What Christians Ought to Believe - Book Review

A title like "What Christians Ought to Believe" sort of implies that the things Christians are believing are wrong. And while that may be true to some extent, that's not really what this book is about. Instead, author Michael F. Bird uses the Apostles' Creed to show the basics of what should be part of a Christian faith.

It's not that Christians are getting it wrong. It's more that there are so many denominations, and each denomination seems to have its own variation on Christianity. And as Bird writes, that's fine because each denomination is bringing something different to the table. But the one thing that the denominations have in common is reciting the Apostles' Creed during church services.

It's the Apostles' Creed that lays the foundation for what Christians ought to believe, hence the title of this book. As recited in the Creed, Christians believe in the Father, in the Son, in the Virgin Birth, in the Cross, that Jesus lives, that Jesus reigns, in the Spirit, in the Church, and in Salvation.

In each chapter, Bird breaks down just what exactly each of those tenets means and why Christians can't stray from these core beliefs.

I thought this book was interesting, if a little "textbook-y" at times. If you're already a Christian and are just looking to explore more about the faith or want to know more about the Apostles' Creed in particular, then this book would appeal to you and your Bible study. If you're new to Christianity and want to know more about the basic beliefs of the religion, then this book might be helpful to you, although it is not very newbie-friendly, in my opinion.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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