Where to Start?

Hello and welcome to my blog.

I know most sites start with some type of biographical sketch of the author. Quick and easy, but I hate talking about myself so I don't think I will go that route. As this is a site about theology, I will introduce myself gradually through my posts. I know, I know... for Biblical or theological sites people want to read a short biographical sketch and then a detailed doctrinal statement to see if the author is worthy of their time, but where's the fun in that? Often in seminary an ongoing assignment throughout your theology classes is to take the information you learn and write your own statement of beliefs. I like that idea, so my first few posts will be talking about Christian theological beliefs, starting with what is usually considered the "common denominator" statement shared by most Evangelicals, Mainline Protestants, and Catholics, the Nicene Creed. (Note: If you want to read it and click the link you will see three versions of the creed, I'll be following the one marked "Contemporary"). If you don't want to follow the link, the text I'll be using is:

We believe in one God,
    the Father, the Almighty,
    maker of heaven and earth,
    of all that is, seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,
    the only Son of God,
    eternally begotten of the Father,
    God from God, Light from Light,
    true God from true God,
    begotten, not made,
    of one Being with the Father.
    Through him all things were made.
    For us and for our salvation
        he came down from heaven:
    by the power of the Holy Spirit
        he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary,
        and was made man.
    For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
        he suffered death and was buried.
        On the third day he rose again
            in accordance with the Scriptures;
        he ascended into heaven
            and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
    He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,
        and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
    who proceeds from the Father and the Son.
    With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified.
    He has spoken through the Prophets.
    We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.
    We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
    We look for the resurrection of the dead,
        and the life of the world to come. Amen.

 OK, that's enough for now. If you aren't familiar with the Nicene Creed I suggest you read it a few times and think about the words. Some questions you might ask yourself are:

• What is the overall message of the creed? What do you think its purpose might have been?
• Are there any natural divisions that might help with understanding its purpose? (Hint: The breaks and indentations are a good place to look)
• Is there anything you disagree with as stated directly in the creed? This one can be tough as we often want to read into documents what we want rather than let the words speak to us and tell us what they have to say. 
• Do you wish it said more (or less) about one or more items it covers and if so, why?

We'll address these questions and more next time.

In Christ,

Michael