5-Week Course
Overview
At the intersection of revelation and reason, the Creed expresses the essence of our Christian faith. It’s the very heart of all Christian theology. As we pray it together at mass, it reflects our commitment as both a community and as individuals, in devotion and discipleship to God. Using the Apostles Creed as its outline, while referring to the Nicene Creed and Scripture, this course examines in turn the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, to offer a fresh exploration of who God is, what it means to believe, and what faith in God means for living in today’s world.
Comments from previous participants:
"Loved it. Thank you. I found the course material interesting and formative while the discussions were frank and friendly. Most importantly, saying the Creed means a lot more to me now than it did previously and I take away many insights that I will continue to think about for some time to come."
"I learned things I did not know about the Creed and will be much more mindful of it when I pray it at Mass. The readings, videos and instructor were all amazing and I now see the Creed in a new a more truthful and enriching way."
This course has a required text: Thomas P. Rausch, I Believe in God: A Reflection on the Apostles' Creed (Liturgical Press, 2008).
Topics
- Introductory Week
- Week 1: What is a creed?: I/We believe. . . Amen
- Week 2: . . . in one God
- Week 3: . . . in Jesus Christ
- Week 4: . . . in the Holy Spirit, in the Church
Special Features
- Weekly video presentation by Fr. Michael J. Himes, addressing selected articles of the Creed;
- Text transcripts of each featured video;
- Study aide written by Dr. Barbara Radtke that guides participants through the videos and the assigned readings from Thomas P. Rausch's book;
- Bonus video on the final articles of the Creed;
- Weekly questions for reflection and discussion; and
- Resource page of Internet links and a bibliography for further reading.
All STM Online: Crossroads courses include these features
- Participants have access 24 hours/7 days a week to the course's password-protected web site.
- Each participant belongs to a small Community for Conversation and faith sharing guided by a facilitator.
- The course site is usually available to participants at least three months after the course has ended.
- An orientation in how to navigate the web site is always available.
- Technical assistance is easy to contact and prompt in returning a message.
- A Certificate of Active Participation is awarded to those who post at least three messages of substance for each week of content.
Additional Materials Needed
Course text by Thomas P. Rausch, I Believe in God: A Reflection on the Apostles' Creed (Liturgical Press, 2008).
ISBN: 978-0814652602
Time Commitment
A participant can expect to spend an average of approximately 3-4 hours each week. This commitment includes both the assigned reading and interaction online.
Content Scholars
- Fr. Michael J. Himes, professor of theology, Boston College Theology Department
Certificate Requirement Categories
Themes of Our Christian Tradition
