What Christians Ought to Believe

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What Christians Ought to Believe – Michael F. Bird

1. Full Citation

Bird, M.F. (2016) What Christians Ought to Believe: An Introduction to Christian Doctrine Through the Apostles’ Creed. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Academic.

2. Introduction

Michael F. Bird’s What Christians Ought to Believe presents Christian doctrine through the lens of the Apostles’ Creed. Written for students, pastors, and church members, the book defends classical Christian orthodoxy in a fresh, engaging tone while addressing contemporary scepticism and confusion. By grounding theology in a historic confession, Bird connects the ancient church to the modern believer and unpacks doctrinal essentials with theological depth and cultural awareness. This review assesses the book’s theological clarity, catechetical method, and cultural relevance.

3. Author Background and Credentials

Michael F. Bird is an Australian biblical scholar, Anglican priest, and former military paratrooper. He is Academic Dean and Lecturer in Theology at Ridley College, Melbourne. Bird is known for his work in New Testament studies and early Christology, often writing for both scholarly and popular audiences. His theological orientation is broadly evangelical with historical catholic sensibilities, and his writing reflects an irenic yet convictional style.

4. Summary of Contents

The book is structured around the twelve affirmations of the Apostles’ Creed, making it both doctrinally systematic and catechetically intuitive:

  1. I believe in God the Father Almighty…
    • Addresses theism, fatherhood of God, and creation.
  2. And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord…
    • Explores Christology, incarnation, and messianic identity.
  3. Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit…
    • Discusses the virgin birth and early heresies.
  4. Suffered under Pontius Pilate…
    • Analyses the crucifixion, atonement, and historicity.
  5. He descended to the dead…
    • Offers theological explanation of descent and resurrection.
  6. He ascended into heaven…
    • Considers exaltation, session, and heavenly rule.
  7. I believe in the Holy Spirit…
    • Trinitarian theology and pneumatology.
  8. The holy catholic church…
    • Ecclesiology, unity, and communion of saints.
  9. The forgiveness of sins…
    • Soteriology, justification, and grace.
  10. The resurrection of the body…
  11. And life everlasting. Amen.

Each chapter blends biblical theology, church history, and contemporary application.

5. Critical Evaluation

a. Coherence and Argumentation

Bird’s organisation around the Apostles’ Creed provides a natural, historic, and pedagogical coherence. His arguments are well-grounded in Scripture, patristic theology, and modern evangelical thought.

b. Originality and Intellectual Contribution

While grounded in historic orthodoxy, Bird’s contribution lies in bridging doctrinal tradition and today’s questions, particularly addressing secularism, doubt, and cultural relativism. His tone is conversational, humorous, and pastorally sharp.

c. Evidence, Sources, and Method

Bird draws on biblical exegesis, patristic writings (e.g., Irenaeus, Augustine), creeds, and modern theologians. He combines historical theology and biblical theology effectively, appealing to both church and academy.

d. Style and Accessibility

The writing is approachable, witty, and pedagogical, suited for theological beginners and adult catechism classes. Bird’s humour lightens dense content without trivialising it.

e. Limitations and Critiques

Bird’s Anglican-evangelical synthesis may not satisfy strict confessional readers (e.g., Reformed or Roman Catholic), and his tone, while engaging, may seem too casual for academic audiences.

6. Comparative Context

This book stands between:

  • Alister McGrath’s Christian Belief – more academic in tone
  • J.I. Packer’s Concise Theology – more confessional and condensed
  • Kevin Vanhoozer’s The Drama of Doctrine – more philosophical and cultural-theoretical

Bird’s format follows a catechetical and liturgical logic, useful for discipleship and new believer formation.

7. Thematic or Disciplinary Relevance

The book is highly relevant to catechesis, systematic theology, historical theology, and apologetics, particularly as it relates to anchoring Christian belief in creedal history and contemporary relevance.

8. Reflection or Practical Application

Readers are encouraged to reclaim confessional identity, deepen theological literacy, and integrate doctrine into worship and discipleship. Many report this book helping them “own” their faith in both heart and mind.

9. Conclusion

What Christians Ought to Believe is a robust yet readable theological introduction, grounding faith in the ancient church’s confessions while addressing modern misunderstandings. Bird succeeds in making classical theology lively, relevant, and formative.

Recommended for: Catechism groups, theological students, new believers, and church leaders wanting to teach doctrine with clarity and joy.

10. Other Works by the Same Author

  • Evangelical Theology – A fuller systematic theology.
  • The Gospel of the Lord – Essays in New Testament and Christology.
  • Jesus Is the Christ – Early Christological development.
  • Seven Things I Wish Christians Knew about the Bible – Apologetics and biblical literacy.

11. Similar Books by Other Authors

  • Alister McGrath – Christian Belief
  • N.T. Wright – Simply Christian
  • J.I. Packer – Concise Theology
  • Kevin DeYoung – The Good News We Almost Forgot

12. References (only if external works are cited)

  • Irenaeus – Against Heresies
  • Augustine – Confessions
  • Wright, N.T. (2006) Simply Christian
  • McGrath, A. (2001) Christian Belief
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