Turkish Title: İnanç Açıklamaları Işığında Hristiyan İnancı

Title Translation: The Christian Faith in the Light of Creeds

Author: Rev İlhan Keskinöz

The church has, through the ages, expressed its faith and basic doctrines in creeds, catechisms and confessions. The result of debates between theologians over disputed subjects such as the nature of Christ, these creeds and confessions form a concise summary of what Christians actually believe. As such, they are a useful tool for those conducting academic research on Christian doctrine, as well as an inspiring statement of faith for Christians.

In this volume Rev İlhan Keskinöz, a Presbyterian pastor based in Antalya, presents Turkish translations of many major creeds and confessions. He groups them into ecumenical and reformed theology as follows: 

Ecumenical Creeds:

        The Apostles Creed

        The Nicene Creed

        The Athanasian Creed

Reformed Theology Creeds

        Belgic Confession of Faith (1561)

        Heidelberg Catechism (1563)

        Westminster Confession of Faith (1647)

          Westminster Shorter Catechism (1647)

          Westminster Larger Catechism (1648) 

In his introduction, Rev Keskinöz says that creeds and catechisms:

1. explain what the Scriptures say about different subjects; in this way, we can see the basic tenets of the faith more clearly
2. are of practical assistance to the church as they enable it to defend the truth, and pass sound teaching on to the next generation
3. bear witness to Scripture, and point out what the Scriptures say
4. are ideal for the training of pastors
5. are the basis of church membership; they bring the mind and conscience under the authority of Scripture 

In accordance with the first of these points, the last eight pages of İnanç Açıklamaları Işığında Hristiyan İnancı contain a study guide, listing where various theological subjects are mentioned in the different creeds, confessions and catechism presented in the book. 

Posted: 27 February 2008