This post is part of the Credo Blog Series. For some basic information about the series, go here. Photo Credit.
On December 11, 2000 I turned a paper into one of my religion professors at Whitworth University titled simply “Credo.” It was the final for our Christian Doctrine course and we were supposed to present what was our personal “Statement of Belief.” Since then, I’ve had to do something similar numerous times, including preparing Statements of Faith for the PC(USA) ordination process. When I sat down to write my Credo close to 9 years ago, I remember feeling a certain amount of trepidation in staring at that blank screen. I was under the impression that whatever I put down on paper then was going to be what I would have to stick with for the rest of my life.
These days – I can look back on parts of that Credo and just laugh a little bit. I believe that our individual beliefs are things that can (and should) change throughout our lives, as we’re exposed to new people and ideas and as we remain open to the Holy Spirit’s working in the world and in our lives. So – if my Credo from close to nine years ago is the same as my beliefs today – that would almost cause me some alarm.
So I decided to go back to that Credo, that Statement of Belief from 2000. I wanted to get a chance to see what had changed since then – where I’m at theologically on things – where I am still in agreement with my 20-yr-old self. Over the next few weeks, I’ll write posts that include the original material from my 2000 Credo, and then I’ll hope to use that material to formulate a Credo for myself today. I will post the original material first, and then share some thoughts about the subject.
I invite you to join me along in this process of discovery and theological reflection.
Adam: Good. I look forward to reading your posts re: this topic – I also look forward to all the comments you get from the lizard people.
Looking forward to what promises to be a lavishly heretical series.
What do I believe in? I often wonder, question it and never tell…..Look forward to seeing what others have to say…And what your 29 year old Credo is! The older I get, the more I study, the more my views change and not necessarily in the direction that brings me to Christianity..and yet I have faith..Its all so confusing at times and at times it all fits perfectly and I am at peace! Interesting topic….
sounds good
I’m looking forward to this.
I’ve had a similar experience. Almost 20 years ago I wrote the bulk of discipleship and follow-up material for an international mininstry. The series was called R.A.D. Studies (Radically Active Discipleship … heh, it was the ’80s!) Looking at them today, much has changed.
You’re always full of good, creative ideas. :)