Nicaea for Today - by Coleman M Ford & Shawn Wilhite (Paperback)

About the Book

Marking 1700 years since the Council of Nicaea, this work brings its profound theological legacy to life for modern believers, showing how Nicene theology deepens faith and illuminates the biblical narrative.

Book Synopsis

The year 2025 marks the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea. While the historical and theological intricacies of Nicaea have been extensively analyzed within academic scholarship, its significance often remains underexplored within broader Christian understanding. The Nicene Creed stands as an early and pivotal ecumenical confession, marking key theological priorities that continue to resonate in the church's understanding of divine mysteries.

In Nicaea for Today: Why an Ancient Creed (Still) Matters, Coleman M. Ford and Shawn J. Wilhite draw on insights from leading Nicaea scholars to unpack the history and theology of this ancient creed in accessible language while demonstrating its powerful relevance for the modern church. The primary objective of this work is to facilitate intellectual engagement with Nicene theology among academic and pastoral readership and the creed's enduring capacity to enrich spiritual life in the contemporary context.

Review Quotes

"I maintain that disciples of Jesus Christ are obligated to adhere to the theological consensus of the church; that is, its beliefs that are firmly rooted in Scripture have passed the test of time in terms of their orthodoxy and provide critical guardrails for its existence and practice. The Nicene Creed is a primary example of theological consensus, and its exposition by Coleman Ford and Shawn Wilhite serves Jesus's disciples very well. This clearly written, well-structured, nicely illustrated, and thoroughly researched book covers the essential biblical, theological, historical, and practical elements of this venerable creed."
--Gregg R. Allison, professor of Christian theology, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

"Nicaea for Today offers a compelling vision for the Nicene Creed's enduring relevance. As the authors convey with clarity and warmth the beauty of this ancient confession, they invite evangelicals into a more rooted theological, spiritual, and missional life. For those seeking to deepen their understanding of trinitarian theology and its transformative vibrance today, or for those asking how to convey this to others, this book is a perfect choice."
--Megan DeVore, professor of church history and early Christian studies, Colorado Christian University

"I heartily applaud the efforts of Coleman Ford and Shawn Wilhite to provide readers with this outstanding exploration of the historical context, key participants, theological commitments, and biblical considerations related to the Nicene Creed. In helping readers 'think Nicenely, ' our authors, on the occasion of the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, have given us a thoughtful and pro-Nicene exposition of the creed, advocating for its adoption in private and public use. Ford and Wilhite offer insightful and pastoral guidance regarding the role of the creed at times of baptism and the Lord's Supper, in catechetical instruction, and in public worship, doing so with particular sensitivity to those in the freechurch tradition. Pastors, church leaders, and students will benefit greatly from engaging this superb work."
--David S. Dockery, president and distinguished professor of theology, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary

"Ford and Wilhite offer a brief but thorough book. This work is accessible even to theological beginners, but it doesn't shy away from technical terms. The authors help readers grasp the story and essence of the biblical and doctrinal deliberations that produced this critical confessional statement. The Nicene Creed expresses biblical truths that the church must affirm and reaffirm in each new generation, and the authors of Nicaea for Today are certainly adroit guides in affirming these truths for today's church."
--Stefana Dan Laing, associate professor of divinity, Samford University's Beeson Divinity School

"Too often, academic books speak above the heads of laypeople or beneath the discourse of experts. Not so with this one! It represents a perfect blend of scholarly erudition and ecclesial relevance. Ford and Wilhite mine the theological ore of the Nicene Creed, then offer its golden riches--purged of unnecessary rubble--to students, pastors, and thoughtful Christians in terms anyone can understand. The authors reveal that the Nicene Creed isn't some irrelevant parchment from history, but a living document that reverberates with divine energy for the twenty-first century. May we never forget that Nicaea is for today!"
--Bryan M. Litfin, professor of Bible and theology, Rawlings School of Divinity at Liberty University

"The Nicene Creed has been the Christian church's morning theology statement since the fourth century--quietly doing its job--often with little attention paid to it. Now, in this anniversary year, it takes the spotlight, and Nicaea for Today shows not only its historical importance but its ongoing relevance in the life of the church. Ford and Wilhite do an excellent job of telling its story, drawing out the creed's implications in the life of the Christian believer. Theology matters, and this book tells you why."
--Greg Peters, professor of medieval and spiritual theology, Biola University

"Ford and Wilhite offer a clear and helpful exposition of Nicene theology, but they also go further, showing how one might think in Nicene categories today. They write with pastoral warmth and eyes fixed firmly on church ministry concerns. This book will benefit academics and practitioners. It will enrich contemporary theological discussions and ministry practice."
--David M. Rathel, assistant professor of Christian theology, Gateway Seminary

"Study of the Nicene Creeds is a welcome trend by which many Christians today have been reinvigorated, and unfortunately, there have been few serious attempts at explaining its importance by those who know the history, theology, and literature well. Thankfully, experts like Ford and Wilhite took up the challenge! Nicaea for Today remarkably holds two things in balance: first, a deep, learned understanding of the Nicene Creed and its context, and second, an accessible demonstration of why it is important for today. The result is a book that is an absolute gift to the church."
--Brandon D. Smith, Chair of the Hobbs School of Theology and Ministry and associate professor of theology and early Christianity, Oklahoma Baptist University

"Seventeen hundred years after 'the Great and Holy Synod' that produced its first iteration, the Nicene Creed remains the touchpoint for any orthodox reading of Holy Scripture and its central message. Coleman Ford and Shawn Wilhite have produced an introduction to the creed's main themes that is both astute and accessible, both erudite and edifying. Their treatment is biblically grounded, historically careful, theologically informed, and practically relevant. This book will help its readers think 'Nicenely' about the glorious triune God and his life-changing gospel."
--R. Lucas Stamps, professor of Christian theology, Anderson University

"Nicaea for Today is that unique book that is not only highly readable and deeply engaging but also incredibly significant. As numerous polls constantly remind us, the greatest crisis that American evangelicals face today concerns the recovery of theological orthodoxy in churches and among Christian institutions. We should be thankful to the one Lord God, who is the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, that he called Shawn Wilhite and Coleman Ford to write this phenomenal text. Please take it, read it, and grow with it!"
--Malcolm B. Yarnell III, research professor of theology, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary

About the Author

Coleman M. Ford (PhD, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) is assistant professor of humanities at Texas Baptist College. He is the co-director of the Center for Ancient Christian Studies and is a fellow of the Center for Pastoral Theologians (St. Basil Fellowship).

Shawn J. Wilhite (PhD, Durham University) is Associate Professor of New Testament at California Baptist University and is co-director of the Center for Ancient Christian Studies.