.

This book is a welcome contribution by a widely respected author, a timely re-reading of the timeless heart of the Christian faith. In an accessible style, Thomas P. Rausch presents an important account of the heart of Christian doctrine from a Catholic perspective, taking seriously the skepticism of our age, as well as the subtle trends toward religious consumerism new forms of Gnosticism present in contemporary North American culture. His presentation of the creed pays careful attention to many popular and competing interpretations of Christian doctrine, weighing them against the biblical and historical sources of the Christian tradition, considered in light of the best of contemporary scholarship. This work will serve as a challenging introduction to Catholic belief and the study of theology, and as a rich resource for deepening adult faith.

There is no better way to know what Catholics believe and why they believe it than to explore-line by line-the central affirmations of the faith. The ease with which Thomas Rausch unlaces the ancient language of the Creed for rank and file believers is truly edifying, indeed astonishing. I know of no finer study of the basics of Catholic faith than Rausch on the Creed.

Thomas Rausch, like the good householder of the Gospel, brings forth old things and new. His exposition of the Apostles' Creed reveals both the perennial power latent in that ancient text as well as contemporary resources for recovering that power. This book is a crisply intelligent meditation of the faith of One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church.

I Believe in God uses the Apostles' Creed as its organizing tool for an insightful tour of a broad range of basic Catholic teachings. It can serve as text for college classes, catechumenate groups, adult parish discussions, or individuals wanting to keep up. Fr. Rausch writes in his usual clear and engaging manner to give his readers an accessible introduction to topics of substance and depth.

With his trademark clarity, accessibility, and depth, Rausch helps us understand the essentials of our Christian faith in a church and world marked by polarization and conflict. I cannot think of any other book of this genre that probes with greater acumen and pastoral sensitivity the challenges that face Christianity, especially the American Catholic Church, today and retrieves from the old treasure of the Creed new insights to help us understand and live our Christian faith. Once more, we are in debt to Thomas Rausch for this rare theological gem. I most enthusiastically recommend this book for undergraduate classes and continuing education courses.