The Nicene Creed Ancient Words in the Light of Modern Faith by Martha Porter

The Nicene Creed was both a religious and a political tool, a humanly constructed statement of belief that gave order and meaning to the world of its time. The question this book raises is whether it still gives order and meaning to our world—or rather, what kind of order and meaning does it give to our world.

In a thought-provoking and enlightening book, Martha Porter takes us through the Creed and asks us to take a careful look at each word, each phrase. Do they remain the same for each of us now? How have they changed—or how have we changed? Do they fill our deepest needs or do we find solace elsewhere?

Exciting, perceptive, insightful vignettes designed to open the Christian story to new meaning. Martha Porter’s words fill the Creed with contemporary understanding and will free countless people to be able to say it with integrity.”

John Shelby Spong, author
Re-Claiming the Bible for a Non-Religious World

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Martha Porter is a graduate of Candler School of Theology at Emory University, with a focus on pastoral counseling and the role of language in the formation of self. She trained at the Pastoral Psychotherapy Institute and worked at the Center for Religion and Psychotherapy, both in Chicago. A Fellow in the American Association of Pastoral Counseling, Martha’s first career was in education. She holds a doctorate in education and has taught math from 8th grade to graduate level statistics in college. She and her husband, Peter Ray, also an ordained minister, continue to lead the Contemporary Theology class at the Church of the Incarnation in Highlands, NC.