Glenn Packiam, lead pastor of Rock Harbor Church and author of "What's a Christian Anyway?", delves into the significance of creeds in defining modern Christianity. He argues that the Nicene Creed offers rich insights in today’s political climate, highlighting its historical context and relevance in worship. Packiam shares personal narratives from his spiritual journey, including his transition from Pentecostalism to Anglicanism. The conversation emphasizes the need for a collective faith that navigates skepticism while remaining rooted in community and tradition.
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Conversion Story
Glenn Packiam's parents met at the University of Singapore, where his mother insisted her future husband convert to Christianity.
His father, raised Hindu, converted and embraced the faith, moved by the concept of a God who died for him.
insights INSIGHT
Compelling Love
Christianity's story of God's love is more compelling than other narratives.
This love, demonstrated through Christ's sacrifice, is transformative.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Start with Jesus
Start with Jesus when introducing Christianity, not with a general concept of God.
Focus on Jesus's actions and character to demonstrate God's love.
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In 'Mere Christianity', C.S. Lewis argues for the existence of God and defends Christian theology. The book is divided into four parts: the first argues for the existence of God based on the 'law of human nature'; the second defends Christian theology, including the 'Liar, lunatic, or Lord' trilemma regarding Jesus Christ; the third explores Christian ethics, including the cardinal and theological virtues; and the fourth discusses the Christian conception of God, particularly the Holy Trinity. Lewis also addresses topics such as free will, morality, sexual ethics, and the institution of marriage. The book is known for its clear and logical presentation of Christian apologetics and has been praised for its straightforward and humorous writing style[1][2][4].
What's a Christian Anyway?
Glenn Packiam
The Four Loves
C.S. Lewis
In 'The Four Loves', C.S. Lewis examines the nature of love from a Christian and philosophical perspective. He categorizes love into four types based on ancient Greek words: *storge* (affection), *philia* (friendship), *eros* (romantic love), and *agape* (the love of God). Lewis discusses the characteristics, strengths, and potential pitfalls of each type of love, emphasizing the importance of understanding and balancing these loves to avoid corruption and to draw closer to God. He also explores the distinction between 'need-love' and 'gift-love' and how these concepts relate to human experiences and divine love[1][3][4].
The Screwtape Letters
C.S. Lewis
The Screwtape Letters is a Christian apologetic novel written in a satirical, epistolary style. It consists of 31 letters from Screwtape, a highly placed assistant to 'Our Father Below' (the Devil), to his nephew Wormwood, a novice demon tasked with securing the damnation of an ordinary young man. The letters provide advice on various methods of undermining God's influence and promoting abandonment of God, while offering insights into human nature and the Bible. The book is a profound and striking narrative on spiritual warfare and the power of the devil, highlighting the subtle forms of sin such as vanity, pride, and distraction that can lead humans away from God[1][3][4].
What’s a Christian, anyway?
In our 2025 political environment, terms like evangelical begin to lose the meaning they once held, or they require further refinement and definition. Glenn Packiam’s new bookbrings a fresh perspective to this conversation. It turns out the answer lies in the Nicene Creed.
This year, the Nicene Creed turns 1,700 years old. This ancient work, built from Scripture and the public life of the ancient church, is often considered part of a “dead” spirituality, especially in traditions which put an emphasis on individual experiences with God. However, Russell and Glenn unpack the depth of personal and congregational meaning within the creed and discuss its power to redefine what Christian means in an environment where the term is constantly changing.
Resources mentioned in this episode or recommended by the guest include:
The Russell Moore Show 
