For some, confessionalism and the use of creeds creates controversy and supplants the doctrine of sola Scriptura. Many in the Western world distrust tradition. If asked, a large portion of believers could not describe the theological tradition of the church they attend.

Dr. Fesko succinctly argues for the continued use of confessions as they are "necessary for both the being and the well-being of the church." Fesko claims Scripture teaches the church to create confessions and argues this in the first chapter. The author details the biblical grounds by surveying Exodus 13:14-15, Deuteronomy 6:4-6, the "trustworthy sayings" of Paul, and Jude 3. Chapter two compares Reformation and Post-Reformation confession. Fesko showing the confessions written following the Reformation, such as the Westminster Confession of Faith, build upon the doctrinal teachings of the Reformation. This is contrary to recent teachings that pit the scholastics against the Reformation and Calvin versus the Calvinist. Responsibility for anticonfessionalism deserves to be spread around, and in chapter 3, Fesko looks specifically at Reformation era skepticism and the Enlightenment. Chapter 4 details the benefits of creeds: they (1) distinguish from orthodoxy and heterodoxy, (2) create a diversified orthodox, and (3) codify the church's historic witness. Chapter 5 concludes the book by telling the story of Franciscus Gomarus challenging Matthias Martinius at the Synod of Dort. Fesko spends some time detailing the background to dueling before drawing out two primary lessons. Christians are to be on guard against worldliness and ground our conduct in our union with Christ.

I enjoyed reading this book. Dr. Fesko deserves praise for his clear writing. Each chapter tells you what to expect, provides the details, and then wraps up with a conclusion. Upon encountering the last chapter, I did struggle to follow where the story of the attempted duel was heading; the rest of the book did not employ the use of narrative. In the end, I saw the story as a fascinating bit of history surrounding the Synod of Dort, and the author offers good principles worthy of concluding the book.

Seeing this title as an upcoming release, I was intrigued by what Dr. Fesko would offer with other works such as Carl Trueman's The Creedal Imperative. The author argues the same point as Trueman, but picks up on different texts of Scripture and offers an insightful commentary on the declining use of creeds. One of the biggest takeaways is Fekso's argument that our culture is hypermodern and hyperindividualistic. These are terms I have not frequently heard, and provide food for thought to our ever-changing culture. J. V. Fesko suggests our period maintains the elements of modernism but in "exacerbated form." Pastors and seminarians need to wrestle with the underlying forces on our culture to best understand how to continue communicating the doctrinal truths of Scripture. Creeds and confessions are just as useful today as they were hundreds of years ago.

I recommend pastors and students get a copy of The Need for Creeds Today. Even if they have read other books on this topic, they will likely benefit from the additional arguments for utilizing confessions. For lay believers, if you are either unconvinced or engage others on this topic, then I would highly recommend picking yourself up a copy.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley for review purposes. Comments are my own.

I enjoyed reading this book because I also feel that Creeds are important in todays church. I am not a biblical scholar so there were times where I was a little lost on some of the interpretations of scripture (which could be because I don't know the context of the scripture). I grew up in a church that always declared creeds during the service, since then I have found some of the churches I've been to have less focus on them. I liked the format of the book and made it straight forward and more of a lecture style format. I respect Fesko for writing this book because I know it could lead to some discussions. However, I believe that's a good thing because that is how we grow as Christians by having these conversations and learning why we believe what we believe. Worth the read and definitely give yourself time to study what is being said.

If you are into church history then you will love this book. I actually did find this interesting. I have wondered about the Creeds. We don’t say them in our church but I remember some of them from my younger years. I actually found and app that has creeds and there is power in them. Why have we walked away from these powerful traditions? I know for me I think it because it can be ritualistic but there is something refreshing in going back to these creeds.

It was very interesting to read how these came to be and how they have dissipated through the years.

If you don’t enjoy church history you probably won’t like this book but if that intrigues you it might be right up your ally.

A copy of this book was given to me through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.