(Bonn, 08.05.2026) The book “Their Lord and Ours: The Enduring Legacy of Nicaea” is a theologically rich work of scholarly calibre, yet accessible to a wider audience, and was published to mark the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea (325 AD). Edited by Mark A. Garcia, Peter A. Lillback and Thomas Schirrmacher, the work was published in 2025 in both a printed edition and as a free download. It offers a scholarly yet pastoral appreciation of the Nicene Creed, whose significance for Christian identity and doctrine remains undiminished to this day.
This work distinguishes itself from similar anniversary publications through its interdisciplinary approach: it combines historical analyses of the origins of the Council and the challenges posed by Arianism with a well-founded systematic-theological reflection on the doctrine of the Trinity. Particularly noteworthy is the Reformed approach, which, on the one hand, honours the creeds of the early Church as timeless “poetry of theology”, whilst, on the other hand, always measuring them against the infallible authority of Holy Scripture.
Here is a brief summary of each contribution to the book:
- Foreword (Peter A. Lillback): He pays tribute to the 1,700th anniversary and emphasises the importance of creeds as precise, biblically grounded responses to emerging heresies.
- Preface (Mark A. Garcia): The editor introduces the book’s aim, which is not merely to view the Nicene heritage historically, but to preserve it as a living creed for the Church today.
- The Nicene Creed: A reproduction of the creed text, which serves as the foundation for all subsequent studies.
- 1. On Councils (Amandus Polanus of Polansdorf): A classic text discussing the theological legitimacy and role of councils in church history.
- 2. Confessing Between the Lines (Mark A. Garcia): The author examines the complex relationship between the person of Christ, Scripture, the Church and the function of a creed.
- 3. We Believe (Alex Tabaka): A historical and pastoral reflection linking the history of Nicaea with the central doctrine concerning the Son of God.
- 4. “Because They Are in Accordance with the Word of God” (T. M. Rester): Drawing on three case studies, this article demonstrates how Reformed theologians have historically applied the confession.
- 5. Nicaea and the Separation of the Christian Church From Its Jewish Roots (Thomas Schirrmacher): This article examines the historically significant, yet also critical, separation of the Church
- 6. The Father: The Doctrine of Creation and the Crisis of Trust (Mark A. Garcia): An examination of the doctrine of God the Father as Creator and its significance for the relationship of trust with the believer.
- 7. The Person of the Son: One Lord Jesus Christ (Robert Letham): The author expounds the classical Christological doctrine concerning the uniqueness of Jesus Christ in accordance with the Nicene understanding.
- 8. The Work of the Son: God For Us in History (Brandon D. Crowe): This contribution focuses on the historical work of the Son of God and its salvific significance for humanity.
- 9. The Missing and Present Christ (Mark A. Garcia): An observation on the deliberate selection and emphasis of certain aspects in the formulation of the creed concerning Christ.
- 10. The Holy Spirit: Confessing in the Eloquence of the Spirit (Mark A. Garcia): A theological reflection on the role of the Holy Spirit in the confession of faith.
- 11. The Church: One, Holy, Catholic, Apostolic, Baptised, and Forgiven (Harrison Perkins): The author explains the various dimensions of the understanding of the Church as expressed in the creed.
- 12. The Resurrection: The Framework for the Faith and the Rise of Liberalism (William Edgar): This contribution analyses the central role of the Resurrection as the foundation of the faith and how it differs from liberal theological currents.
- 13. Now More Than Ever: Nicaea and the Church Today (Jeremiah W. Montgomery): A concluding appeal explaining why the Nicene Creed is more relevant than ever for the Church in the 21st century.
Bibliographic information
- Mark A. Garcia, Peter A. Lillback, Thomas Schirrmacher (eds.). “Their Lord and Ours”: The Enduring Legacy of Nicaea. World of Theology Series. Vol. 33. Culture and Science Publishing: Bonn, 2025. ISBN: 978-3-86269-330-6. 205 pp.
Downloads und Links
- Download “Their Lord and Ours: The Enduring Legacy of Nicaea”: https://thomasschirrmacher.net/?p=25204
- Order the book from Culture and Science Publishing: https://vkwonline.com/Their-Lord-and-Ours-The-Enduring-Legacy-of-Nicaea
