Basic Beliefs Commentary Available

Exploring Community of Christ Basic Beliefs: A Commentary, edited by Anthony J. Chvala-Smith, is now available in e_book (Kindle) format from Herald House and Amazon.

Community of Christ produced a revised statement of beliefs in 2005. This has since been available in pamphlet form and on the church website for use by members and others. The statement consists of an introductory paragraph and an additional eighteen paragraphs, one on each of the following topics: God, Christ, The Holy Spirit, Creation, Humanity, Sin, Salvation, The Church, Revelation, Scripture, Sacraments, Discipleship, Ministry, The Reign of God, Peace, Resurrection and Eternal Life, Judgment, and End Time. 

This new commentary is the result of some years of painstaking effort on the part of multiple authors from several nations to provide elaboration on the Basic Beliefs paragraphs. The authors’ work has been reviewed by editors, brought together in one continuous work, and approved for publication by the First Presidency. An introductory chapter ("What We Believe Is Important") and a chapter on each of the first nine paragraphs have been completed and are now available as a Kindle book.
Each chapter of this exploratory commentary contains:

• "Restatement of the Belief Paragraph"
• "An Introduction to the Topic"
• "Biblical Foundations"
• "Tradition"
• "Application for Discipleship"
• "Conclusion"
• "For Further Reading"
• "A Testimony on the Topic"
• "A Spiritual Practice"
• "Questions for Reflection and Discussion"
  
  

Commentary on the remaining nine chapters are expected toward the end of 2021 or early 2022.

Community of Christ has no formal creed that all members and ordained priesthood must accept, so no statement on beliefs will ever represent every member of the community. However, the writers and editors of this commentary have succeeded in finding the “center-ground” of the beliefs of Community of Christ—a place where each member can connect and express their own theological perspective.

It is hoped that members and inquirers alike will find this volume useful in understanding the church’s basic beliefs as well as exploring their own journey of discipleship.