Credo: Believing in Something to Die For

by Ray Pritchard

A Book Review by

Linda Wakefield Kelley

Credo -- Believing in Something to Die For by Ray Pritchard would be a fabulous addition to any homeschool curriculum.

I was first introduced to the Apostles' Creed through Christian radio. One of my all-time favorite songs is “Creed” by Rich Mullins (it's on his "A Liturgy, A Legacy, and A Ragamuffin Band" CD).

I remember being curious about the words of the song the first time I ever heard it. I loved many of the statements but was puzzled by a couple of lines. Therefore, when I heard a book had been written that would help explain the Apostles’ Creed, I jumped at the chance to review it.

Credo: Believing in Something to Die For by Ray Pritchard is an outstanding book. In fact, I think it should be required reading for every high school Christian Studies student. My sons and I read it together and we all learned so much. Each chapter ends with three “Think About It” questions which would be very helpful if the book were used for a discipleship group or book club also.

The author explains Creed comes from the Latin word Credo which means “I Believe.” The Apostles’ Creed summarizes what the Apostles taught and it gives the big picture of what a Christian believes, Mr. Pritchard states. This makes the book a great stepping off point for beginning believers or those wanting to go deeper into their faith.

The lyrics I found most confusing were “I believe in the holy catholic church and the communion of saints.” Others might struggle with “He (Jesus) descended into hell.” I’m not going to explain them here. Don’t want to be a plot spoiler :) You’ll find Mr. Pritchard devotes a whole chapter to each phrase of the Apostles’ Creed. Every line is examined through a historical, theological, and anecdotal lens.

Some have said this is a nice Christian primer -- that it wouldn’t provide much insight to the more mature Christian. I disagree.

I remember once our minister was going to preach a sermon series on The Beatitudes. A friend commented to me, “Oh, boy. Think I’ll skip that. I already know just about everything there is to know about those.”

Whew! What a statement huh?! No matter how familiar you might think you are with any passage in the Bible there is always something more that can be learned.

This book details the meaning of the word Ixthus as it relates to the Apostles’ Creed. It explains which phrases separate Christianity from Hinduism, Islam, and Judaism. It clarifies why Pontius Pilate was singled out. Credo suggests that you could call me 'Saint Linda' even though, by all accounts, I appear so NOT. The book also offers which phrase might just be the most important one in the entire creed. These are but a few of the many lessons you’ll learn if you take the time to read Credo: Believing in Something to Die For.

I grew up in a church that was non-credal in the sense that we didn’t recite any particular statement of beliefs. My Sunday school teacher reminded the class recently of a Christian church motto of sorts (back in the good ‘ol days when they made such statements): “No creed but Christ.” But the fact is everyone has a set of Christian beliefs (whether they're written or not). We as Christians, regardless of denomination, should be able to agree on some basic Biblical principles. The Apostles’ Creed delivers a guiding light. Ray Pritchard’s book, Credo: Believing in Something to Die For, broadens the beam along our Christian path making the way to the cross easier to see.

The Apostles’ Creed

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, the Creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord: Who was conceived of the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven. and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty, whence He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.