Crisis of Confidence: Reclaiming the Historic Faith in a Culture Consumed with Individualism and Identity

Carl Trueman is a distinguished theologian and church historian, currently serving as a professor of Biblical and Religious Studies at Grove City College in Pennsylvania. He is also an ordained minister in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church and has authored numerous influential books, including The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self and Strange New World.

In Crisis of Confidence: Reclaiming the Historic Faith in a Culture Consumed with Individualism and Identity, Carl Trueman addresses the contemporary challenges faced by the Christian church, particularly the pervasive influence of expressive individualism. This book is a revised edition of his earlier work, The Creedal Imperative, and it delves into the importance of historic creeds and confessions in maintaining doctrinal integrity and providing a robust framework for faith in an age marked by cultural and ideological shifts. Trueman begins by examining the cultural case against creeds and confessions, highlighting how modern values of individualism and subjective truth have led many to reject these historic documents. He then explores the foundations of creedalism, tracing the development of early church creeds such as the Apostles’ Creed, the Nicene Creed, and the Athanasian Creed, as well as classical Reformed confessions like the Heidelberg Catechism, the Belgic Confession, and the Westminster Confession. The book concludes with a discussion on the practical benefits of creeds and confessions, emphasizing their role in shaping worship and providing a stable foundation for Christian belief and practice.

There are several compelling reasons to buy this book. Firstly, Trueman’s analysis of modern cultural trends, particularly expressive individualism, is profound and timely. He provides a compelling argument for why returning to historic creeds and confessions is essential in countering these trends and maintaining a biblical worldview. Secondly, the book offers a thorough historical overview of the development of creeds and confessions, making it an invaluable resource for understanding the historical context and theological significance of these documents. Thirdly, Trueman not only presents a theoretical case for creeds and confessions but also offers practical insights into how they can be used to strengthen faith, guide worship, and promote doctrinal unity within the church. Fourthly, despite the historical significance and theological depth of these confessions, many modern evangelicals tend to overlook these documents and the practice of catechesis. This neglect can lead to a lack of doctrinal depth and a weakened understanding of the faith. Re-engaging with these historic confessions can provide a richer, more robust theological foundation and help believers articulate their faith more clearly and confidently. Lastly, despite its academic rigor, Crisis of Confidence is written in an engaging and accessible style, making it suitable for a wide audience, including pastors, theologians, and laypeople interested in deepening their understanding of Christian doctrine.

Crisis of Confidence is particularly beneficial for pastors and church leaders, who will find Trueman’s insights invaluable for reinforcing the importance of doctrinal fidelity and historical continuity in their ministries. Theological students and academics will appreciate the book’s thorough examination of the development and significance of creeds and confessions. Lay Christians seeking to understand the historical foundations of their faith and how to navigate contemporary cultural challenges will find this book enlightening and encouraging. Additionally, those within Reformed and confessional traditions like myself will find Trueman’s arguments particularly resonant, as he advocates for a return to the rich heritage of historic creeds and confessions.

In conclusion, Carl Trueman’s Crisis of Confidence is a timely and essential read for anyone concerned with the health and future of the Christian church in a rapidly changing cultural landscape. By reclaiming the historic faith through creeds and confessions, Trueman provides a roadmap for maintaining doctrinal integrity and fostering a robust, biblically grounded community of believers.