This five-volume set seeks to assemble the principal creeds and confessions of the Christian Church, from biblical times to the present and from all over the globe, and place them in their historical and theological context. An introductory volume, "Credo", by church historian Jaroslav Pelikan, surveys the history of these creeds, delves into the meaning and purpose of creeds, and probes the issues and controversies that spawn new creeds, as well as the origins of new religious movements within Christianity. The set includes over 225 texts, with translations from many languages. Pelikan and his co-editor Valerie Hotchkiss provide a brief introduction to each creed and confession, as well as commentary and notes identifying its biblical and other sources. A comparative index serves as a comprehensive guide, doctrine by doctrine, to all the creeds and confessions. The CD-ROM contains all the translated texts in their original languages.