The Search for a Symbol: “A New Creed” and The United Church of Canada
Ebook
"A New Creed" is, by all accounts, a dominant feature of The United Church of Canada. Since its initial writing in 1968, it has come to be a primary symbol of the denomination in the ancient Christian (baptismal) sense of the word and also in the modern. The Search for a Symbol reveals the fascinating and largely untold story of "A New Creed's" origins. It also engages in an unprecedented historical, literary, and theological analysis of the creed's text. This book offers the provocative argument that though "A New Creed" should continue to have a place in the life and liturgy of Canada's largest Protestant church, it does not take full advantage of the possible benefits that can come from healthy practices of creedal confession--namely teaching people about the biblical story of salvation as well as connecting them in relationship with God and one another. For these purposes, the Apostles' and Nicene Creeds are shown to be better confessional options, and readily available ones within The United Church's tradition.
“The old phrase ‘What we do in worship dictates what we believe’
is brought home in brilliant fashion here. Haughton tells the story
of how a new creed in one denomination came to impact its theology,
but it is also the story of many churches when the classical
biblical creeds are no longer recited. Agree with him or not,
Haughton makes a strong argument, and it is a great read.”
—Paul Scott Wilson, Emmanuel College of Victoria University,
University of Toronto
“With an erudite and balanced analysis of The United Church of
Canada’s ‘A New Creed,’ Haughton examines its strengths and
weaknesses. . . . He believes the creed should be heard
but must be augmented by the classical, ecumenical creeds. A
refreshing read that should inspire a needed and deeper
conversation.”
—Andrew Stirling, Ambassador, Canadian Bible Society
“In this comprehensive study, Haughton points to the paradox that
although ‘A New Creed’ is everywhere present in The United Church’s
liturgies, gatherings, and publications, it has been the subject of
relatively little sustained reflection. Haughton attempts to
address the gap through a study of the history, development, and
contributions of ‘A New Creed’ to the United Church.
. . . The Search for a Symbol is essential reading
for anyone who cares about the faith of The United Church.”
—Jeff Seaton, author of Who’s Minding the Story?
“Every minister and worship leader in The United Church of Canada
will be blessed by the carefully collected gems William Haughton
displays in this book. In examining ‘A New Creed,’ Haughton cites
many well-known past and current UCC ministers and published
resources. Reading this book brings a joy similar to examining an
extensive family photo album, which helps us better understand our
collective past and present, as well as our future
potential.”
—Gregory Brawn, Byron United Church, London, Ontario
- Title: The Search for a Symbol: “A New Creed” and The United Church of Canada
- Author: William Haughton
- Publisher: Wipf and Stock
- Print Publication Date: 2022
- Logos Release Date: 2022
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Ebook
- ISBNs: 9781666726626, 9781666726619, 9781666732665, 1666726621, 1666726613, 1666732664
- Resource ID: LLS:9781666726626
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2022-09-29T19:55:22Z
William R. H. Haughton is an ordained minister in The United
Church of Canada. He is currently serving in ministry alongside the
people of the Dalston-Crown Hill and Forest Home United Churches.
He lives in Barrie, Ontario.