Swimming laps is my time for meditation,

the focus of which in recent months has been

on Christianity’s creeds.

What I believe.

My systematic theology.

I believe in God,

Almighty,

Creator of Heaven and Earth,

Creator of life, humanity, and spirit

In God’s near perfect image.

With God,

All things are possible:

Miracles,

Creation from nothing,

Power that is second to none.

God gives life,

Abiding an eternal spirit deep within

The consciousness and unconsciousness of all beings.

God created humankind

In God’s near perfect image

And called it good.

As we reflect God,

So too, God reflects the beautiful diversity of humanity,

Color, culture, gender, and abilities.

I believe God chose

To be in loving relationship with creation,

Made covenant with humanity to be our God,

To give us free choice,

The consequence of which is to chose not to follow God’s will.

God has consistently demonstrated a desire

To be in a close, ever-present relationship with humanity.

God chose us,

You and me,

Endowed us with an intellect to

Be curious, explore, learn, grow, develop unique gifts and talents.

Evil is the consequence of free choice

The imperfect nature

Of our desire to rebel against God’s will.

A choice to choose God over evil

Is a conviction of faith.

I believe God’s will is shaped by law,

Given by spokespersons

Who encourage faithful compliance

That we may live in peace and harmony

As stewards of God’s creation.

It is God’s will for humanity

To live in loving relationship with family and neighbors.

Law defines behavior consistent

With God’s will.

Law is God’s gift,

Adherence is our faithful response.

It is God’s desire for us to love

Just as God loves us,

To care for what God has created.

Doing so brings glory to God.

I believe in Jesus Christ,

God, fully human, fully divine.

Jesus taught by word and example

How to live in perfect communion with God.

God has adapted to humanity

Over the course of salvation history,

Sometimes in dreams, prayers, and fire,

Sometimes speaking and acting through prophets,

Eventually in and through

Jesus Christ,

Born of Mary,

God’s son,

God’s self,

Crossing the divide between heaven and earth.

I believe Jesus suffered and died to remove our sins,

Individual and collective sins,

Redeeming us from imperfection.

Atonement?

Yes. All in.

Death removes sin,

Invites the redeemed to

Forgive and be forgiven,

To repent,

To repair,

To start again brand new.

Redemption is personal.

Redemption can be communal

For the brave, just, and free.

I believe Jesus was resurrected from the dead,

Granting individual and collective salvation for all who accept,

Welcoming all to God’s eternal, heavenly kingdom.

Eternal life?

Yes. All in.

What will it be like?

I don’t know.

I expect the God who created me and

Has been my steadfast companion, counselor, and strength

Will take care of the details

When mortal life fails.

I believe Jesus ascended into heaven

To judge the living and the eternal

That all be recipients of God’s amazing grace.

Jesus promised his personal return to earth,

So I expect his imminent return.

Up and away Jesus ascended

Witnessed by multitudes who reported his resurrection and ascension.

Judge?

Yes. All in.

Separation of wheat and chaff,

The chaff burned with eternal fire.

People of faith

Living in communion with God

Have no need to fear the judgment of Christ.

Judgment will be joyful,

An affirmation of a life lived well.

The second coming of Jesus?

Yes. All in.

It might happen in my lifetime.

Maybe not.

My generation is no more exceptional than any prior generation.

No need to worry.

No need to guess.

Preparation is everything!

I believe in the Holy Spirit,

God with us,

Personal,

Intimate,

Our guide,

Our guardian,

Our strength.

If I’m not aware of the Spirit

I’m not trying.

If I’m not listening,

I’m not reading and reflecting on scripture,

Meditating, or praying.

The Spirit speaks through others, and,

At times, directly with me.

If I’m weak,

It is because I’m failing to place my whole being into God’s care.

I believe the Holy Spirit

Empowers and guides the Church,

Unified by Christ,

Diverse according to God’s creative diversity.

Sometimes personified as the Body of Christ,

The Church

Is the imperfect institution

Given to humanity

To guide worship,

Invite the world into discipleship,

To reach out with love and compassion

To the last, least, and lost.

Responsibility for the Church

Is entrusted to the ordained,

Individuals called and set apart

For service, ministry, and sacraments.

I believe faith

Leads to behave with

Humility,

Kindness,

Justly,

Compassionately,

Generously.

Silence preserves flaws in the status quo.

Words and actions

Stakes life securely in Jesus Christ.

Words and actions seek to transform the world

Into God’s perfect, eternal kingdom.

This is my worldview.

Others may see differently.

So be it.

This is my experience.

This has forged values and driven behavior

That glorifies God,

Loves God and neighbors,

And has led to a grace filled life.

Todd R. Goddard

November 11, 2026