If you've read ricoblog for more than a few weeks, you know that I have strong interests in the Pastoral Epistles (1 Timothy, 2 Timothy and Titus) and also in the writings of the Apostolic Fathers (those who wrote in the immediate post-apostolic age, from say 80 AD through 200 AD).

The truth is that I have a general interest in church history, and the later Paulines (some would say deutero-Paulines) and the writings of the Apostolic Fathers seem like a good place to focus that interest. Within this general interest of church history, I have a soft spot for creeds, catechisms and confessions.

One Reformation-era catechism that I always find challenging and reassuring is Caspar Olevianus' A Firm Foundation. Olevianus (along with Zacharias Ursinius) is responsible for the Heidelberg Catechism, one of the foundational statements of doctrine for many of the Reformed church denominations in existence today.

While many folks know of the Heidelberg, not too many seem to know of Olevianus' Firm Foundation. And that's a shame because this work of Olevianus' is essentially a commentary on the Apostles Creed (and thus a commentary on the portion of the Heidelberg that deals with the Apostles' Creed).

If you have any interest in creeds or statements of faith, particularly those of a protestant sort, I'd highly recommend Olevianus. I've had this book for years and have found it helpful when dealing with how to put a clear explanation, with Biblical support, on tough-to-explain theological or doctrinal concepts.

I hope (emphasis on "hope") to post a few examples over the next few weeks of the sort of stuff that Olevanius' work includes (hence this introductory informational post). The first post (posted directly after this one) will have to do with the benefit of the ascension of Christ.