Ragamuffin Ramblings

At the request of my eldest brother, this week's Song of the Week comes from the curious and creative mind of Rich Mullins. One of the most influential and thoughtful Christian musicians of our time, Rich Mullins captured true beauty and channeled it through his music. This week's selection shows just that: true beauty in what typically appears mundane.

"Creed" sets the Apostles' Creed to music in a way that only Rich Mullins can. I would go as far to say that if you haven't heard Rich Mullins' "Creed," then you haven't seen Shakespeare the way it was meant to be played. But in all seriousness, this song is remarkable because it brings to life a statement of faith that was penned over a thousand years ago. So often, we mindlessly recite this creed without giving a thought to its history, its meaning, or its power. But Rich Mullins brings it to life with a lively hammered dulcimer and this declaration:

"I believe what I believe is what makes me what I am. I did not make it; no, it is making me. It is the very truth of God and not the invention of any man."

We as Christians must not abandon the beliefs, creeds, and songs of our past! They are foundational to the history of our faith, and they still remain relevant today. They may not be trendy or fashionable, but they are essential components of who we are and what we believe. Let us not fall into the easy trap of self-worship, making ourselves the focal point. Let us not seek sensationalism, but instead let us seek substance. Let us boldly declare what we believe as we follow the command of our Lord and Savior to "go... and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you." (Matthew 28:19,20)

So enjoy this song by Rich Mullins, and always remember the foundations of our faith; for "it is the very truth of God and not the invention of any man."

Creed by Rich Mullins
I believe in God the Father
Almighty Maker of heaven and Maker of earth
And in Jesus Christ
His only begotten son, our Lord

He was conceived by the Holy Spirit
Born of the virgin Mary
Suffered under Pontius Pilate
He was crucified and dead and buried

And I believe what I believe
Is what makes me what I am
I did not make it; no, it is making me
It is the very truth of God and not the invention of any man

I believe that he who suffered
Was crucified, buried, and dead
He descended into hell
And on the third day, he rose again

He ascended into heaven
Where he sits at God's mighty right hand
I believe that he's returning
To judge the quick and the dead and the sons of men

And I believe what I believe
Is what makes me what I am
I did not make it; no, it is making me
It is the very truth of God and not the invention of any man

I believe it

I believe in God the Father
Almighty Maker of heaven and Maker of earth
And in Jesus Christ
His only begotten son, our Lord

I believe in the Holy Spirit
One holy Church
The communion of saints
The forgiveness of sin
I believe in the resurrection
I believe in a life that never ends

And I believe what I believe
Is what makes me what I am
I did not make it; no, it is making me
It is the very truth of God and not the invention of any man

I believe it