Watch What Christians Ought to Believe Video Lectures

What Christians Ought to Believe is a video lecture series produced by the Christian publishing company Zondervan. Designed as a course for Christians who want to deepen their faith and knowledge of the Bible, the series consists of 12 30-minute lectures delivered by Professor Michael F. Bird.

Bird is a New Testament scholar and Christian theologian who teaches at Ridley College in Melbourne, Australia. In the videos, he presents a concise and accessible overview of Christian doctrine, covering topics such as the nature of God, the Trinity, salvation, the church, and the end times.

The series is grounded in the belief that Christians should be able to articulate what they believe and why they believe it. Bird emphasizes that Christian beliefs are not simply a matter of personal opinion, but are rooted in the teachings of the Bible and the Christian tradition. He draws on a wide range of theological sources, including the Nicene Creed, the writings of Augustine and Calvin, and contemporary theologians like N.T. Wright.

Each lecture is structured around a central theme, such as "What Is God Like?" or "What Is Sin?" Bird begins by presenting different views on the topic in question, drawing on both biblical passages and the writings of theologians. He then presents his own interpretation, explaining why he believes it is the most faithful to the Bible and the Christian tradition.

One of the strengths of the series is Bird's ability to explain complex theological concepts in simple terms. He uses analogies, anecdotes, and humor to make the material engaging and understandable. For example, in the lecture on the Trinity, he compares the three persons of the Trinity to a jazz trio, with each member playing a distinct role but working together to create something beautiful.

Although the lectures are designed for a broad audience, they will be especially helpful for Christians who are new to theology or who want to deepen their understanding of Christian doctrine. Bird assumes no prior knowledge of theology and explains key terms and concepts as he goes along. He also provides suggestions for further reading and study, making the lectures a useful resource for those who want to delve deeper.

One potential weakness of the series is that it focuses almost entirely on Christian beliefs, with little discussion of how those beliefs should be lived out in practice. While Bird touches on ethical issues such as sin and justice, he does not explore how Christians should relate to culture, politics, or other religions. This is not necessarily a criticism of the series, but it is something to keep in mind when considering whether it will meet your needs as a viewer.

Overall, What Christians Ought to Believe is an excellent introduction to Christian doctrine from a reputable publisher. It is well-organized, engaging, and informative, and will be useful for both individuals and small groups. Whether you are a new Christian or a seasoned believer, this series will challenge you to think more deeply about what you believe and why you believe it.

What Christians Ought to Believe Video Lectures is a series that ran for 1 seasons (12 episodes) between November 13, 2018 and on Zondervan