How to write a personal creed

or the Critical Assignment the students will write a creed on the Christian faith. A creed (from the Latin, credo, "I believe") is simply a statement of belief, or a doctrinal summary. The creed in this case will include two components: it will express the beliefs of evangelical Christianity as presented in the course material (lectures and readings), but it will also express the students’ own personal beliefs and reflections on the course material. The lectures and the Treier book will be important resources for this assignment.

The creed should be divided into 8 sections:

Scripture and Truth
God, the Holy Trinity
Humanity and Sin
The Person of Christ
The Work of Christ
Soteriology
Ecclesiology
Eschatology
For each of these 8 sections, the students will include 2 sub-sections:

1.) 1–2 paragraphs on the beliefs of evangelical Christianity on the doctrine in question. By "Evangelical Christianity," I simply mean conservative, gospel-believing Protestantism, that is, the viewpoint expressed in the lectures. This section is more objective, and you will be graded on the accuracy and thoroughness of your presentation of the evangelical view. For each section, be sure to include a minimum of three scripture references in parentheses that support the beliefs in question.

2.) 1–2 paragraphs on your own personal beliefs and reflections on the doctrine in question. If you are in fundamental agreement with the course material, you may choose to reflect on the significance of the doctrine for your own personal faith and practice. Or you may choose to register some disagreement with the doctrine in question or to interact critically with the course material. This is your chance to reflect upon what you believe and why you believe it. As such, this section is more subjective. Disagreement will not be penalized, but you will be graded on the thoughtfulness of your interaction.

You do not need to cite any sources beyond the Treier book, but if you do use other academic sources (in print or online), be sure to cite them. Plagiarism is taken very seriously in higher education; so do not use any material that is not your own without proper citation.

Use the template provided in week 8 (there is no need to make this assignment conform to MLA or APA style). Be sure to add a title page the document with relevant information. See the rubric attached to the assignment in week 8 for more details on how the creed will be assessed.

School books to cite

Treier, Daniel J. Introducing Evangelical Theology. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Publishing Group, 2019. Paperback: 9780801097690. eBook: 9781493416776. Also available in Kindle format.
Smith, James K. A. You Are What You Love: The Spiritual Power of Habit. Grand Rapids: Brazos, 2016. Paperback: 9781587433801. Also available in Kindle format.
Mathis, David. Habits of Grace: Enjoying Jesus Through the Spiritual Disciplines. Wheaton, Illinois : Crossway, 2016. Paperback: 9781433550478. Also available in Kindle and eBook formats.

CST302 Personal Creed

Each section should include (a) 1–2 paragraphs on the evangelical view and (b) 1–2 paragraphs on your own personal reflections (1 paragraph = 4–5 sentences). Be sure to include Scripture references in parentheses in the first section (3 citations minimum).

Scripture and Truth

The Evangelical View: What do evangelical Christians believe about the inspiration, inerrancy, and authority of the Bible?

Personal Views and Reflections: What are your reflections on this doctrine? What is the source and standard of truth in your worldview?

God, The Holy Trinity

The Evangelical View: What do evangelical Christians believe about the nature of God and especially his existence as a Trinity of persons?

Personal Views and Reflections: What are your reflections on this doctrine? What are your own personal beliefs about God?

Humanity and Sin

The Evangelical View: What do evangelical Christians believe about the nature of humanity as the image of God? What do they believe about original sin?

Personal Views and Reflections: What are your reflections on this doctrine? Do all human beings have equal dignity? Are humans basically good or evil?

The Person of Christ

The Evangelical View: What do evangelical Christians believe about the person of Christ and his two natures?

Personal Views and Reflections: What are your reflections on this doctrine? Who is Jesus to you?

The Work of Christ

The Evangelical View: What do evangelical Christians believe about what Christ accomplished in his life, death, and resurrection?

Personal Views and Reflections: What are your reflections on this doctrine? What do you believe about the claims of the Christian gospel?

Soteriology

The Evangelical View: What do evangelical Christians believe about the nature of salvation? Think specifically about the doctrines of justification, sanctification, and glorification.

Personal Views and Reflections: What are your reflections on this doctrine? If sin is the “problem” with humanity, what do you believe is the solution? How can humans be “saved” in your worldview?

Ecclesiology

The Evangelical View: What do evangelical Christians believe about the attributes, marks, and mission of the church?

Personal Views and Reflections: What are your reflections on this doctrine? What role does the church/community play in your own spirituality?

Eschatology

The Evangelical View: What do evangelical Christians believe about the end times?

Personal Views and Reflections: What are your reflections on this doctrine? What is the destiny of the world in your own understanding?