Peter Schmiechen

The Early Creeds

Theology

“Church debates are worth revisiting only if something crucial is at stake. Nevin and Schaff used a debate regarding the creeds to affirm that Christianity is about the incarnation and new life in Christ and the Spirit, in contrast to thinking that we believe as solitary individuals cut off from the community of Christ, sacraments, and tradition. That makes the book worth reading. The introductions are an added bonus.”

The Heidelberg Catechism

Theology

“Nevin’s essays, along with the excellent introductions by Lee Barrett, are a window into the great debates in the nineteenth century over what is the key for Protestants in general and the Reformed tradition in particular. For Nevin it’s all about incarnation and new life in Christ, finding expression in church, sacraments, creed, and catechism. Nevin forces us to choose: shall priority be given to the individual and culture or what is received in Scripture, creed, and catechism?”